Young Mens Christian Association Of Hattiesburg Mississippi

AFTERSCHOOL/SUMMER CAMP: The YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. At The Family YMCA, no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. This program serves school age children five through twelve years old. The program is licensed by the state of Mississippi, and we adhere to all guidelines set forth by the Department of Human Services. This program provides a safe, nurturing, fun environment for the participants as they receive tutoring, exercise, and mentoring. Our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith are incorporated in all activities. Devotionals take place daily, as well as education seminars and guest speakers are regularly scheduled. We work with United Way, police and fire departments, and medical communities seeking additional ways to educate our children. The YMCA transports children from area schools and the Petal School District provides transportation to the program. Several community volunteers help with the program. The YMCA has the opportunity to develop these kids for eight years. Many of the children continue with the YMCA in our teen programs including our CIT (Counselor in Training) program. Countless past participants attribute a great part of their success in life to the experiences they had at The Family YMCA. In many cases, The Family YMCA is the safe haven so many of these kids need, and for some, the only one that they have. The Family YMCA has the opportunity to make a positive difference for children in our camp programs.

AQUATICS: The YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. At The Family YMCA, no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. The number one reason people drown is that they do not know how to swim. The YMCA is making a difference in that statistic. The Family Y Aquatics Program includes: swim lessons, water safety programs, learn to swim programs with area school systems, lifeguard training, advanced instructional classes, lap swimming, water aerobics, private lessons, birthday parties, family swim, hosting area high school swim teams, group home participation, Girl and Boy Scout usage, and training for military representatives. Some area churches conduct baptism in our pools. Character development; Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith is incorporated within all the above programs and you can see above how spirit, mind and body is also. All segments of the community utilize our pools at both locations. Aquatic staff also provides water safety programs within the schools. Those numbers do not include regular member usage.

Additional program services include health enhancement and youth sports: health enhancement includes aerobic classes, general fitness assistance, youth and personal training, and other specialty classes. Youth sports includes t-ball, flag football, cheerleaders and soccer for youth.