Image – Page 7 – Hockomock Area YMCA

Posted on: Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Our Gymnastics Curriculum

Interested in gymnastics classes? We are offering an updated curriculum with the most flexible scheduling ever before available at our gyms in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro! Try NEW babies offerings, classes that run now through June—allowing gymnasts to progress between stages while keeping the time slot that works best—and many specialty classes like Superhero, Princess, and Gym & Swim.

Y Gymnastics Classes at a Glance:

PARENT-CHILD GYMNASTICS provides a child’s first introduction to gymnastics—led by a knowledgeable instructor while supported in class by a parent or guardian: a great way to bond with your child and encourage social interactions in a group setting from when your child starts walking through independent participation.

ME & MY 1 YEAR OLD introduce your toddler to a new & exciting environment with singing, stretching, floor stations; ME & MY 2 YEAR OLD bars, beam, floor and vault. Using all elements of gymnastics, you and your child will enjoy time together and witness learning take place alongside lots of fun; and ME & MY 3 YEAR OLD similar to above, with kids showing improved listening skills and progressing to participate independently.

REGISTER FOR PARENT-CHILD GYMNASTICS CLASSES NOW

PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS provides foundational skills for gymnasts age 3-6 through floor work (teaching proper positions such as V-sit, stick and straight jump) and developing skills on bars, beam, floor and vault.

STAGE 1 introductory skills will be practiced and children will advance once they show proficiency (example: swing on rings, sideways walk on beam, build upper body strength climbing over obstacles, vault: run and jump onto board then jump off alone); STAGE 2 using all elements of gymnastics, athletes will advance (example: back hip circle on bars with a light spot, handstand on low beam, round off, 3 step hurdle up to vault); and STAGE 3 extensive experience will be provided to gymnasts and skills will continue to improve (example: chin up and leg lift on high bar, pivot turns on beam, back bend, hand stand forward roll, dive roll on vault).

REGISTER FOR PRESCHOOL GYMNASTICS CLASSES NOW

YOUTH GYMNASTICS provides organized drills and curriculum for ages 6-14, preparing gymnasts for a competitive or recreational track.

BEGINNER bars, beam, floor and vault: introductory skills will be practiced and children will advance once they show proficiency (example: pullover with spot, high beam walk without assistance, handstand, cartwheel off the vault with a spot); INTERMEDIATE using all elements of gymnastics, athletes will advance (example: back hip circle on bars with a light spot, handstand on low beam, round off, 3 step hurdle up to vault); and ADVANCED in which gymnasts really hone their skills and show grace and strength that is on par with competitive gymnastics (example: bars under-swing dismount, beam round off dismount, back handspring on wedge with a light spot, handstand off the vault).

REGISTER FOR YOUTH GYMNASTICS CLASSES NOW

Our intent is to foster a sense of achievement as children progress between levels, improving on listening and social skills on top of the benefits of movement classes toward gross motor skills. Through this approach, gymnasts flow more easily to higher levels while those who need more instruction can learn at their own pace. This results in more confident gymnasts who stick with lessons and develop a love for gymnastics that can lead to team gymnastics and a lifetime of healthy habits.

Our Youth Program Guide (pp 12-16) explains everything and can be downloaded to help when choosing gymnastics classes.

REGISTER FOR GYMNASTICS SPECIALTY CLASSES NOW

REGISTER FOR GYMNASTICS CLASSES THAT ARE COMBINED WITH BAKING OR SWIMMING NOW

Inquire about your gymnast today.

If you have any question about Gymnastics, or want some help placing your child in the right class, please reach out to our Gymnastics Directors below or simply call the front desk.

Bernon Y (Franklin): Lacey Whitaker at laceyw@hockymca.org

Foxboro Y: Alysha Lavatori at alyshal@hockymca.org

North Attleboro Y: Erin Shea at erins@hockymca.org

Posted on: Friday, January 3rd, 2020

Youth Splash and Dash is Cancelled for 2020

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA YOUTH SPLASH & DASH

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020

THIS 2020 EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

AS PART OF OUR SPIER FAMILY TRIATHLON EVENT

Lake Pearl
299 Creek Street, Wrentham, MA

This is a swimming and running aquathlon competition for kids ages 5 to 14. Participants swim in lap lanes in Lake Pearl then transition from the lake to a running trail on Lake Pearl grounds to finish the race on foot.

Fast Facts

Age 5-9 Race Category

Swim is in a calm lake with lap lanes, 25 yards.
Run a quarter mile on Lake Pearl grounds to finish the race on foot.

