HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Friday, May 9th, 2025

Time for the Best Summer Ever

Our summer camps will start up in just a few short weeks and we’re so excited to give your child their Best Summer Ever here at our Y!

Y summer camps provide a safe place for kids to get away from technology and the stresses of the outside world, allowing them to simply just be kids. We are proud and respectful of the trust parents place in our YMCA. A safe environment for children combined with quality programming is vital in our focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

All camp counselors are trained in first aid, CPR, and child abuse prevention. All staff must sign and comply with our Y’s Code of Conduct and Abuse Prevention Policies. Our Y’s founding core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are part of everything we do. Our camps give parents peace of mind knowing that their children are participating in safe, technology-free, fun and interactive activities with their peers, face to face, and having the time of their life.

At our camps, kids have the chance to try new things, to develop confidence, and learn new skills. They’ll spend time in the beautiful outdoors while trying archery, rope climbing, planting in the garden, and so much more. They’ll play game favorites like Gaga, Capture the Flag, and Sticks & Arrows and swim daily in our pools. Our campers will receive a swim lesson in the morning, and in the afternoon, they will get to hang out in the pool. Campers in Grades 2-6 will go on local field trips and special guests will visit our younger campers to round out the summer experience. And throughout all of these activities, our campers are creating amazing friendships and memories of the #BestSummerEver.

Our camp offerings range from traditional camps to sports camps, to enrichment camps, teen travel camps and more, for ages 3 through the teen years.

To see what field trips and special guests are planned for our campers, please see below!

We look forward to meeting you and providing your kids with an amazing summer.

CAMP OFFERINGS

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Posted on: Tuesday, April 29th, 2025

Tips to Keep in Mind for National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month

When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a delightful activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The Hockomock Area YMCA is sharing tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.

Tip # 1: Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.

Tip # 2: Never swim alone without a water watcher.

When children swim, ensure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

Tip # 3: Supervise your children whenever they’re in or near water.

Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.

Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath-holding activities.

Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.

Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.

Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.

Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.

If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them, and pull them to safety. By using this technique, children can help their friend without compromising their own safety.

Tip # 7: Use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool covers, and alarm systems to help prevent children from accessing water unsupervised.

Water safety isn’t just during swim time. Know the five layers of protection which include: barriers & alarms, supervision, water competency, life jackets and emergency preparation. You never know which layer will save a life.

Tip # 8: Prepare for emergencies by making sure everyone in your home takes water safety, first aid and CPR Courses.

Training in lifesaving skills such as lifeguarding and CPR presents opportunities for us all to take greater responsibility for ourselves and others. The Hockomock Area YMCA offers lifeguard, CPR and First Aid training programs with full certification. Reach out to us with any questions.

Listen to our water safety audio series:

Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4.

Tips on Water Safety in Different Bodies of Water

Water safety is important to every person. Be prepared and knowledgeable about being safe in and around water. We’re here to help.

Exciting Announcement! As part of National Water Safety Month, we have been given a special opportunity to provide even more kids and adults to learn to swim.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for young children, and 40 million adults in the U.S. don’t know how to swim. Every gift of $40 or more – made May 12 through 18 – will be matched by the Moore Family, up to $10,000.

PLEASE GIVE NOW AND DOUBLE YOUR GIFT

Posted on: Monday, April 28th, 2025

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA event

Our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA Celebration event will take place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Please join us to celebrate impact and raise funding for our YMCA’s cancer survivorship program.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA empowers adult cancer survivors throughout our community to improve functional capacity and to enhance their quality of life through an innovative, research-based program of fitness, strength and support, provided by trained staff.

TUESDAY, JUNE 10th EVENT DETAILS

Lake Pearl

299 Creek Street in Wrentham, MA

5:30pm Cocktail Reception

6:30pm Program

Reception with hors d’oeuvres immediately following

RSVP for this event, email realimpact@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5220.

