The Polar Plunge and Young Scientists

Last week we held our first ever Polar Plunge at YMCA Camp Ingersoll. Twenty-one courageous jumpers braved the sub-freezing temperatures to plunge into the slightly warmer water. Our nerves were starting to get the best of us until we listened to the roaring support of over 100 spectators watching their friends and families brave the elements for a good cause. Following some spectacular cannonballs and the fastest changing times our bathhouse has ever seen everyone was in good spirits as we gathered around the fire. The event was a huge success! By raising $10,000.00 we will be able to send an additional 20 kids to camp. This summer, 20 kids will have an opportunity to gain confidence through learning how to swim. They will learn trust and challenge themselves by climbing on our ropes course. Our counselors will make reading fun, while introducing them to the natural magic of the great outdoors. 20 kids will have an invaluable summer experience thanks to our Polar Plungers and their supporters and we can’t thank them enough. If you would like to get involved in changing lives of campers you don’t have to wait until next year. We have many events and volunteer days out at camp and we’d love to meet you.

If braving the cold wasn’t for you and your young ones the fun is just heating up at the Middlesex YMCA. The new Winter 2 session starts on Wednesday, February 4th with our Toddlers in Motion classes.

We know how intimidating starting a new class with an infant or toddler can be. When is too soon? Will my child get anything out of a class at this age? What if my child doesn’t like it? As an instructor at the YMCA for more than 10 years Linda Heidorn has answered all these questions and more. She has designed a half hour class aimed at introducing you and your child to a variety of different activities and environments. You and your child can explore balance, movement, music, and danced focused equipment at your own pace. Linda will help direct your child to try new things while still being comfortable and supported. In any new situation there’s always a possibility of the unexpected. We understand not everyone is ready for a class like this which is why we encourage you to try a class to see if it’s a good fit for your needs, risk free.

Our new Saturday offerings include: Parent and Me Sports Basketball (3 yrs), Pee-Wee Hockey (4 - 5 yrs), Young Scientists (5 - 7 yrs), Beginner Judo (white -yellow belt), and Intermediate Judo (yellow belt and up)! Your Young Scientist will test hypotheses while conducting fun, exciting, and age appropriate science experiments.

Our Sundays offer a variety of dance classes: Dance with Me (18 mths and up), Pre-Ballet (2.5 - 4 yrs), Ballet (4 - 8yrs), and Jazz and Hip Hop (5 - 8 yrs)! Our dance classes are designed to create an interest in dance by teaching the basic steps to a variety of styles while being fun and engaging.

Please check out all our offerings along with specific class information in our Winter Brochure.

We hope to see you soon!

Please contact Benjamin Silliman, Youth and Camp Ingersoll Director, with questions.
BSilliman@midymca.org / 860-343-6239

Go to the Y’s Youth Activities album on Facebook to see how much fun we’re having!