NEWS & UPDATES
the Franklin Y


All that’s happening at the Bernon Y.

Posted on: Tuesday, January 14th, 2025

February Vacation Programs & Care

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In during February Vacation.

WHEN: FEB. 17 – 21, 2025

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through Y programs, children are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, socialization, better health, and achievement.

Our experienced staff takes the right steps to ensure your child’s safety and happiness during an action-packed day!

Vacation Week Details:

  • Program Days: Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21.
  • Full Day programs: 9:00am – 4:00pm each day with options for pre-camp (7am-9am) and post-camp (4pm-6pm) at our 3 main branches.
  • Families can choose which day(s) they wish their child to participate.
  • Full day camps, please pack a full lunch with water bottle and snacks. Some camps will swim so please check the program description for more details on when to pack a bathing suit and towel.
  • Check out our field trip information for our traditional day program at each branch in our registration portal today for all the fun we have planned.
  • Program offerings will differ from each branch.

at the Foxboro Y

REGISTER TODAY (FOXBORO Y)

We are also offering our SPLASH PROGRAM during Vacation Week – an initiative that strives to improve water safety skills and gives more kids the opportunity to enjoy a lifetime of recreational swimming. This is a free program for students age 5-12 in the Foxborough Public Schools. It will run Monday, February 17 through Friday, February 21 at the Foxboro Y. Times will be 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, 4:30pm and 5:00pm. Limited spots. To enroll call 508-543-2523. Y members and non-members are welcome to participate.

Additionally, we are offering a YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course during Vacation Week. Join us for this three day course – happening Friday, February 21 (4:30pm-10:00pm) and Saturday, February 22 and Sunday, February 23 (9am-5pm). The course includes CPR-Pro/AED, Oxygen Admin and First Aid certifications. Learn more and Register

at the Franklin Y

REGISTER TODAY (FRANKLIN Y)

at the Mansfield Arts & Education Center

REGISTER TODAY (MANSFIELD Y ARTS CENTER)

at the North Attleboro Y

REGISTER TODAY (NORTH ATTLEBORO Y)

Additionally, we are offering a YMCA Babysitting Course during Vacation Week on Thursday, February 20 (9:00am-12:00pm) for ages 11-16 at our Teen Center, The Zone located at 485 East Washington Street in North Attleboro. Become a certified babysitter when you take the American Health & Safety course. Topics include basic child care and leadership skills, first aid, diapering, feeding and employment skills. Learn more and Register

See you at the Y for fun this February school vacation!

Posted on: Friday, January 10th, 2025

Join our 100-Mile Challenge

The Challenge will run from January 15 through February 28, 2025 at our Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro branches.

We hope this free fitness challenge will help keep you motivated through the winter months to stay on track to meet your health & wellness goals.

Workout miles can be accrued by any combination of the following types of exercise: swim, walk, run, bike, row, group exercise/water fitness classes, elliptical, arc trainer, lateral X, etc.

  • For the pool, 1/4 mile = 9 laps
  • 1 lap = 2 lengths of the pool
  • A 45-minute water fitness or group exercise class = 3/4 mile

To participate and register, simply fill out the 100-Mile Challenge Chart hanging in your branch after your workout at our Y or after your workout completed elsewhere as soon as you can. Write your name with the dry erase marker provided in the larger block, and fill in the smaller box(es) in your name’s row for every 1/4 mile you complete. If you have any questions, please reach out to any health & wellness staff person.

The top 3 winners at each branch will earn bragging rights and will be announced during the week of March 1st.

Good Luck!

Posted on: Thursday, December 12th, 2024

New Equipment at the Franklin Branch

We’re excited to announce a huge re-investment in our cardio and strength training equipment! Our first equipment delivery is being made at our Franklin Y and arrived November 27th!

We look forward to seeing you enjoy our new equipment soon!

New Equipment at our Franklin Y:

  • New treadmills including performance plus treadmills and new ellipticals
  • 2 Step Mills
  • 1 Recumbent Bike
  • A Multi-functional piece for total body workouts

Posted on: Sunday, December 1st, 2024

School Year Programs

Registration is Open

The Y is committed to helping kids learn, grow and thrive. From theatre to gymnastics to sports, swim lessons and more, we offer youth programming that nurtures the unique development journey of every child and teen.

Give your kids the opportunity to thrive this school year. Join us for youth programs at the Y.

