CREATIVE MINDS MONTHLY - MAY
2026 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
The Annual Campaign, held each year in the first quarter, is the Y’s general appeal to the Community-At-Large. Primarily to support our philanthropic work, your financial support assists the Y in responding to the ongoing requests for help we receive daily. Your Membership Dues and Program Fees go toward covering the Y’s operating expenses, but your donations for the Campaign go toward helping your neighbors stay healthy and well. Connected by a shared vision, Staff at all levels work with one another to engage committed Volunteers, YMCA Members, and Donors to make a lasting impact on the communities served by our Y.
Creativity is alive in the Children’s Programs Department!
By blending creativity and hands-on exploration into every lesson, each Children's Program Class is thoughtfully crafted and created by each instructor. These programs often incorporate interactive activities like storytelling, science experiments, and collaborative art projects that encourage kids to think critically while having fun. Many classes are designed around themes—such as space, nature, or invention—so children can explore subjects in a more immersive way. Movement and play are also key elements, with activities that get kids physically involved while reinforcing concepts. By creating an environment where curiosity is rewarded and imagination is central, these programs help children build confidence, social skills, and a genuine love of learning.
As Session IV culminates, we hope that you continue your learning journey with us and register for Summer Camp - space is limited, but still available! Register Today!
With Gratitude,
Tiffany and the Children's Programs Team
THIS MONTH: SILLY SCIENCE
This month we are giving a shout out to our "Silly Scientists!" We are so proud of these wacky creative smart individuals who push the boundaries each week during their experiments. One of the projects we covered this past month was two versions of a Carbon Dioxide Experiment with Baking Soda and Vinegar where children learned the importance of what happens when you mix certain ingredients together! The expressions on the children's faces were nothing short of priceless for us as the balloon began to expand! Keep thinking "outside the box" Silly Scientist - You're doing great!
THIS MONTH: BABY GYMSTERS
Our Baby Gymsters are building agility and reaching important developmental milestones as they explore balance through a variety of fun, engaging activities. Using soft play equipment such as balance beams, mats, tunnels, stepping stones, and mini obstacle courses, children develop coordination, strength, and body awareness in a safe and supportive environment. Each class is paired with upbeat, age-appropriate music and rhythm-based movement, helping to enhance timing, listening skills, and overall engagement while making every moment playful and exciting.
May 13: Intro to Gardening
May 25: Memorial Day Parade
Camp Registration is Open to the Public! We hope that you join us this summer in our Programs Camps.
Visit www.wyckoffymca.org/camp
As a reminder, our Session III classes begin this month. Please keep in mind the below policies that we have for Pickup and Drop Off here at the Y.
- Children under the age of 13 are required to be brought to the CHECK IN area and dropped off to class by an adult. Children under the age of 13 must be released to a parent or guardian after class.
- All children must be signed out by an authorized pickup person listed in their registration information. The Program’s Staff will request proper identification at pick-up. If someone other than the Authorized Person is picking up your child, the parent/guardian MUST notify us ahead of time.
All Parents/Guardians are now required to show Photo Identification to pick up their child from a program class. All parents should have filled out two Authorized Pick Up names on their Child’s registration. If you need to make any changes to your authorized pick ups, please email AMurphy@WyckoffYMCA.org to do so.
CONNECTION EXCHANGE
We want to hear from you!
This is a NEW! avenue for you to provide feedback, compliments, concerns, thoughts, etc. to the Upper Management Team so we can provide the very best care.
No thought or suggestion is too great or too small! Upper Management will respond to your suggestions and/or comments within 48 hours.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the Wyckoff Family YMCA!
