AT SHERMAN LAKEYMCA COMMUNITY STARTS HERE
April 2025
INSIDETHISISSUE
Family Fit ness Fun
Book Club
Earth Day
Five Days of Action Volunteer Opportunities
Host your next event at SLYMCA Hot Diggity Dog 5k Success for Every Child
Camp Happenings
Support our International Staff
We're hiring Summer Camp Staff! Are you signed up for camp?
Share t he Good St uff
Meet Alex Kinney
I AM THEY- Laura Mullins Rec Center Kudos
A Final Not e Holiday Hours
Camper Testimonial
Update Your Account
Member Guest Passes
A let t er from our CEO, Zach Klipsch
At the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center, community isn't just a concept - it's the essence of everything we do. Our programs are designed to bring people together, fostering connections that strengthen the fabric of our community
Our summer camps offer children a chance to unplug from technology and engage in activities that promote teamwork, resilience, and personal growth Through swimming, canoeing, archery, and nature exploration, campers build friendships and learn the values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility.
For adults, our fitness classes provide more than just physical benefits - they create a supportive environment where individuals encourage each other to live healthier lifestyles. Whether it's a group yoga session or a high-energy cardio class, these shared experiences foster a sense of belonging and mutual support
Our school camping programs are another cornerstone of community building Students participate in activities that teach character development and teamwork, helping themto grow into responsible and empathetic members of society.
The power of the Y - and the power of community - comes fromeveryday people helping each other create better lives. A donation to our 2025 Annual Campaign, no matter the amount, will play a vital role in helping us fulfill our mission of making our programs accessible to all Community starts here and you can help us create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive!
Through these ongoing newsletters, we look forward to sharing stories and updates highlighting how we're working together to build a stronger, more connected community. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.
FAMILY. FITNESS. FUN.
Join Our Book Club!
If you've ever wanted to join a book club (or maybe you have been doing themfor years), we want you to join us!
Every month we will be discussing a new title You can pick up a copy at the local library.
Our next book is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah
Date/Time: April 28, 11am Where: MarkhamRoom
Click here to learn more!
Five Days of Act ion t o Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
Celebrat e Eart h Day!
Join us for a day deisgned to connect us with our planet and each other!
Sat urday, April 26 12:00pm- 2:00pm
- Guided nature walk
- Earth-day friendly crafts for kids and families
- Fun activities
This earth day, let's celebrate our beautiful planet and learn how small changes can make a big difference!
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month As part of our commitment to protecting the children in our community, we?re participating in the Five Days of Action® - a week-long campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and empower and equip us all to prevent it. By taking part in this important campaign and implementing abuse prevention practices year-round, Sherman Lake YMCA is committing to the safety of all children in our community
The Know See Respond campaign is back this year, and Praesidium, Saprea, and Lauren?s Kids have shared resources to support this campaign
Know When evaluating camps, sports, and other activities for your child, do you KNOWwhat questions to ask about abuse prevention? As parents, caregivers, and trusted adults, we play a vital role in protecting children and teens fromabuse
See When we SEEgrooming patterns? methodical, subtle, gradual, and escalating behaviors used to grooma child for sexual abuse? we can identify them, strengthen our intuition, and protect children.
Respond RESPONDing starts when a child or teen feels heard and is helped How can you take action to prevent child sexual abuse? The Trusted Triangle (for younger children) and the Safety NETwork (for older youth) are strategies fromLaure?s Kids Safer, Smarter Families Family Safety Toolkit.
We take our commitment to child protection seriously, and we hope you do, too If you'd like to take the Five Days of Action Pledge to protect children, stop by our Front Desk to sign the pledge and learn more!
Volunteers are essential to our mission of supporting our community Your involvement with the Ymakes a positive impact on local families and children.
Interested in volunteering? Check out our open positions to learn more! SIGN UP!
Host your next event at Sherman Lake YMCA.
Looking for the perfect venue for your next special occasion? Sherman Lake YMCA offers a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for weddings, family reunions, corporate retreats and more.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of our scenic grounds and equipped with modern amenities, our spaces are designed to bring people together. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a large celebration, we have everything you need to make it unforgettable
LEARN MORE
Celebrat e. Support . Change Lives.
You're invited for an unforgettable evening of community, connection and purpose Join us on Friday, June 13 for Success for Every Child: An Evening of Celebration.
