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Family Programs

Aquatics | Camp | Child Care | Community Involvement | Family Programs
Health and Wellness | Rock Climbing

Aquatics
Learning to swim will give you or your child a tremendous sense of accomplishment, build confidence and empower you to enjoy water activities safely. And, nobody does swim lessons like the Ozarks Regional YMCA: 2006 marks the 100 year annivarsary of YMCA group swim lessons! Aquatics programs run all year long at our branches with indoor pools, and are seasonal at some branches. From lessons to lifeguard training to water fitness classes, we've got something to "suit" your fancy.

Swim lessons with parent—Parent participation is required for the following classes:
aquababes (ages 6 mos–3 yrs)
Baby and parent learn water enrichment and safety while sharing quality time.
perch (age 2)
Helping children shift smoothly from parent to instructor. During the first class the parent is in water with the child. By the second and third classes, parent stays on the side of the pool and deck respectively.

Swim lessons without parent (ages 3–5)
pike—Beginner level.
eel—Children who can swim 5 feet with face in water.
rays—Children who can perform overarm stroke on front and back for 10–15 feet.
starfish—Children who can swim 20 feet.

Youth swim lessons (ages 6–18)
polliwog—Beginner level.
guppy—Children who can free float and swim 15–20 feet on their own.
minnow—Children who can perform front and back crawl for 25 feet.
fish—Children who can swim 25 yards and perform front and back crawl.
flying fish—Children who can swim 50 yards, perform front and back crawl, rotary breathing, sidestroke and breaststroke.
shark—Children who can swim endurance (150 yards), know basic safety skills and can perform a rescue.

adult swim instruction (ages 16+)—Overcome your fear of the water or improve your water safety skills. Work on all strokes and endurance. All levels taught.

private swim lessons (ages 6 mos+)—These 30–minute classes are available for children and adults. Class times are arranged. Please call the Aquatics Director to schedule your lesson.

family swim (all ages with restrictions)—A minimum of 1 parent/guardian must participate. Enjoy splashing around with your family! Children under age 5 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the water. Schedules are online at orymca.org or either YMCA Welcome Center.

Need to know info.
Aquatics classes are small and instructors are trained in the YMCA of the USA Swim Program. Children under age 5 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in water. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the pool area.
refunds—We cannot give refunds on aquatics programs. Once a session begins, only a credit voucher may be issued.
class cancellations—Please note that classes may be combined or cancelled due to low enrollment.

Schedules

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Camp
Do you remember those lazy summers when you were a kid at camp? Remember the memories you made and the friends you gained? YMCA's Camp Wakonda is one of the oldest camps in Southwest Missouri, nestled in the Ash Grove countryside.

Camp Wakonda gives kids grades 3 through 12 a chance to get outdoors for a summer, gain self-confidence, challenge themselves and find the leader that is hiding in each one of them. Camp Wakonda offers summer resident camp programs and space for any type of reunion, retreat or conference.

Camp Wakonda Schedule | Camp Wakonda Information

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Child Care
YMCA Child Care provides a secure and loving environment for your child; an environment where they are exposed to staff who realize that consistency builds security, friendships are important, and learning is key.

Come see why we're the largest provider of child care in Southwest Missouri!

Child Care Information and Locations | Child Care Payments

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Community Involvement
From just being active members in local community groups to providing community groups our facilities and administrating their programs under our roof, your YMCA works hard to provide your community a platform that unites us all.

We want to be a part of the great things that are happening in Southwest Missouri in whatever way we can. We are here to provide an idea, a meeting room, an office, a staff member or organize an entire program.Check out all the ways we are involved in your community.

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Family programs
Families are what build communities. At the YMCA, serving your family is of utmost importance. That's why we offer family-friendly facilities, family-friendly fitness programs, family-friendly events and a family-friendly atmosphere. Check out our family programs below.

family climb (ages 4+)—This time is reserved for families (minimum 1 parent/guardian must participate) to climb the rock wall together. Parents/guardians are encouraged to become belay certified. Staff are on duty to assist.

family climbing class (ages 4+)—Learn and practice climbing techniques with your family. All levels welcome. Minimum of one parent/guardian must participate.

family fun night (all ages)—Supervised activities especially for the whole family. From basketball tournaments and dodgeball to movie nights, board game nights and craft activities, anything is possible!

