A membership that is more than just physical activity.
It's a chance for Calgary's youth to engage, connect and grow. Every grade six student in Calgary is eligible to receive a free YMCA 13-month membership to the YMCA, thanks to the generous support of the Calgary Flames Foundation.
This program supports youth as they transition out of traditional childcare, develop new interests, and prepare for junior high. It offers a safe place for kids to practice independence, develop healthy habits, and build a sense of community while promoting respect, honesty, caring, and responsibility.
Program Highlights
- Free YMCA membership: Valid for the entire Grade six school year. August 1, 2025 - August 31, 2026.
- Access to all locations: Kids can visit any YMCA Calgary location independently.
- Special Events: Including Flames Friday activities, sports nights, science, art, and game nights.
- Tournaments and Activities: Grade six city-wide events and weekly planned activities.
- Member Benefits: Discounts up to 25% on programs and day camps, and one free guest admission every month.
- Leadership opportunities: Participation in surveys, focus groups, and other leadership activities.
Once you have signed up, you will be added to our monthly newsletter for updates and to sign up for free events and tournaments.
How to Sign Up for the Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership
Signing up is as easy as having parents/Guardians complete a registration form online or at any YMCA Calgary location. Bring the form along with your child’s Grade 5 report card, school ID, or a signed letter from a school administrator or teacher.
A Customer Service team member will issue a membership card and provide details on the Grade 6 Member Orientation, program schedules, and events.
*Note: To receive monthly updates and newsletters, provide a parent/guardian email address.
Step Up Membership for Grade 6 Alumni
Past Grade 6 Members can continue to keep active, have fun and stay connected with this new, reduced fee membership - a savings of $15 a month! Step Up memberships are valid till the youth turns 18 and include fun activities and events.
Sign up now between September 1 - October 31, 2025!
Leadership Program for Grade 6 Alumni
Graduates of the Calgary Flames Grade 6 Membership that are looking to stay connected to the YMCA and develop their skills in leadership are welcome to apply for the Alumni Leadership program. Designed for youth in grades 7, 8 and 9, Alumni Leadership students meet once a week to help plan events, volunteer, and develop essential skills for their future.
If you're a Grade 6 alumni student looking for more opportunities to belong, grow, thrive and lead, email Luke Wenger at luke.wenger@ymcacalgary.org. Registration for the 2024/25 Leadership program begins Friday, September 27 at noon. The program runs October 2024 to June 2025.
Igniting the potential in youth since 2013
Since 2013, the Calgary Flames Foundation and YMCA Calgary have worked together to develop youth aged 11 to 13, helping them ignite their potential through the Calgary Flames Grade 6 YMCA Membership. Thousands of Grade 6's have passed through this program since its inception, and this year, we expect another 5,000+ to join us.
Thank you, Calgary Flames Foundation, for your continued commitment to youth in our city.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Calgary Flames Grade 6 Membership, provided by the Flames Foundation and YMCA Calgary, gives Grade 6 students free access to YMCA facilities across Calgary. With your membership, you can:
Participate in exclusive Grade 6 programs like intramural sports, arts and crafts nights, Flames Friday events, Wibit swim times, open gym, and open climb.
Register for general YMCA programs, including swimming lessons, YThrive orientations, badminton, and U13 sports.
Enjoy YMCA amenities, including steam rooms, table tennis, skating rinks, and theatre showings.
Bring one guest per month on a day of your choosing.
Grade 6 members are expected to:
Scan their membership card independently upon arrival.
Wear appropriate indoor footwear (no boots in program spaces).
Dress appropriately for spaces like the weight floor (e.g., no jeans).
Lock up personal belongings using your own lock or a YMCA-provided hallway locker.
Show respect, responsibility, and kindness to others and YMCA spaces.
YMCA staff are always available to assist with lockers or navigating the facility.
You can register:
Online at ymcacalgary.org/grade6
Click “Sign Up Here."
Fill out the online form
Bring proof of Grade 6 (like a report card or school ID) to any YMCA Calgary location
Staff will issue your membership card and provide the next steps
In-person at any YMCA Calgary location
Waivers are available online:
Search “YMCA Calgary Waiver” or visit EZ Waiver
Select the correct waiver (e.g., Climbing Wall)
A parent/guardian must complete the first section
Click “Add Minor” and fill in the participant’s info
Read and sign the terms and conditions
Once submitted, YMCA staff can confirm your waiver is complete.
Flames Friday is a Grade 6-exclusive weekly program featuring one hour of fun, active games and sports. It’s a great way to:
Connect with other Grade 6 members
Try something new
Stay active and have fun at the Y!
Each YMCA location has a dedicated Youth Room where youth can:
Relax, do homework, or hang out with friends
Join drop-in or registered programs
A calendar of Youth Room events (including Grade 6 access hours) is posted at each branch. Ask your local team for more info.
Stay informed by:
Checking the Grade 6 calendar in your YMCA’s Youth Room
Reading the monthly newsletter, sent to all Grade 6 members with:
Upcoming events
Program highlights
Schedule changes
Connect with:
Staff at your YMCA Membership Desk
Your branch’s Youth Program Coordinator
They’ll be happy to help with registration, program info, or facility questions.
Membership Registration: Opens August 1 each year
Program Registration: Dates vary – check the YMCA Calgary website or speak with your local branch for current schedules.