Autumn Adventures Await with New Fall Programs at the Y!

This Fall, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is offering a host of new programs and returning favorites for youth, teens and adults. There truly is something for everyone with everything from mini and me classes and youth gymnastics to teen sports and enrichment programs for all ages.

The Y’s 6-week Fall 1 Program Session runs from September 8-October 19, 2025. Program registration for fall programs begins Monday, August 25, at 9:00am and is open to active FSPY members. Below are just some of the exciting fall programs offered this Fall. View all the Y’s Fall offerings and schedules online at fspymca.org/brochures.

Preschool and School Age Sports: You want sports? The Y has all sorts! This Fall, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is offering sports classes for ages 3 and up, including Pre-K All Star Sports, Mini Ninja Warrior and Preschool Basketball for ages 3-5; Ninja Warrior (ages 5-8); Basketball Skills Clinic (grades K–2 and ages 7 & up). Plus, there’s Beginner and Advanced Archery for ages 7 & up!

NEW! This fall, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is also introducing two new programs for toddlers ages walking to 3 years. Mini Tumbler & Me invites children to explore movement through the fun of gymnastics, building coordination, balance, and flexibility while learning alongside a participating adult. Mini Athlete & Me introduces little ones to a variety of sports and movements, encouraging active play and discovery with parent support. Both programs provide a fun, engaging way for families to grow and learn together.

Middle School Sports: The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is offering exciting fall programs for middle school students in grades 5–8, including Girls Travel Volleyball, Volleyball Clinics, and Co-Ed Cross Country. The FORCE Travel Volleyball Team emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and high-tempo play, with evaluations on September 9 and 11. Volleyball Clinics, held on Fridays, give players the opportunity to strengthen fundamentals like serving and volleying while promoting sportsmanship and confidence. The Co-Ed Cross Country team encourages endurance and teamwork through practices and local meets, with transportation provided for away events.

Youth Gymnastics: The Y offers a variety of classes for different ages and levels, starting at age 3 and up. Gymnastics classes will help your child develop balance, coordination and self-esteem, while building their gymnastics skills. Our youth classes also utilize the Beam, Bar, Floor and Vault to develop gymnastics skills.

Youth and Teen Enrichments: Starting with preschoolers, the Y is offering the Storybook Chefs cooking class for ages 3-5. For school aged kids, there’s several engaging and fun new programs: Wiggle & Wonder Science (ages 5-7); Art in the Open (ages 6-11); Tween Chef Academy (ages 12-14), and Catch ‘em All (ages 6-11). We are also offering our popular cooking classes Master Mini Chefs (ages 8-11) and Tween Chef Academy (ages 12-14), as well as Magic: The Gathering (ages 12-15) and Catch ‘Em All (ages 6-11).

Teen Fitness: Back this year is the FSPY’s popular Teen Wellness program for teens ages 12-13 in grades 7-8, which teaches them to safely and effectively use the equipment in our Wellness Center. Plus, our teen and family group exercise classes, Cycle for All and Stretch and Tone for All, offer the opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a workout together in a fun, non-competitive environment.

Small Group Personal Training: Adults and teens can also find new ways to stay active this fall at the Y. Pilates Circuit blends traditional and contemporary Pilates on the reformer, chair, and tower for a full-body workout, with options for drop-in or session registration. Teen Strength & Lifting gives ages 14–17 the tools to safely and effectively grow their strength and fitness beyond the basics, while Strength for Life offers small-group lifting and training for adults looking to build confidence, balance, and energy in a supportive environment.

Health and Safety Classes: The Y continues to offer American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED courses, which are open to FSPY members and members of the community. Plus, American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses are available throughout the year, including this Fall.

Child Care and School Age Child Care: At the Y, we provide a nurturing and engaging environment for children to learn, grow and thrive. We are offering an additional Preschool 4 class this fall and there are still spots available. Our program, licensed by the state of New Jersey, operates Monday - Friday, from 7:00am to 6:30pm and runs from September 2025 – June 2026. For after school care, the Y provides a safe, enriching and fun environment for kids to enjoy when the school day ends. We have spots available for the 2025-2026 school year for children in grades K-5 in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District. For more information about our Child Care and School Aqe Child Care programs, please contact Katie Lizer at klizer@fspymca.org.

Not a Y member, yet? You can learn more about the benefits of YMCA membership and join online at fspymca.org/join-the-Y or stop in for a tour.

In addition to our fall programs, the Y offers a range of programs and services for all ages, levels and abilities that the whole family can enjoy. Your FSPY membership includes:

• Group exercise classes for all fitness levels and interests
• A state-of-the-art wellness center, including EGYM – a strength training circuit that offers personalized workouts for each individual
• Lap swimming and water walking lanes, family swim and open swim
• Open basketball and adult sports
• Child Watch services for family memberships
• Special events, wellness programs, and more
• The ability to register for youth programs like preschool, full-day child care, school age child care, and summer camp.
• Plus, FSPY has a virtual wellness platform that members can access anytime, anywhere!

For more information on the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, visit the Y’s website, fspymca.org.

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is dedicated to improving the quality of life of the individuals, families and communities it serves through programs and services that build wholeness of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA is a not-for-profit organization founded on Christian principles, serving people of all ages, races, faith, cultures and socio-economic conditions. For information please call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at (908) 889-8880 or visit https://fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.