Age 10-14 Race Category

Swim is in a calm lake with lap lanes, 100 yards.
Run a half mile on Lake Pearl grounds to finish the race on foot.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact Dan Brennock at 508-643-5216 or danb@hockymca.org.

Posted on: Tuesday, December 24th, 2019

Honoring Marge Kraskouskas

It is with a a heavy heart and deep sadness — yet with feelings of great affection and fond memories — that I share with all of you the passing of Marge Kraskouskas on December 23, 2019.

Marge’s impact on her family, her community and our YMCA will be felt long after all of us are gone. Her contributions to the human condition of all the people she loved and cared for is the very definition of the word legacy.

Marge Kraskouskas was part of the fabric of our YMCA for more than 30 years. She was quite literally and figuratively the heart and soul of our Y family. The countless lives she touched and her passion for improving the quality of life of all those who were fortunate enough to benefit from her grace and wisdom was a blessing. The compassion she shared on a daily basis made all of us who knew her better for the experience, and grateful for her friendship.

Since her retirement, our Y has presented the Marge Kraskouskas Legacy of Caring Award each year at our staff recognition event recognizing a staff member for their loyalty, caring and commitment to the mission and vision of our Y. We were thrilled Marge joined us last summer at our annual luncheon.

Please join me in extending our thoughts and prayers to the Kraskouskas family that she loved so deeply. Her devotion to family is something all of us can emulate during this holiday season.

May God Bless Marge Kraskouskas and her family.

Sincerely,

Ed Hurley
President, Hockomock Area YMCA

Obituary for Marjorie Ann “Marge” (Jandris) Kraskouskas, click here.

Posted on: Thursday, September 26th, 2019

Learn CPR & Save a Life

The Hockomock Area YMCA is pleased to offer life saving skill training at the Y or at your preferred location for groups of six or more. The course lasts three hours and upon completion provides certification paperwork valid for two years.

Community Safety Training is available to everyone age 16 or older and membership at the Y is not required.

Get involved today.

Registration is required (cost: $70 per person).

Class Options:

Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 PM @ the North Attleboro Y; choose from the following dates: 11/13/19, 12/4/19, 12/18/19, 1/15/20, 1/29/20. CONTACT: nicoleb@hockymca.org or call 508-695-7001 if you have any questions.

Weekend evening options upcoming @ the Foxboro Y: Friday, November 1, 2019 or Saturday, December 14, 2019 (6:30 – 9:30 PM) @ the Foxboro Y. CONTACT: sheilar@hockymca.org or call 508-543-2523 if you have any questions.

Saturday morning, January 11, 2020 (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM) @ the Foxboro Y. CONTACT: sheilar@hockymca.org or call 508-543-2523 if you have any questions.

Do you have a group of six or more? If it is preferable that the safety training is done at your location, please contact krystinae@hockymca.org or call 774-235-2761. We look forward to working with you.

Lifeguard Certification:

Lifeguard certification and recertificataion is also offered throughout the year at the YMCA. To view availability click here.

Non-members: when you enter the registration page, please choose “I don’t have an account, but I want to create one.” Scroll all the way down (past a variety of membership options) to the section that states “Non-Member Program Registration: This membership type allows non-members to register for programs”.

REGISTER NOW

Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. Thank you in advance for striving to improve others’ quality of life.

Posted on: Tuesday, July 9th, 2019

Why is summer camp important?

A recent article by the Child Mind Institute stated that “the average American child is said to spend 4-7 minutes a day in unstructured play outdoors, and over 7 hours a day in front of a screen.” That’s a startling statistic. Instead of just tv, our kids’ technology has grown to include phones, tablets, apps, social media and texting. Not only are kids sitting too long in front of a screen, they are not interacting with each other face to face.

Y summer camps provide a safe place for kids to get away from technology and the stresses of the outside world and allow kids 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.

Summer camp gives children the chance to try new things, to develop confidence, and to learn new skills. Kids at our camps get to try new things such as archery, rope climbing, and planting in the garden. They get to play game favorites like Gaga, Capture the Flag, and Sticks & Arrows and well as swim daily in the pool. The campers get a swim lesson in the morning, and in the afternoon, they get to hang out in the pool. And throughout all of these activites, the campers are creating amazing friendships, and memories of the best summer ever.