Enjoy dinner, live music, a wine and beer tasting, and exciting live and silent auctions Proceeds fromthis event go directly towards scholarships that allow area youth to attend summer camp. Have something to donate? We're accepting items for our live and silent auctions! It's a great way to support our mission and showcase your business.
Why a Hot Dog Run? Because it 's fun!
This Memorial Day, we invite you to join us as we race into summer with the Hot Diggity Dog 5k & Mustard Mile!
Relish a challenge? Try our Run Relish Repeat Challenge - eat a hot dog at each mile marker and win our signature medal!
Frankly, we can't imagine this event without you!
REGISTER! PURCHASETICKETS | DONATE BECOMEA SPONSOR
We're gearing up for another amazing summer and are thrilled to welcome an incredible teamof summer camp staff fromaround the globe
You can help us give thema warmwelcome!
CAMP HAPPENINGS.
We've created an Amazon wish list with items to make their stay comfortable and enjoyable. Every donation - big or small - makes a difference!
Follow the link to view the wish list and show your support today! https://buff.ly/4HCPoOP
We're Hiring Summer Camp St aff!
We're hiring dedicated, energetic, and passionate individuals to create amazing experiences for our campers this summer!
We're looking for:
Counselors, Lifeguards, Health Officers and a Leadership Trip Coordinator
Lookng for an awesome job where you get to have fun and make a difference in lives of kids everyday? Follow the link and apply now!
https://buff.ly/iKLaGo5
SHERMAN LAKEYMCA CAMP
Summer is almost here! Are you signed up for camp?
Whether your child is looking for exciting day camps, unforgettable overnight experiences, or opportunities to lead through our teen leadership camps, we?ve got a summer they?ll never forget.
Sherman Lake YMCA Camp offers a safe, supportive, and fun environment where kids can build lifelong friendships, unplug fromscreens, and explore the great outdoors Fromhiking and swimming to team-building and campfire stories, every moment is packed with adventure and growth.
- Day Camp - Ages 4-12
- Overnight Camp - Ages 6-15
- Teen Leadership Camp - Ages 13-17
SIGN UP FOR CAMP TODAY!
SHARETHEGOOD STUFF
Meet Alex Kinney, Cert ified Praesidium Guardian (CPG)
Sherman Lake YMCA's Executive Director of Camping Services, Alex Kinney, was recently featured for her ongoing commitment to the highest standards in child abuse prevention. Alex has worked in the Y movement since 2008
Asked what she enjoys most about being a CPG, Alex said "I adore Camp and all it can do for the development of youth It's truly essential and all kids deserve the opportunity to go As a CPG, I am confident in telling caregivers that their kids are in safe hands here."
Laura Mullins I AM THEY - 2025 Honoree
Congratulations to our newest I AM THEYMCA honoree - Laura Mullins!
A member of the Sherman Lake YMCA since 2008, Laura started with early morning water aerobics, eventually trying other classes and a few 5ks with the support of her Yinstructors. Although she's since given up running to save her knees, she's found a new passion at the Y- pickleball!
More important than anything else, however, are the friendships she's made along the way. She notes, "I can't imagine what my life would be like without the Y" We're so glad you're a member of the Sherman Lake YMCA, Laura!
Y moment s t hat mat t er...
"Thanks for all the happiness and friendship I feel in this welcoming place."
- Sherman Lake YMCA Member
A FINAL NOTE...
Did you know...
?
As a Sherman Lake YMCA member, you can bring 5 guests (10 if you have a Family membership) to the Y each year free of charge?
We encourage you to introduce friends, family, and colleagues to all the things you love at the YMCA!
Account Updates!
Need t o updat e your cont act or payment info for your account ? If your payment method has recently expired or you have a new email, phone number or address, please update that with us by stopping at the Front Desk or completing our Online Member Account Update form(email, phone and address only).
Either way - it's quick and easy!
UPDATEYOUR ACCOUNT!
Holiday Hours
In observance of Memorial Day, Sherman Lake YMCA will be closed on Monday, May 26. We hope you enjoy the holiday weekend as we remember and honor all those who have served
Camper Testimonial
"We all had a lot of fun. We LOVED our experience. We love each other like family. If we could we would come back. This made us closer together."
Olivia W., Ella J., Amayah M. Jordyn B., Mac, Ar'riya, Aubre, Amayah M., Clara G., Obra Campers, Summer 2024
