Kids' Korner and Girls Outside

“Girls Outside” is a fun outdoor education program for girls that is funded by a grant from the Middlesex County Community Foundation. Girls Outside has recently partnered with YMCA Kids’ Korner programs at Snow, Macdonough and Spencer Schools in Middletown to provide fun and educational outdoor activities for girls. The primary objective of this program is to enable more girls and women to have positive outdoor experiences and develop the skills, knowledge and comfort level to enjoy some of the many benefits that nature can have in our lives. The program teaches environmental and science education (identifying basic trees and plants, vernal pool studies) and skill building activities (reading trail maps and using a compass) that encourage girls to explore the natural environment and have experiences that develop the confidence to over time be able to explore and connect with nature without an organized group.

The girls joined Lucy Meigs, founder of Everyone Outside, for a series of walking field trips at their individual schools. They kids explored the natural environment of their school grounds and surrounding neighborhoods and Lucy shared some sights with the kids that they had otherwise overlooked. The girls at Macdonough found a patch of grass that smelled like onions and some willow branches that could be formed into shapes. These trips were a lead up to a series of special field trips that the girls were to take to explore the grounds of the Wadsworth Mansion on Wadsworth Street in Middletown.

On April 15^th girls from Kids’ Korner at Macdonough School and Spencer School traveled by bus to the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate. Lucy Meigs and her helpers guided the girls on a tour of the parklands surrounding the manor. It was a perfect day and perfect weather for the trip. The grounds were beautiful with newly sprouted daffodils and budding trees. The girls were able to walk a wooded trail where Lucy taught them that there were various features on the hike that would appeal to the different senses. They were able to smell a spice bush, skunk cabbage and black birch. The girls especially loved the smell of the black birch which smells distinctly like wintergreen. “Omigosh, this stick smells like gum,” shared Rejoyce. The skunk cabbage, however, was not appreciated. The girls shared a resounding, “Eww” when informed that the inside of the plant is over 70 degrees and smells like old meat. They listened for the sounds of small woodland animals like birds and chipmunks and were able to feel furry leaves. They also learned that Native Americans would use the furry soft leaves to line their moccasins. While on this hike the girls also spotted a “Letterbox” with a booklet for stamps. In time the girls will create their own stamps and learn how to find more letterboxes.

Following the nature hike, both groups met up to have a nice outdoor snack at the rear of Wadsworth Mansion. They were also given a small tour of the downstairs of the mansion. During snack, Lucy played a recording of wood frogs croaking from the pond. The girls couldn’t believe how loud they sounded. After snack, Lucy escorted the girls to the vernal pool on the Wadsworth grounds. She allowed the children to touch a large frog she had caught. She taught them that they had to wet their hands before touching it. They also used special magnifying pond viewers to look at pond water extracted from the vernal pool. Lucy was on hand to explain to the girls just what they were discovering in each scoop of water.

The girls had a great time on their trip and are looking forward to the next trip scheduled in May. The Middlesex YMCA is fortunate to have partnered with Girls Outside and to be able to offer our children this fantastic experience. We thank the Middlesex County Community Foundation for the grant funding which has made this program possible. For more information about nature activities that you and your family can participate in please visit www.everyoneoutside.org. It's a great time of year to get outside with your family!

Fear of Commitment?

Some folks just do not like a long term commitment. They get nervous when you talk about "next year" or say "anniversary". Those folks often do not join the YMCA because they imagine that a membership is a tie down, or a regular routine that they deem too inflexible for them.
Well, we have the solution for them. Beginning right now, we are offering a summer short term membership special for $1 A Day. Now yes, there is a two week minimum, but even the most cynical "non commiters" can see that 2 weeks is like a first date. Additional weeks are only $7.
So, please tell your friends and your family members that are always saying things like, "I need to start exercising", or "I keep meaning to get to the Y", that NOW is the time to get started.

Before you know it they'll be loving it here and we'll get them into a long term relationship (but don't tell them that...it'll be our secret).

It's Never Too Late To Start Something Worth Doing

That was the first sentence that I wrote in my personal journal last month. You see, since my son was born (4 &1/2 years ago) I have been meaning to start writing in a journal. We take lots of pictures and such (not as many as we used to) but I realized that the best parts were also the simplest and most fleeting moments. Those times that I want to remember...but know that I never will. So, I kept thinking about that journal. BUT after a while I figured it was just too late to start. I had missed so much, maybe I would just forget it.
However, one day I just decided to start. I went and bought a journal. I bought a new pen. I put the new pen and the new journal by my bed so that I can write in it for a few minutes each night. It was very difficult to make myself do it at first but now it has become a fun and rewarding exercise. I look forward to the time alone with my thoughts. I revel in the thought that one day my children will read about their childhoods from MY perspective. It is a gift I give to myself and it started because I TOOK ACTION.
If you have been considering beginning a health and wellness program, the only way to begin is to take action. If you have a friend that has been talking and talking about it...tell them to TAKE ACTION. Don't wait until the time is right (it never is), don't wait until you have more money (you never do) don't wait until you get more rest (it won't happen). DON'T WAIT!