Camp starts in June and runs for 11 weeks through the summer. Camp offerings range from traditional camps to sports camps to enrichment camps and more for kids ranging from age 3 through teen years. To see more details on our camps and what camp would best fit your child, click on camp offerings. If you would like a private camp tour, please reach out to Member Services at one of our branches. We look forward to meeting you and providing your kids with an amazing summer.

CAMP OFFERINGS

Posted on: Thursday, May 9th, 2019

Commit to Change this Summer

Join the many folks who have participated in our Weigh to Change program and have succeeded in losing weight and inches, and are now living healthier, happier lives.

Our Weigh to Change (WTC) Program provides the support and guidance you need to succeed. Check out the WTC testimonials of John and Nancy Brennock, Christine Tolland, and Ben Ray:

NORTH ATTLEBORO BRANCH
WEIGH TO CHANGE SPOTLIGHT

“My wife Nancy and I have tried to lose weight repeatedly,” says John Brennock. “She asked me to join Weigh to Change with her. Reluctantly I said I’d join for her. She replied, “do it for yourself or not at all.” Day one I asked, “I love sweets, carbs, beer, wine, single malt scotch, and don’t eat vegetables. Can you help?” Surprisingly the nutritionist said yes! Without giving up things I love, and despite normal aging, we were more successful than we ever dreamed.”

FOXBORO BRANCH
WEIGH TO CHANGE SPOTLIGHT

“In April 2016 I participated in the first Weigh to Change and lost 14 pounds. I lost another 18, equaling 32 total” explains Christine Tolland. “What I gained from WTC was beyond my expectations. Not only did I learn how to eat clean, WTC helped me peel back the layers revealing the real me. I have gained a network of people that support me, 3 years after the program! I am stronger, more condident, and determined in all aspects of my life.”

FRANKLIN BRANCH
WEIGH TO CHANGE SPOTLIGHT

“I began Weigh to Change overweight at 330 pounds,” says Ben Ray. “Within 10 weeks, I lost 35 pounds and the weight is still dropping. At the same time, I’ve gained muscle and an increase in strength and energy.

Weight to Change is about embracing a lifestyle change. Unlike other programs I’ve been on, there’s no point counting or avoiding carbs. It’s about being mindful of your food choices and balancing your diet with the right combination of fat, protein and carbs. The nutritionist taught me how to make changes to my eating habits so that I don’t feel I’m on a diet and I’m never hungry.

The group and individual workouts are also outstanding. The trainers push hard but also do a great job modifying workouts to accommodate everyone’s fitness level. So whether you’re fit, out of shape or suffer from injuries, the workouts work for everyone.

The thing that surprised me the most was the comradery within the group. People in the group were all very friendly. They encouraged each other throughout the workouts and also shared food tips. Everyone worked together because we were all striving for the common goal of making positive changes in our lives.”

Join our Weigh to Change program today and achieve your own personal weight and inch loss goals.

Registration is now open for the Summer program.
The 11-week program will run June 24th – Sept 7th. (Normally the program runs for 10 weeks however, an additional week has been added in to allow for vacation.)

The Weigh to Change program offers support and education in both areas of fitness and nutrition. By combining physical training and better nutrition, participants will benefit in the most successful way to achieve weight loss. Participants will be challenged throughout the ten weeks with personal training, nutrition guidance, group workouts, and friendly challenge competitions.

Join us for a free introduction to Weigh to Change. At the introduction, you will choose either:
a 1-on-1 session with our nutrtionist OR a 20-minute workout with 10-minute healthy post-workout snack, and 15-minute quick info session:

Bernon Family Branch: Sat. June 15 @ 10:30am OR Wed. June 19 @ 6:00pm
Invensys Foxboro Branch: Sat. June 15 @ 10:00am OR Wed. June 19 @ 6:00pm
North Attleboro Branch: Sat. June 15 @ 11:00am OR Wed. June 19 @ 6:00pm

The program includes:

Weekly individual 30-minute personal training sessions
Individual nutrition counseling with our nutritionist
Minimum of 3 weekly group training sessions offered solely for the Summer WTC group
Weekly nutrition and physical challenges and entry in a local road race
Two Nutrition workshops
Grocery store education tours
Before & after Styku 3-D body scans to provide measurements

The cost of the program is $499 for Hockomock Area YMCA Members and $599 for Hockomock Area YMCA Program Members (over an $800 value). Payment plan available.

REGISTER HERE FOR WEIGH TO CHANGE

Posted on: Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

Summer Theatre and Come See a Show

On with the Show! Cyrano de Burgershack Performs: 6/8-6/9

Calling all summer campers interested in the performing arts.

