NEWS & UPDATES
HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

Posted on: Monday, November 27th, 2017

NEW YMCA SWIM LESSONS CURRICULUM

This winter, our YMCA is updating our swim lesson program, so expect to see a great new look and simpler class names. The latest evolution of Y Swim Lessons accommodates varying abilities and will foster a sense of achievement as swimmers progress between levels. 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.

Our Youth Program Guide explains everything and provides a schedule for all the new classes, but here’s a quick overview. In our updated curriculum, there are three general categories of Y Swim Lessons:

SWIM STARTERS: Baby & Toddler Lessons with Parent
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 Stages A, B, C.

SWIM BASICS: Fundamentals of Swimming
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.
Swim Basics classes are Stages 1, 2, 3.

SWIM STROKES: Refining Stroke Technique
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 Stages 4, 5, 6.

Each Swim Lessons category has three stages or levels that are designed for swimmers of every age and ability. To find our more about the new swim lessons, visit your local Y or explore our website.

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: Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017

At the Y: Where Family Moments Matter

In today’s world people need a place that is kind, welcoming, and supportive. Our Y is a place where adults find life balance, children reach their full potential, seniors find camaraderie, and families experience meaningful moments. From A to Z, the Hockomock Area YMCA connects people of all ages and backgrounds to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster social responsibility.

In Aquatics, we teach swimming and water safety, and lead our Adventures in Respect anti-bullying program for students to address bullying through ropes challenge courses.

There’s Basketball and Boot camp, and our Commitment to Child Protection as well as Confidential financial assistance for membership, programs, childcare and camp.

Our Y offers a Diabetes Prevention program, Enrichment, and quality Education in our licensed infant through school-age childcare which offers iPad curriculum, homework support, nutrition, STEM, swim, and sports.

From Family events and Food Drives, to Gymnastics and Group Exercise, our Y contributes to healthier lives.

It is an Inclusive organization for all men, women, and children and a Nonprofit that has the presence and partnerships to deliver positive change.

We teach Pilates as well as Prescription for a Healthy Lifestyle programs providing health management to address and support specific challenges associated with cancer, heart disease, and pediatric obesity.

Our 2016 Reach Out for Youth and Families campaign provided $2,017,570 in Scholarship aid to help children learn to Swim, play Soccer, perform in Theatre productions, and more. We believe everyone should have such opportunities regardless of ability to pay.

Each year, hundreds of dedicated Volunteers give time, talent, and treasure to help our Y make an impact in the 15 communities we serve.

“The Hockomock Y is a welcoming environment, very open and engaging, where people walk by and they smile,” explains Y member Kofi Dwomoh.

Meet me at the Y, where family moments matter.

Posted on: Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017

2017 Milford Summer Lunch Program

In Milford Public Schools, approximately 1,840 students qualify for free or reduced-cost meals during the school year — that’s 44% of the student body. Once the summer comes, these children often struggle to obtain the healthy meals which they need in order to grow. The Milford Area Humanitarian Coalition and the Hockomock Area YMCA have set out to change that.

For the second year in a row, the Humanitarian Coalition and the Y partnered to provide healthy meals and educational entertainment to children under 18 and their parents who are in need of summer sustenance. The Milford summer lunch program — aka “Fuel your Fun” — began on June 22nd of this year, and took place at Memorial Middle School, The Milford Youth Center, and The Forum at BCC Downtown. Last year’s program served over 6,350 meals to children and their parents, and this year’s provided approximately 8,000 meals. That totals almost 15,000 meals given over the course of two summers!

This year’s Milford summer lunch program also welcomed a special guest — Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who was accompanied by state Sen. Ryan Fattman and state Rep. Brian Murray. Kennedy assisted in serving up snacks and sandwiches to the children of the program.

For more information, visit http://www.hockymca.org/milford-summer-lunch-program

Posted on: Monday, August 21st, 2017

Schneider Electric gives back with 2017 Day of Service

On June 9 th , 30 Schneider Electric employees participated in a day of volunteer service with Hockomock Area YMCA employees to beautify the camp grounds at the Y’s Invensys Foxboro Branch. Their work included adding new, exciting elements for the campers to enjoy. From eight in the morning to five in the evening, volunteers enthusiastically spread 30 yards of woodchips, painted over 50 new picnic tables, and performed other beautification activities, as well as built a rock-throwing range and a block pit as the camp’s new elements.

Having begun in 2013, the Schneider Day of Service has given Schneider Electric employees the opportunity to enrich their community and improve the lives of those in it. Patrick Murphy, Executive Director of the Invensys Foxboro Branch, identifies the partnership between Schneider Electric and the Invensys Foxboro YMCA as one of great importance.