VIEW CLASSES & REGISTER

Start the Year Right (Click below to choose your branch/age range/day of the week) Registration Link
Arts & Enrichment register
Art (ages 3-10) & Explorers Classes for Preschoolers register
Cooking register
Dance register
Fitness register
Gymnastics (parent/child) register
Gymnastics (preschool) register
Gymnastics: Princess/Superheroes/Ninja (preschool) register
Gymnastics (ages 6-14) register
Integration Department Programs welcoming individuals with special needs register
Intramural Swim Team register
Sports register
Sports Leagues 🏈⚽️⚾️ register
STEM (science technology engineering math) ages 3-12 register
Swim Starters: ages 6 months – 4 years register
Swim Basics: ages 3-5 register
Swim Basics: ages 5-12 register
Swim Basics: ages 12+ register
Swim Strokes: ages 5-12 register
Stroke & Endurance: ages 5-12 register
Theatre Classes register
Theatre register

Our open enrollment for the school year makes it easier for you to choose the schedule that works, knowing the class spot will be yours for the school year. Sign up once and focus on the fun (not the paperwork). Classes are offered and charged on a monthly basis. You can enroll or transfer in/out of classes as needed. For details on our program enrollment policy, visit our webpage today.

Swim lessons are part of our mission to keep families safe and we work toward the healthy development of all youth. Unsure which class to choose? Visit hockymca.org/swim-lessons or give us a call.

See you at the Y!

Posted on: Saturday, November 30th, 2024

Inclement Weather Policy

The safety of our members and staff is a priority for our YMCA. During extreme weather conditions we employ an inclement weather policy, using our website home page and branch home pages to alert members of any facility closings or delays and class cancellations.

FACILITY CLOSINGS AND DELAYED OPENINGS

The Hockomock Area YMCA will monitor the weather during the winter months and will be mindful of the safety of our members and staff when deciding to continue a consistent class schedule or to modify the schedule based on the weather conditions.

For all group exercise classes, youth programming and adult programming, the Hockomock Area YMCA will make a decision two hours prior to the start of class and will notify all participants via our website and our social media pages.

In the case that the YMCA must close, this communication will be done through our website, member email blast, social media pages and on our phone messages.

CHILD CARE CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYS

It is our intention to operate Child Care and our school-age School’s Out program during regularly scheduled hours. Please be sure to provide your contact information and cell phone number to the facilitator of your child’s program who will alert you in case of any delay or cancellation.

Posted on: Saturday, November 30th, 2024

December Break Programs

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In!

When school is not in session due to the December break, kids and teens are invited to join us at the Y for fun, educational, day programs.

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve! That’s why, through Y day camps, children are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement.

Our experienced staff takes the right steps to ensure your camper’s safety and happiness during an action-packed day!

School Break Camps: Dec 23 – Dec 31.

  • Before Care 7:00 am—9:00 am available
  • A variety of fun activities available for ages 3 through 14
  • Break Programs 9:00 am—4:00 pm (and some half day programs as well)
  • After Care 4:00 pm—6:00 pm available
  • Note: If participating in a full day program, please bring a lunch, drink, snacks and water bottle. Half day programs, please bring lunch and water bottle.

in North Attleboro

We are pleased to offer a variety and specialized day camp options out of the North Attleboro Y. Choose from Camp Elmwood our traditional summer camp program to specialties like Gymnastics, Sports, Swim & Cooking. We are also offering a Teen Voyagers program which includes field trips and outdoor exploration & adventure!

REGISTER TODAY (NORTH ATTLEBORO)

REGISTER TODAY FOR TEEN & TWEEN PROGRAMS

in Foxboro:

We are pleased to offer a variety and specialized day camp options out of the Foxboro Y. Choose from Camp Wapawca our traditional summer camp program (which includes field trips!) to specialties like Sports, Gymnastics Dance, and Swim.

REGISTER TODAY (FOXBORO)

in Franklin

We are pleased to offer a variety and specialized day camp options out of the Franklin Y. Choose from Camp Wiggi our traditional summer camp program (which includes field trips!) or our Swim specialty program.

REGISTER TODAY (FRANKLIN)

in Mansfield

We are pleased to offer an Intro to Showcase 2025 through our Theatre Program. High Schoolers (and 8th graders, too!) will learn new theatre skills through Script Analysis, reading scripts, and learning their types of characters. We will also work on new audition techniques and how to be a good ensemble.

REGISTER TODAY (MANSFIELD)

Posted on: Saturday, November 23rd, 2024

Holiday Happenings This Season

“THE FINAL COUNTDOWN” HOLIDAY INCENTIVE:

  • Pick up a punch card at one of our Member Service Desks to take part in our “Final Countdown” program.
  • This incentive program is offered to help you stay on track with your fitness over the holiday, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
  • Members who receive 15 hole punches during the 11/28-12/31 time period can place their card into the raffle basket at Member Services for cool prizes.
  • Prizes include Y sweatshirts, tote cooler, water bottles, gift cards and more! See you at the Y!

A HOLIDAY TRADITION – FUN WITH SANTA EVENT:

  • Friday, December 13th 6:30pm – 8:30pm at our branches in Foxboro, Franklin and North Attleboro.
  • Free event for family-type YMCA members, but registration is required by calling the Branch for promo code. Cost for non-family type members is $6 and non-members is $12 and can be purchased in-branch or online.Register today!
  • Festivities include a meet & greet with Santa and photo opportunity, holiday games & crafts (representing a variety of holidays) and a take home goodie bag.
  • The event will have a 6pm soft opening for those who need a quieter sensory experience.

