Business of the Week: Nazareth YMCA

In 1844, an organization was created to instill Christian values in young men -- the YMCA.

London was the location of the first YMCA, and seven years later, in 1851, the first American YMCA opened in Boston.

Now with 10,000 locations across the nation, the YMCA -- the Y -- is a leader in nurturing and cultivating health, confidence and success, particularly in today's youth.

As luck would have it, one of these locations can be found thriving in the heart of downtown Nazareth -- at 33 S. Main St., to be exact.

In just six days, enough money was raised to build the Nazareth YMCA, which opened its doors in 1916. There have been only two additions to the building since then; a rear addition was constructed in 1989 and the adult fitness center was added in 2007, as was the Keck Studio, which is used for fitness classes.

Carol McCandless, the branch director and chief operating officer for the Nazareth YMCA, estimates the local branch is about 4,195 members strong.

“Nearly half are youth memberships -- our focus is on youth,” McCandless said. “We have members from newborn babies to folks in their 90s.”

That much diversity comes a necessity for variety, and the Y responds with a large number of programs and resources.

“People don’t know that the YMCA offers things for childrens, teens and adults, [and] we never turn anyone away,” Lanni explained. “We’re always broadening our horizons.”

Evidence to such is the Y's newest plan, which will be implemented in the fall: a room devoted to four or five Nintendo Wii systems, which, in addition to being fun, will get kids moving.

And, of course, there's the basketball courts, a running track, a fitness center and a swimming pool.

Only seven employees are full-time at the Nazareth Y; however, if you include the part-time fitness instructors, lifeguards, pre-school teachers and swim instructors, the staff total nears 100.

And all 100 of those employees are currently loosening up, stretching their legs and preparing for June 20.

Summer camps will begin Monday, June 20 for children in kindergarten through 7th grade. Activities are held at the Y and at the , where about 150 kids per day can be seen enjoying summer programs.

“We have a big day-camp program,” according to Susan Lanni, the local Y's youth director. “This year we’re offering some specialty programs.”

These specialty programs include, but are not limited to:

• “Nature Calls,” an exploration into nature and arts and crafts
• Basketball Camp -- Did you know the YMCA is credited with inventing volleyball and basketball? Basketball was created by James Naismith, a physical education teacher at a YMCA, who wanted to keep his football team in shape during the winter months. Originally, the players aimed for peach baskets, not the rims and nets we're accustomed to today.
• Camp Munchkin, a themed session for pre-schoolers held on weekdays.
• “Mini Monets,” an art program for children ages two to five.

For the active, older adult, the popular "Silver Sneakers" program is available and features aquatic classes, yoga, cardio, Zumba and more -- no need to be a YMCA member to participate.

Asked if there was one thing McCandless would like the community to know about the Y, answered: the 7th Grade Initiative, which is a national program created specifically to allow children around the age of 12 to become a member of the Y -- free of charge.

“There are studies that show kids [who] are active in [the] 7th grade stay active for most of their lives,” McCandless explained.

For anyone else interested in becoming a member, there are no contracts or joining fees.

Membership fees are available online and range in price depending on age, and whether you want to pay monthly, quarterly or annually. Families, which much consist of a two adults living at the same address and their dependent children, can become members under a single membership fee.

Financial aid is available for qualifying individuals and families.

The Y’s hours -- beginning of June through the end of September -- are Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and closed Sunday.

The local Y also participates in the A.W.A.Y. Program, a national program that allows members to utilize resources at other YMCA locations at a free or reduced rate while traveling.

For upcoming events, programs and camps, as well as membership and registration information, visit www.nazarethymca.org.