Our Core Values

Adults

The YMCA is not just for kids!

Participation in YMCA programs offers all adults opportunities for building positive health habits, friendship and community, a sense of well-being, increased self-confidence and improved mental abilities.

YMCA programs and services cut across diverse populations with diverse needs and consider the total health of each person. The YMCA provides a variety of health and wellness programs including land and water fitness classes for individuals and families of all ages, health and wellness seminars, educational classes, personalized training programs, non-competitive youth and adult sports leagues and social opportunities for seniors and families.

 

Aquatics

Did you know that modern swim instruction was invented at the YMCA? Maybe that's why so many people have learned to swim at the Y, and continue to come back to enjoy our outstanding facilities.

Did you also know that modern swim safety programs were invented at the YMCA? That must be why so many people rely on the YMCA to keep their families safe.

At the YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity, Aquatics Programs are about swim instruction, water safety and fun for everyone. Our Aquatics Programs include:

  • swim lessons for all ages and levels of skill and interest
  • water exercise
  • lifeguard certification
  • water fitness
  • water safety
  • Masters Swim program

The aquatics programs of the YMCA are about more than just the techniques and skills; they are about building friendships, developing self-esteem and creating positive experiences that will last a lifetime.

 

 

Child Care

The YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity believes that a quality child care program should provide enriching experiences which facilitate a child's cognitive, social, physical and emotional growth. We strive to meet the developmental needs and temperament of each individual child by working in partnership with families. YMCA Child Care programs, provide a curriculum focused on education, leadership and character development. These programs help children grow physically, mentally and spiritually while emphasizing and modeling character development values such as caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith.

 

Community Programs at the Y

The YMCA offers several programs for the community.  Check out our Adult Education and Technology Center, our Family Child Care Network or the Y Acheivers program! 

Day Camp

YMCA Day Camp provides youth with supervised activities that teach core values, conflict resolution and leadership skills. Kids have fun while making new friends, developing new skills, learning core values, building self-confidence, appreciating teamwork and growing in self-reliance. For kids, Y camp is a fun and happy place to enjoy the summer. Y Day Camp gives children the opportunity to play games, create arts and crafts, explore science and technology, swim, participate in field trips, appreciate nature and discover and value our many cultures.

Our staff members are trained and caring professionals. All YMCA Day Camp programs are well supervised and maintain the highest standards of safety and program quality.

Facilities, programs and amenities that our YMCA’s offer vary by branch to meet the needs of the communities we serve.  

International Programs

The YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity’s International Program is engaged in ongoing activities that help to develop a sense of world-mindedness, to promote worldwide understanding of various cultures, and to celebrate cultural diversity. The YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity’s International Program is guided by a volunteer International Committee, whose mission is to promote global appreciation, understanding and celebration of cultural diversity through integration of local and national YMCA programs and initiatives. 

Wellness

The YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity’s Health and Wellness programs are developmentally appropriate and help people at any stage of life build positive health habits. Participation in YMCA programs offers youth and adults opportunities for friendship and community, a sense of well-being, increased self-confidence and improved mental abilities.

YMCA programs and services cut across diverse populations with diverse needs and attempt to take into account the total-health of each person. The YMCA provides a variety of health and wellness programs including land and water fitness classes for individuals and families of all ages, health and wellness seminars, educational classes, personalized training programs, non-competitive youth and adult sports leagues and social opportunities for seniors and families.

 

Youth

The YMCA of Philadelphia & Vicinity views youth as assets to our community, each with unique strengths, skills and leadership abilities. All young people, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or economic, geographic or religious background face choices that can positively or negatively influence their futures and the futures of our communities.

Through programs that give youth and teens opportunities to gain leadership skills, core values and an ethic of service, the YMCA empowers young people to make wise and healthy choices. YMCA programs provide youth the building blocks necessary to become productive and caring adults. Under the guidance of caring adults, youth learn fair play and positive communication and develop a spirit of cooperation - all skills that are needed to succeed.

 

 

Camp Ockanickon


Camp Ockanickon Website

Camp Ockanickon has been building character, friendships, and life-long memories for over 100 years!

Located in Medford, NJ, YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. has been serving children, families, and communities since 1906. Our core programs include Summer Camp, Group Services, and School Age Child Care.  Our dedicated staff and volunteers and our 565-acre Pinelands property are the cornerstones of the many programs that we run which focus on character development and a sense of community in our beautiful outdoor setting.

Mission:  YMCA Camp Ockanickon, Inc. is an inter-faith, charitable association, founded on Christian principles that develop spirit, mind, and body serving a broad and diverse community.