An exclusive system has been developed for us which enables families to fill out their Camper information online at Family Zone.

Family Zone Features:
* Secure site
* Families create own account and password
* Update camper’s info at any time (changes accepted up to 2 weeks prior to camper’s start date)
* Upload your camper’s photo (no photo developing required)
* Information is saved reducing time required to complete forms in future years

To get started visit http://yycymca.campfax.com. Click on “Log in as Family” and then “First time visiting Family Zone.”

Please complete your Camper Information forms by June 15, 2013.

Need a hand? Contact member services at your local branch.
Crowfoot YMCA 403-547-6576
Eau Claire YMCA 403-269-6701
Saddletowne YMCA 403-237-2393
Shawnessy YMCA 403-256-5533
South Health Campus  403-956-3900

 Although he is responsible, reliable and always engaged at YMAP, Charles is a quiet individual who takes a little longer to get to know. I began to understand him on a deeper level when he attended the Western Canadian Leadership Conference at Camp Chief Hector this February. Although this was his first time seeing the Rocky Mountains, his excitement and appreciation for the outdoors seemed very natural. I watched him open up and gain a sense of confidence, which has continued to grow over the past months. Since then, I have gained a better understanding of his leadership style; Charles is one of those who may not speak often or loudly, but when he does he makes sure that what he has to say is meaningful and worth listening to.

This week at YMAP our group was working on a fundraising project and I noticed that Charles was writing something on the laptop, which was projected for the room to see. I was not only surprised and touched to read his thoughts about the group, but also blown away by how he expressed such a deep understanding of YMCA values in his poem. Without further ado, I will let Charles tell you the rest – please enjoy his wonderful piece of work!

AWESOME YMAPERS.

By: Charles Ibe

A COMMUNITY THAT IS DIFFERENT IN CULTURE AND LANGUAGE.

A COMMUNITY THAT IS DIFFERENT IN AGE, COLOUR, AND HEIGHT.

A COMMUNITY THAT IS DIFFERENT IN EVERYWAY YOU COULD IMAGINE.

A COMMUNITY WHERE YOU COULD TELL IT IS A FAMILY.

A COMMUNITY THAT IS UNITED IN EVERYWAY.

A COMMUNITY THAT IS SPECIAL IN EVERYWAY.

A COMMUNITY WHERE YOU CAN’T BREAK DOWN THINGS.

A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE SMILES AND LAUGH.

A COMMUNIY WHERE WE ARE DIFFERENT IN NATURE.

A COMMUNITY WHERE WE ORGANIZE THINGS THAT COULD NEVER BE DONE.

A COMMUNITY WHERE ONCE SOMEONE IS DOWN, EVERONE IS THERE FOR THE PERSON.

A COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE IS INVOLVED.

A COMMUNITY WHERE YOU DON’T FEEL LEFT OUT OF THE GROUP.

AFTER A DAY OF YMAP, YOU GO HOME FEELING SPECIAL AND CONNECTED.

Adult and youth players were treated to a 40 minute clinic learning the in’s and outs of badminton strategy from these Olympians and were then thrilled as the two players engaged in an exhibition game and skills demonstration. (It was unbelievable when they played with two birdies at the same time!)

Our own weight floor personality and badminton enthusiast Elysia Atkinson paired up with Nicole to play against Charmaine and her partner. What a thrill! She rocked it!

Eau Claire squash regular Tom Emerson, who was there with his three kids, thrilled the crowd by returning 3/5 of Charmaine’s powerful smashes – they travelled crazy fast! He might be switching to the badminton court after that great effort!

Did you know – during a game of badminton, players can experience more than 5 kms of movement, that’s more than during a tennis game and it’s a bigger court.

Did you know – badminton is the second most played sport in the world beaten only by soccer!

Thanks to everyone who came out last night and thanks to our great badminton role models and mentors Charmaine and Nicole!

Water Classes:
Deep H2O 8:30-9:15am Denise
Shallow H2O 11:30am-12:15pm Gillian
Shallow H2O 3:00-3:45pm TBA

Saturday May 25th from 4:30-7:00pm.

We are closing off our third floor area for a fun evening of family games and activities including: family court sports, basketball (ages 7 and up), preschool soft play area and crafts, family Zumba, pool games and much more!

Be Active, Stay Healthy

Open to YMCA members and their families.

YMCA Healthy Kids Day 2013

10 Days to go until Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA
Sunday June 2nd

Free Access for Families – 10am-1pm

Games, activities, health fair, entertainment and so much more!

See your local Calgary YMCA Branch for schedules of activities

8:15-9:00am – Shallow H2O Workout – Helen

9:15-10:15am – YBO – Cindy
9:15-10:15am – Muscle Works – Chuck

5:00-6:00pm – Karma – Emily

So much to choose from!

Adult fitness, strength and aquatics.

Youth – Aquatics, day camps and much more

Preschool – Aquatics and so much more

Don’t miss out!

Member Summer registration – ongoing

Non Member Summer registration – June 3rd

Programs start July 2nd

For branch specific information please open the spring/summer program guide on our website or call 403-269-6701

Directors and supervisors have taken the new course designed to improve staff leadership skills.

It was originally envisaged that the course would run on an annual basis but when offered to staff it was so popular more than one course was needed.

VP for human resources Joan Fanstone explained the benefits of the course: “The staff learn how to become better leaders, through education and application. They spend time thinking and reflecting about their own growing edges.”

Joan continued the course takes around seven months with participants meeting once a month and team members are encouraged to look at themselves closely and identify areas to improve.

She added: “It can be a very personal experience reflecting inwards but because the group is so small they create a network with colleagues and cohorts which generates the comfort level.”

The leadership course forms part of leadership development at the Y, and leadership is identified as a key area of impact of YMCA Calgary’s new strategic plan.  The aim is to strengthen the association’s culture of leadership development to produce greater impact throughout the Y and the community.