It's never too late to start something that is worth doing.

But you DO have to start.

Spring Into Action

By Kristin Champagne, Health and Fitness Director, Middlesex YMCA

It’s the end of a long winter and time to finally start looking forward to the warm weather. Maybe you are thinking of your spring and summer clothes, and how they will fit; or maybe you are looking forward to a specific goal; running a race, or doing a hike.

So how do you get started?

Step one- Just start. Your first step is to take action, get to the gym, get outside for a walk or a run.

Step two – Do it again. It takes 30 days to build a habit. Talking yourself out of a workout one day will only make it easier to talk yourself out of it the next day.

Step three- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have questions or concerns, ask a qualified fitness professional. If you need help committing, ask someone you know who is already committed to exercise to be your workout buddy.

Step Four- Set realistic goals. Take stock of where you are without beating yourself up. Negative self talk will only make it harder to get back on track. Give yourself credit for the good work you’ve done.

Step Five – Scathe off boredom. Mix up your workouts to keep it interesting. Try a different kind of workout or a new fitness class.

Finally – Keep your goal in mind. Know that reaching your goal is just a matter of continuing, and maybe you will find you enjoy the journey. Learning to love exercise is a guarantee of lifelong fitness J

YMCA Strong Kids Dodgeball Tournament

The first annual Strong Kids Dodgeball Tournament was held on Saturday, March 5th in the YMCA gymnasium. Over 100 people made up the twelve teams that competed in a series of fierce and competitive games of dodgeball.

This event was created to bring members of our community together to have fun and help donate to our wonderful cause; the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The Strong Kids Campaign is an annual fundraiser whose proceeds benefit our YMCA Open Doors Financial Assistance Program. Donations to the Strong Kids Campaign ensure that all families and children have access to YMCA programs at affordable prices.

This event helped the YMCA raise $500.00 for our campaign. The winning team of this year’s Strong Kids Dodgeball Tournament was YMCA Camp Mataucha (or also known as Team Awesome). The champions received a gift certificate to one of Middletown’s great restaurants Mondo Pizza.

Thank you everyone who helped make this tournament a great success. A special thank you goes out to Mondo for kindly donating gift certificates and pizzas for this event. I hope to see everyone back next year at our Second Annual Strong Kids Dodgeball Tournament!

MEET THE MIDDLESEX YMCA STAFF TEAM

MEET THE YMCA STAFF

Ryan Nolan Barnicle, Aquatics Coordinator

Ryan has been with the Middlesex YMCA for six months. He is a Providence College graduate who obtained his teaching certification from SCSU. Ryan taught high school biology in the Bronx, Newington, and Middletown but decided to recommit to his first love, youth aquatics. He has been a lifeguard, swim instructor, swim coach, and pool director for over 10 years with Newington Parks and Recreation and now calls the Y home.

Fun Fact: Ryan loves to swim and be near the water. He was a Division I swimmer for Providence College and is currently training for a marathon!

What is your role at the Middlesex YMCA?

“I am responsible for scheduling and training the lifeguards and swim instructors here at the Y. I coordinate with the Engineering Department to keep our aquatic facilities clean and safe. I also teach swimming lessons and am the primary instructor for American Red Cross health and safety courses.”

What do you find most rewarding about your work at the YMCA?

“I love seeing a student fall in love with the water after learning a difficult skill.”

How does the YMCA impact the community?

“The Y puts youth development at the forefront of its mission and that is an ideal I can really get behind. Growing up is a precious time in a person’s life and I think the Y helps make sure that it’s done right.”

YES! You May

Congratulations to Caroline & David May who were the first of our new members to earn back $50 by visiting the YMCA at least 10 times in their first 30 Days.
David & Caroline now have lots of company because yesterday we sent out 23 more checks to others that have reached that magic number.

We hope that by becoming regular users during their first 30 days, our new members will start to make regular exercise a habit. As regular users they will get all of the health benefits that YMCA members know, more energy, less stress, improved stamina and weight loss.
So congratulations to Caroline and David and all of our new members that are active members of our YMCA.

Master Raffle Winner for 2011

I had the pleasure last Thursday of having lunch with Tom Sweeny, this year’s Middlesex YMCA Masters Golf Raffle winner. That man sure can smile! He brought along three friends that will be going with him to Augusta in April and they’ve already got their clubs cleaned and ready to ship south.

Tom Lenahan, last year’s raffle winner was able to join us and he brought along his photo album from his trip last April….the smiles got even bigger. Tom and his brothers had a great time and I have no doubt, Tom #2 and his friends will have a great time also.

While it might seem like your name has to be “Tom” to win this raffle, I can assure you that is pure coincidence. And while we’re happy that both Toms and their friends have the chance for great bucket list adventures, we’re thankful for all who took a chance on this great package. In 2 years you helped us raise over $30,000 for our Open Doors Financial Assistance program at Camp Ingersoll. That means that while 8 lucky guys get to the Masters in 2 years, nearly 120 kids have access to a 2 week summer camp experience that will last a lifetime.