HOLIDAY THEME WEEKS:

  • Have fun with us during the holidays! Dress up for your youth program, group exercise class, or just to exercise!
  • Week of Nov. 25: ALUMNI WEEK – dress & support your favorite high school and college teams.
  • Week of Dec. 2: TROPICAL WEEK – It may be cold but things are heating up at the Y. Wear your favorite tropical attire.
  • Week of Dec. 9: WACKY WEEK
  • Mon. 12/9: Wacky Sock Day
  • Tues. 12/10: Crazy Hair/Hat Day
  • Wed. 12/11: Backwards/Inside Out Clothes Day
  • Thurs. 12/12: Neon Day – wear your favorite fluorescent colors
  • Fri. 12/13: Mismatch Day – wear clash patterns, mismatched colors, different socks, etc.
  • Week of Dec. 16: Ugly Sweater Week – holiday themed or not, wear it to the Y.
  • Week of Dec. 23: Pajama Week

HOLIDAY CHARACTER LUNCHES & PARENTS NIGHT OUT EVENTS:

  • At the Y, we strive to create a supportive, caring community where family joy & memories are made. We offer a variety of character luncheons throughout the year. In December, the Grinch will be joining us!
  • We also want to help parents & caregivers by creating opportunities for children to enjoy a night at the Y while parents & caregivers can enjoy time together, especially during the holiday season. Our theme this December is The Polar Express!
  • View all of our offerings, by branch and register today!

GIVING TREE PROGRAM:

  • Help local families in need this holiday season through our 19th annual Giving Tree Program
    How it works:
  • Pick a tag from our Giving Tree.
  • Purchase the gift listed on the tag.
  • Return unwrapped gift with original tag by Dec. 8 to the Member Service Desk.
  • Thank you for your support! Giving Trees in our branch lobbies are a powerful example of the generosity and spirit of social responsibility exhibited by our members and staff. Thank you for joining with us to create meaningful moments for YMCA families in need.


From all of us at the YMCA, thank you for being part of our Y family and happy holidays.

Posted on: Thursday, October 17th, 2024

Legends Ball

OUR 19TH ANNUAL LEGENDS BALL: OCTOBER 15, 2024

We were proud to honor New England Patriots special teams standout Brenden Schooler with our 2024 Legends Award for his accomplishments on the field coupled with his commitment to giving back off the field. Brenden believes in our cause and our collective commitment to inclusion and community. We are proud to have Brenden as part of our YMCA family. He is a true champion for our Integration Initiative.

We celebrated the children, adults and families in our Integration Initiative and heard from Integration Initiative participant Niall Pike on the program’s impact on his life.

Emily Joyce received the 2024 Brock Award, presented annually to an Integration Initiative participant whose growth, confidence, poise and accomplishments exemplify why inclusion isn’t just important, it’s the greatest gift anyone can give another person.

All proceeds from the Legends Ball benefit the Hockomock Area YMCA’s Integration Initiative, a program providing children, teens and adults with special needs and their families an opportunity to be included in all aspects of our YMCA community.

An Amazing Night!

Posted on: Wednesday, October 16th, 2024

Experience the Thrill: Join Our Ski Club

Get ready for an exciting winter with the YMCA Ski Club! This year, youth ages 11-17 can hit the slopes at Wachusett Mountain on Fridays or Sundays. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, everyone is welcome!

What to Expect:

  • Dates: Fridays from January 3 to February 7 and Sundays from January 5 to February 9.
  • Transportation: We’ll take a bus from the YMCA to Wachusett Mountain, leaving at 2:30 PM and returning by 10:00 PM.
  • Skills for Everyone ages 11-17: Enjoy group lessons and rentals available at the mountain.

Important Dates:

  • October 2: Passes go on sale
  • December 2: Pass prices increase
  • December 13: Last day to order passes

Make sure to mark your calendars so you don’t miss out!

PURCHASE PASSES NOW!

The Ski Club makes for a fantastic gift for teens/tweens eager to enjoy the outdoors this winter, regardless of their skill level! Please note that space is limited. For more details, feel free to reach out to Ken at Kenf@hockymca.org or call 508-643-5290.

Posted on: Monday, September 23rd, 2024

Join us for Vacation Days packed with action

When School Is Out, the Fun Is In.

Kids ages 5-17 are invited to join us during Columbus Day and Veterans Day school breaks for fun, social, and educational activities.

We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve! That’s why, at the Y we offer flexible schedules and the opportunity for kids to learn skills and build relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement, all while having a lot of fun.

Our experienced staff takes the right steps to ensure your child’s safety and happiness during an action-packed day!

For our outdoor enthusiast pre-teens and teens, join us on a summit hike, with transportation to and from the North Attleboro Branch. Everyone else, get off that couch and onto the court! Join our sports team for mini sports camps running in Foxboro and North Attleboro all day and half day options available.

REGISTER TODAY!