Two production camps are now enrolling for Summer 2019!

They are: “GETTING TO KNOW … ONCE UPON A MATTRESS” and “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.” In addition, three new theatre camps will run at the YMCA this summer: “From Page to Stage” (Franklin Branch), “Musical Cabaret” (Mansfield Arts & Education Center), and “One Act Play” (North Attleboro Branch). The additional camps are 1 week long and will have an informal show at the end of the week.

Please see our Theatre Camp page for details and if you have any questions, please contact Performing Arts Director Julia Paolino at juliap@hockymca.org or 508-964-2088.

Visit Camp Online Registration

Cyrano de Burgershack will take the stage June 8th and 9th.

Come see the show, performed by our Broad-Y actors, ages 11-14. You’ll love Cyrano de Burger Shack!

WHEN: Saturday June 8th at 7:00 pm and Sunday June 9th at 1:00 pm

Cyrano is king of the local Burger Shack, but he can’t seem to win the love of his best friend, Roxanne. When Roxanne confesses her crush on the new burger flipper, Christian, Cyrano decides that playing cupid is better than sitting out the game. An updated modern-day version of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, this rollicking musical features hit pop songs such as All Star, Firework, Call Me Maybe, Less Than Perfect, and more, that will have audiences cheering and singing along.

Location: Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center (Orpheum Foxboro)
Tickets $5 children/$7 adults in advance; $7/$10 at the door
Buy tickets: brownpapertickets.com

» CONNECT WITH US / BROWSE OUR CATALOGS

» Printable Camp Catalogue

» Printable Theatre Catalogue

Posted on: Monday, April 29th, 2019

Grow Organic Vegetables, Fruits and Herbs – Community Garden Plots Available

GROW YOUR OWN FOOD

2021 UPDATE: Due to our YMCA’s current operational capacity and staffing priorities, we will no longer be operating the Community Gardens. We are excited to announce however, that our partners in the towns of Mansfield & Bellingham are looking forward to a great season and can be reached at: Mansfield Rec Dept: sgurnon@mansfieldma.com or Bellingham Garden: bellinghamcommunitygarden@gmail.com.

~~Raised beds now available at your YMCA Community Garden!~~

~~We are now accepting registrations for plots at both our Mansfield and Bellingham Community Gardens! This is a great option for increasing your intake of veggies this spring and summer.~~

DETAILS:
~~$75 per plot (10’x20’), open to all! Spots are limited. Please have your application in as soon as possible, as we are accepting shares on a first-come, first-serve basis.~~

~~The YMCA provides:~~

Plot space with soil
Water, hoses, and some gardening tools
Compost area for your use
A small storage shed for keeping items on site if you choose to do so

~~Bellingham and Mansfield Community Gardens feature organic gardening practices. Renting gardeners will have access to the garden from dawn to dusk.~~

Reserving your Garden Plot

~~To reserve your garden plot, please register at Member Services or follow these steps:~~

BELLINGHAM COMMUNITY FARM:

The Garden is a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Town of Bellingham and is located at 200 Center Street in Bellingham, MA. We do not use any chemically derived herbicides or pesticides. We use OMRI approved field amendments. Click here to read more about the Bellingham Community Garden.

~~Option 1 – Stop by member service at our Bernon Family Branch in Franklin and fill out the contract. Pay via credit card, check, or cash.~~
Option 2 – Mail the contract along with a check to: Hockomock Area YMCA, c/o Community Garden, 45 Forge Hill Road, Franklin, MA 02038. You will receive an email receipt. Please make checks out to Hockomock Area YMCA.

~~Plot Holder Enrollment Kit* * Please do not submit plot enrollment before confirming with communitygarden@hockymca.org that a plot is still available.~~

DOWNLOAD BELLINGHAM CONTRACT

MANSFIELD COMMUNITY FARM & GARDENS:

The Garden is a partnership between the Hockomock Area YMCA and the Town of Mansfield and is located across the street from 386 Essex St in Mansfield, MA. No pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used and consumers benefit from organic practices. Click here to read more about the Mansfield Community Garden.

~~Option 1 – Stop by member service at our Invensys Foxboro Branch and fill out the contract. Pay via credit card, check, or cash.~~
Option 2 – Mail the contract along with a check to: Hockomock Area YMCA, c/o Community Garden, 67 Mechanic St, Foxborough, MA 02035. You will receive an email receipt. Please make checks out to Hockomock Area YMCA.

