SNAPSHOTS OF SUMMER
INSIDETHISISSUE
Family Fit ness Fun
National Back to School Month Fall Swimming Lessons
Special Event s Kids ROAR
Backyard Bash at the Barn
Trick or Treat on the Trails
Host your special event at the Y
Camp Happenings
A Summer to Remember Talk Like A Camper
What is HCRR?
Share t he Good St uff
2025 Brick Recipients Make a Difference...Volunteer! YMCA All-Stars!
A Final Not e Taste the Season Holiday Hours
Did You Know?
Save the Date - Turkey Trot
Building Charact er, One Camper at a Time
As we wrap up another incredible summer camp at Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center, I amfilled with gratitude and pride This season, we had the privilege of serving nearly 3,000 campers through our overnight and day camp programs.
Summer camp is about more than games, campfires, and lake swims - it?s about growth. We watched children take their first steps toward independence, build confidence by trying new things, and formfriendships that will last long after the summer ends
At the heart of it all are our core values: Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility (HCRR). I saw campers live these values every day? showing honesty during teamchallenges, caring for a friend who felt homesick, respecting nature and each other, and taking responsibility for their choices These lessons are the foundation of the character and confidence they?ll carry for life.
To our families and community, thank you for trusting us with your children. Together, we?ve made this summer unforgettable? and I can? t wait to see what the next one brings.
?Together, we build more than memories? we build a stronger community, one camper at a time?
Zach Klipsch, CEO
FAMILY. FITNESS. FUN.
Fall 2025 Swim Lessons
It 's That Time of Year: August is Nat ional Back t o School Mont h!
August is National Back to School Month - a time to gear up for a fresh academic year and support kids as they transition from summer to school schedules. It?s the perfect opportunity for families to re-establish routines, set new goals, and build confidence for the months ahead
At the Y, we?re here to help youth thrive in and out of the classroom For helpful tips to make the transition back to school smooth and stress-free for the whole family, check out this article about getting ready for back to school season!
BACK TO SCHOOL TIPS!
Classes begin t he week of Sept ember 8!
Class Schedule
Mondays:
Stroke Introduction, School Age |5:00pm-5:30pm
Stroke Development, School Age |5:30pm-6:00pm
Stroke Mechanics, School Age |6:30pm-7:00pm
Thursdays:
Water Acclimation, Preschool |5:00pm-5:30pm
Water Movement, Preschool |5:30pm-6:00pm
Water Stamina, Preschool |6:00pm-6:30pm
Water Movement, School Age |6:30pm-7:00pm
Water Stamina, School Age |7:00pm-7:30pm
Sat urdays:
Water Discovery, Parent & Child |9:00am-9:30am
Water Exploration, Parent & Child |9:30am-10:00am
Water Acclimation, Preschool |10:00am-10:30am
Water Movement, Preschool |10:30am-11:00am
Water Stamina, Preschool |11:00am-11:30am
Water Acclimation, School Age |11:30am-12:00pm
Quest ions?
Contact Hadley Hill at hadleyh@ymcasl.org or 269.409.3043.
REGISTER FOR SWIM LESSONS!
Regist rat ion Opens: Members - August 1 Community - August 15
Program Dat es (8- week program): September 8, 2025 - November 1, 2025
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SPECIAL EVENTS
Are you ready t o ROAR?
Sunday, September 14 |12:00pm
Kids ROARis a Rogue Obstacle Adventure Race featuring mud pits, water, color, obstacles, monkey bars and so much more!
Kids ROARis for kids' ages 5-14 but parents are welcome to join in on the fun!
REGISTER!
Host Somet hing Ext raordinary 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
Backyard Bash at t he Barn
Saturday, September 27 6:00pm- 9:00pm
Join us at Sherman Lake YMCA as we re-kindle the sprit of community with good food, great company and the perfect early-fall vibe!
Tickets are $25 each and include:
- Dinner fromlocal food trucks
- Two drink tickets (21+ event)
- Live entertainment
- Campfires, s'mores and more!
PURCHASETICKETS | SPONSOR THEEVENT
Calling all boos, ghouls, and lit t le monst ers!
Friday, October 24 |5:30pm
Join us for a night of frightfully fun festivities as you wind your way through our Trick or Treat Trail on the grounds of Sherman Lake YMCA Be sure to bring a bag or bucket to collect your treats!
- Trick or Treating along the trail
- Costume Contest for all ages
- Fresh cider and donuts
- Games, crafts, and more!
This is a FREEevent but registration is required Space is limited, so reserve your spot early for a spooktacularly good time!