TO MAKE A GIFT

Our YMCA is creating communities among cancer survivors by guiding participants through safe physical activity, helping build supportive relationships and stress reduction. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants and their families a supportive environment and a feeling of community with other survivors, YMCA staff and members. Additionally, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is assisting participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Posted on: Sunday, April 27th, 2025

Before & After School Care Programs

LEARN AND THRIVE WITH US IN OUR BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMS

Our YMCA partners with local school districts to provide affordable before and after school programs for families in our communities.

Our Y provides quality before & after school programs through our School’s Out Program for children starting in kindergarten. We are an EEC licensed program. We offer 2, 3, 4 & 5 day options. Our before school program begins at 7:00am and our after school program ends at 6:00pm each week day.

Registration for the 2025/2026 school year is open!

REGISTER WITH US

Our On-Site School Programs include:

Bellingham: Bellingham Middle School; Stall Brook and DiPietro Elementary Schools
Foxborough: Foxborough Regional Charter School– after school care only
North Attleborough: Amvet, Falls, Martin, Community and Roosevelt Elementary Schools
Wrentham: Delaney Elementary School. Children at Roderick Elementary School can attend our program at Delaney Elementary School.

Our On-Site Hockomock Area Branch Programs include:

Franklin Y: for Franklin Public Schools
Foxboro Y: for Foxborough Public Schools
Mansfield Y: for Jordan/Jackson and Robinson Elementary Schools

If you are enrolled in our School’s Out program, we offer care on school vacation days, professional development days, half days and snow days. We close for major holidays including Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Columbus Day. We provide full day programming with fun field trips and activities.

We provide intensive screening and training of caring, licensed staff. Our curriculum combines learning through play in an engaging, fun environment before and after school. Healthy are provided in our after school program.

To learn more about the program or if you have questions, please contact: Erin Brennock at erinb@hockymca.org.

For questions regarding registration or billing, please contact: Monica Schmidt at monicas@hockymca.org or 508-643-5255.

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of our members and our community, offering programs and services to all regardless of ability to pay. A financial assistance program is available for those that qualify. Please visit our website for more information. State vouchers are accepted.

Posted on: Saturday, April 26th, 2025

Food Access – Feeding & Caring For All

Our YMCA is a local non-profit organization committed to addressing public health challenges, such as food insecurity, in our communities. The Food Access Program partners with food pantries, schools, regional public health hubs, and community organizations to increase equitable access to nutrition. This collaborative effort—largely born from the depths of the pandemic—continue to help our neighbors of all ages and demographics to ensure access.

We have distributed more than 102,000 bags of food and served over 550,000 meals to those in need in our communities.

We are a proud partner of the Greater Boston Food Bank, dedicated to ensuring that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. To learn more or if you are in need of support, please contact foodaccess@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5277.

IF YOU ARE FACING FOOD INSECURITY, THE Y IS HERE TO HELP

Below is information on how the YMCA acts as an extension of the food pantry. Further down the page, you will also find details on how to volunteer and what pressing items we’re in need of from anyone who can donate. Food distribution is provided to all with no financial statements required.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION LOCATIONS

Food insecurity has grown in our communities and to address that, the Y is distributing food to people in need.

We are providing a grocery bag pick up at our Foxboro and Franklin locations from 12:30pm-1:30pm on Wednesdays.

We have a walk in pantry at our North Attleboro Branch in our child care parking lot that is available to anyone regardless of your town that you live in on Wednesdays 12:30pm-2:00pm, 5:30pm-6:30pm or Thursdays 7:30am-8:30am.

at the Foxboro Y (67 Mechanic Street)
at the Franklin Y (45 Forge Hill Road)
at the North Attleboro Y (300 Elmwood Street)

FUEL FOR THE WEEKEND PROGRAM

Our North Attleboro Y offers a Fuel for the Weekend program which provides weekend food bags for students (or children ages 3-18) to help fill the gap between school lunches on Fridays and school breakfast on Mondays. For more information, please email fuelfortheweekend@hockymca.org.