“It’s a strong partnership that we have with Schneider Electric spanning many years,” said Murphy. “The commitment they have to their community and the YMCA is invaluable. Without the help of Schneider, we would not be able to have the new elements they helped us add to the camp, which have been very popular with our campers and help provide the best summer ever.”

With the excellent work that Schneider Electric employees have done so far, the Foxboro YMCA is looking forward to seeing what new camp elements they have planned for next year!

Posted on: Monday, August 21st, 2017

Andrea Ambs given 2017 Legacy of Caring Award

Every year at Lake Pearl in Wrentham, the Hockomock Area YMCA holds its annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon to recognize valued employees who have worked at the YMCA for 10 years or more. 129 staff members were celebrated at this year’s luncheon, the group representing 1,887 years of unwavering dedication to the Y. One of those honored employees was Andrea Ambs, who was accorded the Marge Kraskouskas Legacy of Caring Award.

An Invensys Foxboro Branch and North Attleboro Branch fitness trainer for ten years, Ambs is an integral part of wellness programs including LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, diabetes prevention, and group exercise classes.

The award, named for former Hockomock Area YMCA Human Resources Vice President Marge Kraskouskas, recognizes a staff member for unyielding passion and commitment to the mission and values of the Y.

Hockomock Area YMCA President Ed Hurley presented Ambs with the award, remarking that “there are so many things that Andrea has done, and every time I see her the compassion, the passion, and the smile is always there. And I can’t tell you how excited I am to recognize someone who has had a huge impact on our YMCA, on the folks that she works with every day, and on inspiring me.”

Upon receiving the award, Ambs, a Foxboro resident, humbly expressed her surprise. “This is very unexpected, so thank you,” said Ambs. “I feel like I work with all of you who do so much more to deserve this than I do.”

At last year’s event, the Legacy of Caring Award was given to George Johnson Jr., a North Attleboro YMCA employee of 29 years. In 2015, the award was presented to Ann Maitland, Director of the Y’s Top of the Hill Preschool in North Attleboro, a 29-year employee of the Hockomock Area YMCA at that time.

Posted on: Monday, August 14th, 2017

Part Day Preschool

The Hockomock Area YMCA is offering a part day preschool program to help enhance the social and academic skills of children ages 2.9 to 5 years old. The program focuses on activities that promote character development including caring, respect, honesty and responsibility. The preschool staff strive to create a warm, structured environment in which preschool children develop a positive self-image through activities which enhance individual skills as well as positive group interaction. Unique lessons are brought to life in fun and imaginative ways.

Additionally, teachers guide students in learning new motor and academic skills through activities in reading, science and math, using a STEM curriculum and our iPad technology program. We emphasize listening and verbal skills that prepare children for school.

Our curriculum also includes physical activities such as gymnastics, swim and sports to keep kids active. We introduce our preschoolers to a range of learning opportunities in a structured environment, providing a well-rounded school readiness program.

The part day preschool takes place at the Bernon Family and North Attleboro YMCA branches, as well as the Mansfield Arts & Education Center, and is available in five, three, and two day sessions. The program observes the following schedule:

  • 5 Days: Monday-Friday, 9am-11:30am (Extended session: 9am-1pm)
  • 3 Days: Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9am-11:30am (Extended session: 9am-1pm)
  • 2 Days: Tuesday/Thursday, 9am-11:30am (Extended session: 9am-1pm)

For additional information, or to enroll your child in the program, please contact:

  • Bernon Family YMCA Childcare: 774-235-2745
  • North Attleboro YMCA Childcare: 508-643-5242
  • Mansfield Arts & Education Center Preschool: 508-339-3066

Posted on: Monday, August 14th, 2017

Diabetes Prevention Program Information Sessions

According to Center of Disease Control (CDC), more than 29 million adults in the U.S. have type 2 diabetes — and 25% of them are unaware of the fact. Additionally, over a third of American adults have prediabetes, and 90% of them don’t know it1. The YMCA is seeking to change these statistics for the better.

To help educate and assist those who are at risk of type 2 diabetes, the YMCA has developed a CDC-approved type 2 diabetes prevention program. The year-long Diabetes Prevention Program at the Hockomock Area YMCA follows a CDC-led curriculum, consisting of 16 weekly and 3 bi-weekly sessions during the first six months of the program, followed by six monthly sessions during the final six months. Participants in the program also learn healthy living tactics that they can use in their day-to-day lives.

To learn more about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program at the Hockomock Area YMCA, the community is invited to attend an upcoming information session:

  • Wednesday, August 23rd at 1:00pm at the North Attleboro Branch (300 Elmwood St)
  • Wednesday, August 23rd at 6:30pm at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin (45 Forge Hill Road)
  • Wednesday, September 13th at 1:00pm at the North Attleboro Branch
  • Wednesday, September 13th at 6:30pm at the Bernon Family Branch in Franklin

To learn your risk for type 2 diabetes, learn about our program and take the diabetes risk test, visit https://www.hockymca.org/north-attleboro/diabetes-prevention/

The YMCA encourages you to call the Program Coordinator at 508-643-5271 to learn more or contact your medical provider for a referral.