PURCHASETICKETS | SPONSOR THEEVENT
CAMP HAPPENINGS.
A Summer t o Remember
Talk Like a Camper: Sherman Lake Lingo 101
This summer was packed with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories! Fromkayaking and arts & crafts to epic LARPbattles, campfires, and scaling the climbing wall, campers built friendships and confidence that will last a lifetime
Ever wondered what HCRRis? Or what exactly a Hopper does? Don? t worry - you?re not alone! YMCA Camp has its own fun and unique language that campers quickly pick up. And when they come home full of stories, it helps to have a little insider knowledge
GAGA - This game is similar to dodgeball. The main differences are you are out if the ball hits your knees or below, and you never throw the ball but hit it with an open palm
TRUDDY - This is a group of 3 people At Camp, we will always be in groups of 3 or more people Want to know more? We've put together a quick guide to help you decode!
SLY LINGO!
What is HCRR?
Ever wonder what your kids mean when they come home talking about ?HCRR?? At Sherman Lake YMCA, it?s more than just a catchy acronym; here's what it's all about Sherman Lake YMCA was founded in 1994 on four core values...Honesty, Caring, Respect and Responsibility (which we turned into the acronymHCRR, pronounced "hicker") HCRRis the cornerstone of our culture at the Sherman Lake YMCA and is integrated into everything we do
HCRR\hick-er\
1 noun: A thought, word or deed that is one or more of the following: Honest, Caring, Respectful, Responsible 2. adjective: Noting, pertaining to, or characteristic of HCRR
SHARETHEGOOD STUFF
Congrat ulat ions t o our 2025 Brick Recipient s!
On August 14, 2025, Sherman Lake YMCA will proudly celebrate 14 incredible teammembers during our annual Brick Ceremony - an event that honors staff who have dedicated five years of service to our mission Their names are now permanently part of our story, with their bricks added to the cherished path leading to our chapeljoining fellow ?Brickers?dating back to 1999.
Congratulations to our 2025 honorees - we?re so proud to have you as part of the Sherman Lake YMCA family!
Make A Difference:
Volunt eer at t he Y!
2025 Brickers
Mairin Boshoven
Gigi Calvache
GraceCarter
AndieDickson
Kimberly Dixon
David Elliott
Brian Julian
Join our community of change makers by volunteering at Sherman Lake YMCA! Whether you're cheering on young athletes at Kids ROAR, bringing Halloween magic to life at Trick or Treat on the Trails, or supporting runners at the Turkey Trot, your time and energy help create unforgettable experiences Volunteering is a great way to give back, connect with others, and be part of something truly meaningful
Upcoming opportunities:
- Kids ROAR
Sunday, September 14, 2025
- Trick or Treat on theTrails
Friday, October 24, 2025
- Sherman LakeYMCATurkey Trot
Thursday, November 27, 2025
YMCA All- St ars!
Big cheers for the incredible young athletes who brought energy, teamwork, and spirit to our Youth Basketball and Volleyball Clinics this year!
A huge shout-out to Coach Hannah for leading our youth basketball and volleyball clinics with heart, skill, and unstoppable enthusiasm! Coach Hannah?s passion for teaching and uplifting each child made this season unforgettable - thank you for making such a lasting impact!
Nicholas Kenyon
Alex Kinney
Jacob Ludwick
NataMachalka
Elias Nagel-Bennett
CarinaSaad
BonnieVisser
FIND YOUR OPPORTUNITY!
A FINAL NOTE...
TastetheSeason
Cherries, red raspberries, blueberries, apples, peppers, cauliflower and corn are all in season right now!
Cook up something delicious with Michigan-grown produce - click below to try one of these healthy recipes today!
Cherry Pie Oatmeal Bars
Healthy Mexican Street Corn Salad
Did You Know?
Two freepersonal training sessions areincluded annually withyour membership!
Taking care of your health has never been more important? and at the Y, we?re here to help you stay on track. As a Sherman Lake YMCA member, you receive two free personal training sessions every year. Ready to get started? Click the button below to schedule your sessions today.
SCHEDULE A SESSION!
Holiday Hours
In observance of Labor Day, Sherman Lake YMCA will be closed on Monday, September 1. We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday weekend!
Save t he Dat e!
Sherman Lake YMCA Turkey Trot Thursday, November 27 |9:00am
Lace up your sneakers and join us Thanksgiving morning for the 2nd annual Sherman Lake YMCA Turkey Trot - a joyful celebration of community, gratitude, and giving back!
REGISTER THE FLOCK!