DONATE TO HELP US

We welcome donations including the following: oatmeal cups/packets, macaroni & cheese boxes/cups, granola bars (nut free whole grain preferred), applesauce or mandarin orange cups (no added sugar), whole grain crackers, tuna pouches in water (low sodium), Progresso chicken soup (low sodium), rice boxes/cups, Barilla Ready Pasta and pasta boxes.

Needed baby products include: size 4, 5 and 6 diapers, wipes, baby food, formula, and toddler puffs/snacks. All items can be dropped off in bins located inside the YMCA or for large donations please contact us if arranging a pickup is preferred. Click to see our food drive flyer

DONATE NOW

Other ways to help…

Donate the amount needed to fill a family-sized bag of groceries. Each bag given to prevent hunger is valued at $50. Visit hockymca.org/give.
Become a Volunteer – Join our team as a volunteer to help with food distribution, delivery or pantry operations. For more information, please email alysond@hockymca.org.
Run a food drive in your neighborhood. Take on the role of a “neighborhood captain” by adopting a street or neighborhood to mobilize a food collective drive. Select a pickup time a week or so in advance and ask neighbors to leave a bag or two of nonperishable food items outside their home or drop them at your residence — which you can bring to the Y.
Donate by shopping online from our Amazon wish list, click here.
Inquire about sponsorship opportunities by contacting Katie Moore at katiem@hockymca.org.

WE OFFER FREE SUMMER LUNCHES

Along with our many partners in our local communities, we offer free meals to kids ages 18 and under during the summer months at the following locations. This program is designed to help close the hunger gap children face during the summer and also includes activities, arts and crafts and special visitors throughout the summer. There is no sign up or registration required and the program is open to children in any community.

MILFORD’S MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Monday through Friday from 11:00am-12:30pm. (12 Walnut Street in Milford, MA)
THE FOXBORO Y: Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30am-12:30pm. (67 Mechanic Street in Foxboro, MA)
NORTH ATTLEBORO’S TOWN POOL: Wednesday from 5:00pm-6:00pm. (43 S. Washington Street in North Attleboro, MA)

Includes an adult meal per family to enjoy while children enjoy their meals, too.

Posted on: Monday, April 14th, 2025

Swim Lessons at the Y

Have Fun, Be Confident, Stay Safe

Each year, the Y teaches more than a million children how to swim. Y Swim Lessons are available year round and provide resources for all kids. Sign up for swim lessons today! We foster a sense of achievement as swimmers progress between levels in our pools. Through this approach, advanced swimmers flow more easily to higher levels while swimmers who need more instruction can learn at their own pace. This results in more confident swimmers who stick with lessons and develop a love for swimming that can last a lifetime.

There are three categories of Y Swim Lessons:

1) SWIM STARTERS (PARENT OR GUARDIAN WITH CHILD)

Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills. Parents are coached to guide their child toward greater water independence while learning about the importance of supervision. Swim Starters classes are suggested for ages 6 months through 4 years as follows:

Can the student respond to verbal cues and jump on land? Not yet: enroll in Stage A
Is the student comfortable with their nose and mouth submerged assisted? Not yet: enroll in Stage B
Is the student over age 2, past Stage B, but not yet ready to be independent and apart from parent/guardian in the pool? Enroll in Stage C
Click here to see the days and times for the current session of Swim Starters.

2) SWIM BASICS

Students develop basic swimming competency and learn personal water safety. They begin by developing comfort in the water, then work on proper body position and control. While developing fundamental techniques, swimmers increase stamina for longer distance swimming. Students or their parents can sign up for a time slot in which a number of different stages are taught and instructors will look for your child to comfortably and consistently perform each skill in order to progress to the next stage.

Swim Basics classes are available for (ages 3-5), (ages 5-12) and (ages 12+)
Click here to see the days and times for the current session of Swim Basics.