1https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/pdf/2016/diabetes-aag.pdf

Posted on: Monday, July 24th, 2017

Fall 2017 Youth Sports Leagues

Showing Kids All They Can Do.

Our popular leagues are back! Offering kids a great way to stay active and connected with others interested in healthy competition.

REGISTER NOW for Sports Leagues in Foxboro, Frankin, and North Attleboro.

Fast Facts

Teams are now forming for boys and girls between the ages of 3-14.

Sport-specific skills will be taught while helping everyone grow personally through YMCA values-based programming.
We will focus on fun while emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and fair play.
Family and Single-Parent members will benefit from 50% savings. Don’t miss this great experience for your kids!
Fall leagues run on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: September 8-October 29. Registration begins June 26.
The first 3 weeks are practices and the last 5 weeks are games.
Coed teams will be arranged so that everyone plays and is encouraged to perform at the best of their ability.
Uniforms will be distributed after the first meeting – Tshirt (for baseball/t-ball & soccer players) or NFL Flag Football jersey or Cheer Uniform.
In addition to leagues, we offer a great option for kids not quite old enough to participate. See Prep for Leagues, below.

JOIN A TEAM (CATEGORIZED BY DAYS/AGES)

60 minutes each:

T-BALL (3–6 YRS)
FRANKLIN: SAT 3–4 YRS 12:30pm; 5–6 YRS 1:40pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: SAT 4–5 YRS 2:00pm

BEGINNER CHEERLEADING (6–9 YRS) jumps & tumbling; 2nd half of the season will be spent cheering at games
FOXBORO: FRI 6:00pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: FRI 6:30pm

NFL FLAG FOOTBALL (6-14 YRS)
FOXBORO: FRI 6–7 YRS 6:00pm; 8–10 YRS 7:00pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: FRI 5–6 YRS 5:30pm; 7–8 YRS 6:30pm

FLAG FOOTBALL DROP-IN (9-14 YRS)
FOXBORO: FRI 11-14 YRS 8:00pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: FRI 9-14 YRS 7:30pm

SOCCER (4-10 YRS)
FOXBORO: SUN 4 YRS 10:00am; 5–6 YRS 11:00am***
FRANKLIN: SAT 3–4 YRS; 9:00am; 5–6 YRS 10:15am
NORTH ATTLEBORO: SAT 4 YRS 10:00am; 5–6 YRS 11:00am

SOCCER DROP-IN (7-10 YRS)
FOXBORO: SUN 12:00pm***
FRANKLIN: SAT 11:30am
NORTH ATTLEBORO: SAT 12:00pm

OR…PRESCHOOLERS, GET INTO THE GAME ON A PREP FOR LEAGUES TEAM

We’ll work on fundamentals of your favorite sport, easing into scrimmages and using a developmentally appropriate approach. 45 minutes each:

T-BALL PREP (3 YRS)
NORTH ATTLEBORO: SAT 1:00pm

BEGINNER CHEERLEADING PREP (4–5 YRS)
FOXBORO: FRI 5:00pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: FRI 5:30pm

FLAG FOOTBALL PREP (5 YRS)
FOXBORO: FRI 5:00pm

SOCCER PREP (3 YRS)
FOXBORO: SUN 9:00am***
NORTH ATTLEBORO: SAT 9:00am


***Foxboro Sunday leagues will begin on September 10.
***Foxboro classes and leagues will not take place on October 15.

AT THE FOXBORO Y

AT THE FRANKLIN Y

AT THE NORTH ATTLEBORO Y


  • New savings! Family-type members, benefit from 50% savings on Spring Sports Leagues, as indicated below. All other leagues prices are unchanged from 2016, remaining a value for youth.
  • Cost: T-ball & Soccer: $84 $42 family-type member; $84 youth member; $126 program member. Cheer & Football: $114 $57 family-type member; $114 youth member; $171 program member.
  • Drop-In League Pricing (Flag Football & Soccer): $84 member (8 weeks); $126 program member (8 weeks); $11 member (per day); $17 program member (per day).
  • Check out our Spring Youth Development Guide to read more about our large selection of offerings.

Posted on: Monday, July 24th, 2017

Join Us On An Uplifting Journey – Aug. 12 and 13

The Hockomock Area YMCA Theatre Institute Presents Annie

Our Broad-Y actors ages 7-14 invite you to join them in the bustling streets of 1930s New York City, where a charming young orphan named Annie goes off on her own in search of her parents and a better life. Will she find what she’s looking for?