family game center at Pat Jones YMCA (all ages with restrictions)—All ages are welcome with a parent or guardian present; age 7+ are welcome with parents in building. Play pool, air hockey, ping pong, Playstation 2 (with Dance-Dance Revolution), board and card games and or the computer lab during supervised times.

family inflatables (ages 2–12)—A minimum of 1 parent/guardian must be present. Come slide down our huge inflatable slide and bounce around in our bounce house! Your family is sure to have a good time!

family swim (all ages with restrictions)—A minimum of 1 parent/guardian must participate. Enjoy splashing around with your family! Children under age 5 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in the water. Schedules are online at orymca.org or either YMCA Welcome Center.

family yoga (ages 7+)—A minimum of 1 parent/guardian must participate in the class. This is a great opportunity for families to spend time together stretching, building muscle tone and sharing a laugh. Class schedules are available at the Downtown Welcome Center.

Schedules

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Health and Wellness
Get your family together and get fit in one of the YMCA's fitness programs! Teach your kids the importance of excercise, get in shape yourself and spend great quality time together. All at your local YMCA. Check out our fitness programs below.

fitness express (ages 13+)—New to working out or have past exercise routines been unsuccessful for you? This 30-minute program utilizes weights and cardiovascular equipment, taking place in the new Jones private weight area. Instructed by a YMCA Certified Healthy Lifestyles Coach. Class size limited, sign up at the Welcome Center.

healthy lifestyles visit (ages 13+)—Healthy lifestyle Visits are geared to help you explore all of your healthy lifestyle options and to help you figure out your next step in achieving a healthier you! Whether you need help setting acheivable goals, connecting with a program or class, or learning the basics in the wieght room or cardio area—we are committed to making the process simple. Please stop by your location's Welcome Center fo schedule a visit.

personal training (ages 13+)—YMCA personal trainers offer members the highest possible service. YMCA personal trainers will design and apply an extensive plan to put you on the path to reach your fitness goal. If you are looking to increase your performance in a sport or get ready for a special event, YMCA personal trainers can put you on the path to success. Personal training is not a free service and it is designed for a commitment. Always research your options, but feel confident that YMCA personal trainers can help you achieve results.
Fees—10 sessions for $300
Individual sessions are $35/hour and $17.50 for a half-hour.

group exercise classes (ages 13+)—We offer a variety of classes for all levels of fitness.Classes are continuous drop-in classes and are FREE TO MEMBERS. Each class can be adjusted for your own ability. Contact your YMCA Welcome Center for current class schedules or click the schedules link below. Participants under age 16 must have a parent present. Participants under age 13 must have instructor permission.

boot camp (ages 16+)—Stuck in a workout rut? This 12-week session includes everything—running outside, sprints, plyometrics, strength, agility—but the kitchen sink. First and last class include a basic fitness test to evaluate your fitness level. Your instructor will use the results to help you to achieve your goals.

500 club (all ages)—Run, walk or jog 500 miles and become an exclusive member of the Downtown 500 Club by earning a one-of-a-kind t-shirt. Fees are $5/person. Members only. No minimum or maximum mileage per day. Please register at the Downtown Welcome Center prior to beginning. Mileage log sheets will be on the first floor landing. T-shirts will be available once your reach 500 miles.

group cycling (ages 13+)—LeMond RevMaster Group Cycling is conducted by trained instructors, classes are FREE to YMCA members and not available for participants.Reservations can be made one day in advance after 9am Mon–Sat. Monday reservations may be made on Sunday after 12pm. Please arrive 5 minutes prior to the start of class.Schedules are available at either Springfield location Welcome Center or online.

adult martial arts—self-defense and karate for beginners (ages 13+)—This adult class is designed to teach martial art methodologies. Lessons include martial art exercises, form, stances and technique. Tradition and philosophy teachings included.

pilates (13+)
pilates 101—This FREE entry-level class focuses on developing core strength from basic pilates movements.
group mat class—Classes run on eight-week sessions. Please register in advance [as this class is progressive] at the Jones or Ward Welcome Centers. Pick up a schedule at the Welcome Center or at orymca.org.

tai chi—Learn how to strengthen and relax your body, relieve mental stress and physical tension and greatly increase body awareness and balance. All levels welcome. Advanced registration required [as this class is progressive]. Register at the Downtown Welcome Center.

yoga (ages 13+)—Yoga schedules available at each branch’s Welcome Center or orymca.org. Classes are FREE and available to members only. Schedules run continuously and are on a drop-in basis.