~~Plot Holder Enrollment Kit* * Please do not submit plot enrollment before confirming with communitygarden@hockymca.org that a plot is still available.~~

DOWNLOAD MANSFIELD CONTRACT

Limited Spots.

Posted on: Thursday, April 25th, 2019

Bring a Friend to Our Camp Open House

What are your kids doing this summer?
Check out our summer camp options this Sunday, May 5th, at our Camp Open House!

Both prospective and returning families are welcome to come to our open houses to meet our staff, tour the property with one of our directors, and learn what summer camp is all about.

This outdoor-based family event will highlight fun camp activities that the kids will look forward to such as camp crafts and games, gaga, sports, music, bounce house, tree climbing, STEM activities, face painting, and more!

Mark your calendar and join us in Foxboro, Franklin, and North Attleboro:

Camp Open House Sunday, May 5 10:00am-1:00pm

Y Members: Anyone who registers for camp at open house will be entered into a raffle for a free week of camp.

Non Y Members: Those who attend open house and register as members and sign up for camp at the open house will have their Y joiner’s fee waived.

Registered for Camp Already? Bring a Friend that registers for camp at open house & receive a $25 Y Gift Card!

Few environments are as special as summer camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.

There’s a summer camp for every kid.

The Y has more than 130 years of experience in providing a safe, thriving environment for young people to explore personal interests, build self-esteem, develop interpersonal skills, discover the creativity and health benefits of the outdoors, and make lasting friendships and memories. If your child is a budding actor or athlete, a gymnast or outdoor adventurer, there’s a Y camp they will love. We offer part-day and full-day camps for all ages, including preschoolers and teens.

Our new Camp Guide collects all our programs for easy download.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

Are your kids ready for their Best Summer Ever?

Our experienced staff takes the right steps to ensure your camper’s safety and happiness during an action packed summer! For questions about our camps, please call the Y or CONTACT US.

Visit Foxboro’s Camp Website

Visit Franklin’s Camp Website

Visit North Attleboro’s Camp Website

Visit Mansfield’s Theatre Camp Website

Posted on: Monday, March 25th, 2019

New Theatre Programs

» Vacation Workshops (ages 5-16)

» Pippin Audtions (ages 14-22)

When School’s Out, The Fun’s In!

We are excited to share workshops upcoming at the Hockomock Area YMCA during April Vacation. If you have any questions, please contact juliap@hockymca.org.

Mon-Wed (4/15-17) ~ Workshops Now Enrolling

MON: INTRODUCTION TO PLAYWRITING
Monday, April 15 (9 AM- 4 PM) ages 11-16
This workshop will serve as an introduction to the playwriting process using games, activities, and writing exercises to spark creativity. By the end of the session, students will have developed an idea for a play and written a draft of one scene to be read aloud by the group.

TUES: STORY THEATRE
Tuesday, April 16 (9 AM- 4 PM) ages 5-10
The story is the foundation of a good play! In this workshop, students will explore the essential elements of a story: characters, setting, problem, and solution. Using their actor’s tools and a whole lot of creativity, the group will work to adapt one or more of their favorite stories for the stage.

WED: FUN WITH SHAKESPEARE
Wednesday, April 17 (9 AM- 4 PM) ages 7-14
Students will learn the rules and guidelines to successfully create scenes off the top of their heads! The session will include many favorite improv games and exercises to help students follow their impulses and think on their feet, while laughing a lot along the way. A fun day for students of all experience levels.

COST PER DAY FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE PROGRAMS: $55/members, $83/program members

Mansfield Arts YMCA (40 Balcom St, Mansfield)

REGISTER FOR APRIL BREAK THEATRE PROGRAMS

♫ Our Theatre Institute is proud to announce auditions for the musical Pippin (Friday, 4/12)!

PIPIN AUDITIONS ~ DETAILS

current high school and college students ages 14-22 are eligible to participate
our Theatre Institute boasts a strong reputation as an intensive pre-professional theatrical training program
all registered students will be cast in the production and must pay a tuition fee for the program
auditions will take place by appointment between 4 and 8 PM on Friday, April 12, 2019
actors are asked to prepare two contrasting 16-32 bar songs in the style of the show and a 1 minute monologue
an accompanist will be available; please provide sheet music in the appropriate key
there will be three performances at the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center in Foxboro: June 21 (7PM) and June 22 (1PM & 7PM)
for more information and to sign up for an audition, please contact Performing Arts Director Julia Paolino at juliap@hockymca.org