This is a heartwarming story! All ages will enjoy the show. Give yourself a late summer night out or a matinee on Sunday and join families from around the region. You’re sure to be impressed by the lengths the campers go to, pushing themselves to achieve milestones in their pursuit of theatre excellences: singing, acting, and stage production.

We are thrilled to share this wonderful story with you!

Performances
August 12 (Sat) 7:00 pm
August 13 (Sun) 1:00 pm

At the Bellingham High School
60 Blackstone St, Bellingham, Massachusetts

Tickets are $7 at the door for students, $10 for adults

Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin

Posted on: Wednesday, February 8th, 2017

Showing Kids All They Can Do
– Spring Leagues News

Coming Soon to Athletic Fields Near You…

Our popular leagues are back! Offering kids a great way to stay active and connected with others interested in healthy competition.

REGISTER NOW for Sports Leagues in Foxboro, Frankin, and North Attleboro.

Fast Facts

Teams are now forming for boys and girls between the ages of 3-14.

Sport-specific skills will be taught while helping everyone grow personally through YMCA values-based programming.
We will focus on fun while emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship and fair play.
Family and Single-Parent members will benefit from our NEW VALUE PRICING. Don’t miss this great experience for your kids!
Spring leagues run on the weekends: April 7 – May 28
The first 3 weeks are practices and the last 5 weeks are games.
Teams will be arranged so that everyone plays and is encouraged to perform at the best of their ability.
Uniforms will be distributed after the first meeting – Tshirt (for baseball/t-ball & soccer players) or NFL Flag Football jersey or Cheer Uniform.
In addition to leagues, we offer a great option for kids not quite old enough to participate. See Prep for Leagues, below.

JOIN A TEAM (CATEGORIZED BY DAYS/AGES)

60 minutes each:

T-BALL (3–6 YRS)
FOXBORO: SUN 4–5 YRS 2:30pm
FRANKLIN: SAT 3–4 YRS 12:45pm; 5–6 YRS 2:00pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: SAT 4–5 YRS 2:00pm

BASEBALL COACH PITCH (6–7 YRS)
FOXBORO: SUN 3:30pm

BEGINNER CHEERLEADING (6–9 YRS) jumps & tumbling; 2nd half of the season will be spent cheering at games
FOXBORO: FRI 6:00pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: FRI 6:30pm

NFL FLAG FOOTBALL (6-14 YRS)
FOXBORO: FRI 6–7 YRS 6:00pm; 8–10 YRS 7:00pm; 11–14 YRS 8:00pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: FRI 5–6 YRS 5:30pm; 7–8 YRS 6:30pm; 9–14 YRS 7:30pm

SOCCER (4-10 YRS)
FOXBORO: SUN 4 YRS 10:00am; 5–6 YRS 11:00am; 7–9 YRS 12:00pm
FRANKLIN: SAT 3–4 YRS; 9:00am; 5–6 YRS 10:15am; 7–10 YRS 11:30am
NORTH ATTLEBORO: SAT 4 YRS 10:00am; 5–6 YRS 11:00am; 7–9 YRS 12:00pm

OR…PRESCHOOLERS, GET INTO THE GAME ON A PREP FOR LEAGUES TEAM

We’ll work on fundamentals of your favorite sport, easing into scrimmages and using a developmentally appropriate approach. 45 minutes each:

T-BALL PREP (3 YRS)
FOXBORO: SUN 1:30pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: SAT 1:00pm

BEGINNER CHEERLEADING PREP (4–5 YRS)
FOXBORO: FRI 5:00pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: FRI 5:30pm

FLAG FOOTBALL PREP (5 YRS)
FOXBORO: FRI 5:00pm

SOCCER PREP (3 YRS)
FOXBORO: SUN 9:00pm
NORTH ATTLEBORO: SAT 9:00am

AT THE FOXBORO Y

AT THE FRANKLIN Y

AT THE NORTH ATTLEBORO Y


  • YMCA Sports is passionate about providing young athletes the foundations that will last a lifetime.
  • All teams, including ‘Prep for Leagues’, are coed.
  • Our Spring Youth Development Guide collects Spring programs for easy download.
  • Cost: Baseball/T-ball & Soccer: $42 family-type member; $84 youth member; $126 program member. Cheer & Football: $57 family-type member; $114 youth member; $171 program member.

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760
 508.695.7001

MEMBERSHIP
COMMUNITY
CAUSE
CAREERS

HOCKOMOCK AREA YMCA LOCATIONS

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

NORTH ATTLEBORO BRANCH

300 Elmwood Street
North Attleboro, MA 02760

 508.695.7001

MANSFIELD ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER

40 Balcom Street
Mansfield, MA 02048

 508.339.3066