Congratulations to Tom and friends…have a great trip. For all who will be watching the April event on TV, stay tuned for word of the next YMCA Camp Ingersoll Masters Golf Raffle which could be yours to win. There’s just one winner at the Masters and it only takes one ticket to win.

Adult Swim Training

We have over 100 children in our Barracudas swim team and they are here practicing their strokes and preparing for competition. It got us thinking, why should they have all the fun! So, we are pleased to introduce Swim Training for Adults.
This new program is going to be led by Barracudas Head Swim Coach, Brian Fazzino, and will have participants training like a real swim team. It will be a great work out and a terrific way to help you reach your goals, whether those goals are competitive or just recreational. Below is a link where you can find out more about how you can be a part of this exciting new opportunity.

See you in the pool.

Link for more info.

Strong Kids Campaign

It's that time of year again! To many people that means different things. At the Middlesex YMCA, that means it's Strong Kids Campaign time.

The Middlesex YMCA is a community of caring people who support families, build character and promote wellness. One of the special ways that we bring our mission to life is through our belief that everyone should have access to the quality programs offered by our YMCA. The Middlesex YMCA awards over $300,000 of financial assistance to families each year. The Strong Kids Campaign is an annual fundraiser whose proceeds benefit our YMCA Open Doors Financial Assistance Program. Donations to the Strong Kids Campaign ensure that all families and children have access to YMCA programs at affordable prices. These donations have made it possible for us to not have to say "no" to families who want their child to spend a summer outdoor with friends, learn to swim or spend time with a caring adult role model.

In these uncertain economic times, we are proud of the fact that the YMCA has been able to continuously offer financial assistance in an effort to make quality programs available to all members of our community. We are grateful that we have a dedicated staff team who brings our mission to life every day in our community and through our many YMCA programs. Last year, YMCA staff donated over $13,000 to ensure families access to Y programs at affordable prices. We are also grateful to have the support of so many generous business partners throughout our community such as Citizens Bank, Liberty Bank, A & A Office Systems, Best Cleaners, Comcast, Daniels Oil, Suburban Office Products and May, Bonee & Walsh. Thank you to our business partners for standing with the Y in this important cause!

Are you feeling inspired to help? There are so many ways you can contribute to our campaign.

• Become a donor! Your gift to the Strong Kids Campaign is tax deductible and 100% of your donation goes straight to families who need financial assistance.
• Become a volunteer! The Y is always looking for people who will volunteer to help with the campaign and speak about our cause.
• Ask others to become involved! Do you know someone who can donate to our campaign or does the company you work for donate to charitable causes? Let us know if we can make a connection in the community.
• Participate in our Strong Kids Campaign Dodgeball Tournament! Register a team to participate in this fundraiser that benefits our campaign. It's only $5.00 per person. Please click here for more information and a registration form.

We are proud of the work of our YMCA but we can not do it alone! Please consider supporting our Strong Kids Campaign. For more information,to make a donation or volunteer for our campaign, please contact Bob Spencer at 860.343.6232 or rspencer@midymca.org.

MEET THE MIDDLESEX YMCA STAFF TEAM

Karin James is the Director of the Phelps Ingersoll Center for Children

Karin has worked for the Middlesex YMCA for 11 years. She resides in Columbia with her Husband Robert and will graduate from Eastern CT State University with her Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts with Minors in Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education.

Fun Fact: I am an avid UCONN Basketball fan of both the men’s and women’s teams. I enjoy going to the games when I can and I have gone to 3 final fours.

What is your role at the YMCA?

I am the Child Care Director of the Phelps Ingersoll Center for Children, a licensed and accredited Preschool Program of 53 preschoolers and a staff of 11. I provide the oversight for all aspects of the program including enrollment, curriculum, monthly reporting, supervising, and budgeting.

What it the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is to see the children learning and growing through play each day. To know that the center is guiding the children we serve through the learning process and making it a fun activity. I also enjoy when the children walk by my office and acknowledge me with a wave or a “Hi”, as they go by.

What makes the Y a special place?

I think the “Y” is a special place, because of the pride and commitment the staff take in providing a great service whether it is through the Child Care Center or another Y program. The community is impacted in a positive way by the services that the “Y” can offer at reduced rates, through its strong kids campaign and partnerships with other agencies such as United Way and Middletown School Readiness.

BOUNCE BONANZA

There are few things as much fun for children as bouncing. If you have young children you know this to be true. My 4 year old son and 2 year old daughter will bounce on ANYTHING...a bed, the couch, the floor or the dog (yup, poor Tucker). They bounce to music, they bounce while sitting at the dinner table and they bounce while trying to brush their teeth.
So, to take advantage of this fun past time (and to help my dog) we have created the BOUNCE BONANZA, a family event that will take place this Saturday from 2 -4 pm here at the YMCA. The gymnasium will have a bounce house or two and there will be music, mats, popcorn (for sale) and lots and lots of smiles. The event is FREE for members and only $5 for guests.
My family will be here (sans Tucker) and I hope yours will to.