3) SWIM STROKES

Having mastered the fundamentals, swimmers build on stroke technique, including all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues, and swimmers learn about competitive swimming and how to incorporate exercise swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

Swim Strokes classes are available for (ages 5-12) and instructors will look for your child to comfortably and consistently perform each skill in order to progress to the next stage.
Click here to see the days and times for the current session of Swim Strokes.

Each Swim Lessons category has three stages or levels that are designed for swimmers’ age and ability. If you have any question about Swim Lessons, or want some help placing your child in the right class, please reach out to our Aquatics Directors or simply call the front desk. Bernon Y Aquatics (Franklin): Krystina Edens at krystinae@hockymca.org -OR- Foxboro Y Aquatics: Chris Tower at christophert@hockymca.org -OR- North Attleboro Y Aquatics: Ken Follette at kenf@hockymca.org

SWIM STARTERS BABY & TODDLER LESSONS WITH PARENT

Parent/Child
6 Months – 3 Years

Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills. Parents are coached to guide their child toward greater water independence while learning about the importance of supervision.

A / WATER DISCOVERY

Parents accompany children in stage A, which introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water.

B / WATER EXPLORATION

In stage B, parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills.

C / WATER INDEPENDENCE

Parents work with their children to develop comfort in underwater exploration by learning self rescue techniques. This class is geared for children not ready to be independent from parents.

SWIM BASICS FUNDAMENTALS OF SWIMMING

Everyone
Ages 3 and up

Students develop basic swimming competency and learn personal water safety. They begin by developing comfort in the water, then work on proper body position and control. While developing fundamental techniques, swimmers increase stamina for longer distance swimming.

1 / WATER ACCLIMATION

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage lays the foundation for a student’s future progress in swimming.

2 / WATER MOVEMENT

In stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

3 / WATER STAMINA

In stage 3, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.

SWIM STROKES REFINING STROKE TECHNIQUE

Everyone
Ages 5 and up

Having mastered the fundamentals, swimmers build on stroke technique, including all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues, and swimmers learn about competitive swimming and how to incorporate exercise swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

4 / STROKE INTRODUCTION

Students in stage 4 develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke.

5 / STROKE DEVELOPMENT

Students in stage 5 work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.

6 / STROKE MECHANICS

In stage 6, students refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

Posted on: Friday, April 11th, 2025

Learn how to protect children from sexual abuse

Join us for “Five Days of Action” – April 21-25, 2025, a national YMCA campaign designed to raise awareness, inspire and educate adults on how to take action and protect children from sexual abuse.

This week and throughout the year, we encourage all individuals and organizations to play an active role in making our local communities a safer place for children and families. Together we can prevent child sexual abuse by ensuring that adults have the knowledge, skills and resources needed to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

Statistics from Praesidium and the CDC indicate that 1 in 20 boys and 1 in 4 girls in the United States are sexually abused, typically by someone they know and trust. Child sexual abuse is happening regardless of age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic class.

But these are not just numbers. Behind every number is a child, a child who has been robbed of their innocence. A child whose life will forever have been changed by the heinous act of an adult. We owe it to our children, and we owe it to their future, to do better.

While child protection is our Y’s number one priority every day, we will shine a collective spotlight during 5 Days of Action on how everyone can do something to prevent child sexual abuse.

We will feature messaging and resources on Know. See. Respond., an initiative asking all adults to Know more, See better and Respond appropriately to protect kids from sexual abuse.

When adults know how abuse happens, see the warning signs, and respond quickly to prevent abuse, they foster a culture of child abuse prevention. Together we can bring awareness to the issue of child sexual abuse in our communities and have important conversations on how we can all work together to prevent it from happening. Please join our YMCA to spread important awareness and resources with your social networks and family and friends around this devastating epidemic.

We are proud to offer our resources free of charge to any community partners or organizations that would like to take advantage of them. That can be in the form of trainings for staff and individuals, facility audits, and/or policy review. For more information on our comprehensive trainings, please email Patrick Murphy at patrickm@hockymca.org. Thank you for your help in keeping children safe in our community.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?:

Pledge to protect children every day. Come to our Y and pledge to take action to protect kids during 5 Days of Action.

Know the facts. See the warning signs. Respond quickly to prevent child sexual abuse.

FOCUS: Make a commitment this week to follow along with our 5 Days of Action Campaign on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

We will be offering tips, tools, activities, and resources that are relevant to the current environment throughout the next five days and beyond.

Letter from Jim Downs, CEO

Learn the Facts

The MBF 5 Safety Rules

Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: What Parents Need to Know

FOCUS: Keeping Kids Safe Online

We know Cellphones, laptops and other devices have changed the way we communicate. Most kids spend a lot of time online or in front of a screen. Here are some helpful resources to keep all kids safe:

Keeping Your Kids Safe on the Internet Worksheet
English version
Spanish version
Arabic version
Portuguese version
Vietnamese version

Social Media Safety for Teens

Gaming Safely

Sextortion: What Parents Should Know (English)

Sextortion: What Parents Should Know (Spanish)

Think Before You Send

FOCUS: What is your family code of conduct? How do I recognize safe adults?

What do you see that looks different in your organization or community when it comes to protecting kids? It’s important to have open communication about the different stressors, especially with kids. Having honest, on-going conversations is a great protection from child sexual abuse. Check in daily with your kids to see how they are feeling and pay attention to what they say. But remember, silence is okay too. Allow them to have the space they need to open up. Here are some helpful resources:

Who is a Trusted Adult Worksheet

Being a Trusted Adult Worksheet

Here is a fun video for young children to teach them about boundaries for their bodies. The video is called Talk PANTS with Pantosaurus and his PANTS song

Creating a Family Code of Conduct Worksheet
English version

Spanish version

Checklist for Safer Camp Experiences

Checklist for Safer Camp Experiences (Spanish)

FOCUS: Organizational Resources

It’s important to know how to respond if someone needs help or support. Please remember you’re not alone. Below are a list of resources to help answer your questions.

What can you do as an individual or as an organization to help protect children from sexual abuse?

Hockomock Area YMCA Child Protection Trifold

Darkness to Light Organization

How to Respond to a Survivor

Local Resources
English version
Spanish version
Arabic version
Portuguese version
Vietnamese version

FOCUS: Child Protection Trainings

Have your place of business implement child protection trainings and policies.

5% of a community trained in Child Protection to be aware and responsive is the tipping point to make a positive change*. (Statistic from Darkness to Light)

Take the following free virtual training that is scheduled for April 22nd from 3:00-4:15PM: “Protecting Children During a Crisis” Training. You will need to create a login/password first on the Darkness to Light website before accessing the video.

If you are a member of an organization or community group that would like to learn more about our comprehensive trainings on Child Abuse Prevention, please email Patrick Murphy at patrickm@hockymca.org.

Thank you for participating in Five Days of Action to help give children the childhood they deserve.

Posted on: Thursday, April 10th, 2025

Day of Giving – Support our Y and Jersey Mike’s Subs

Join us Tuesday, May 6th for a Day of Giving at Jersey Mike’s Subs at the Franklin & Plainville stores.

Get a free regular sub on May 6th when you donate a minimum of $5. Proceeds will support our YMCA’s Annual Campaign.

Pick up a coupon at any Hockomock Area YMCA Branch Member Services Desk.

Or you can download and present this DIGITAL COUPON when ordering.

Thank you for your support!

BERNON FAMILY BRANCH	45 Forge Hill Road Franklin, MA 02038	508.528.8708
INVENSYS FOXBORO BRANCH	67 Mechanic Street Foxboro, MA 02035	508.543.2523
HURLEY FAMILY BRANCH	300 Elmwood Street North Attleboro, MA 02760	508.695.7001
MANSFIELD ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER	40 Balcom Street Mansfield, MA 02048	508.339.3066

Summer Classes at Your YMCA

June 23 – August 24

Registration is open. Reserve your spot today!

Annual Meeting

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

5:00 p.m.