Free Junior High Memberships!

By Susan Hickey

Summer is almost here and for parents everywhere, it’s time to figure out “what to do with the kids?” There have always been many options for the younger ages, like camps and special theme weeks at daycare. However, once the kids get older, it can be more challenging to find fun things for the early teens group to enjoy. The YMCA has a special program for all kids in this age group – free YMCA memberships for the summer. What a great opportunity for these kids to stay active and have fun with friends while being supervised appropriately!

The free membership is available to all kids entering 7th and 8th grade and can be used at any Greater Dayton association YMCAs.  (Reciprocal benefits are not available with this membership.) It’s simple to obtain - a parent needs to provide photo ID and their child to register.  Bring verification that the student is entering 7th or 8th grade (a report card for instance). Since the parent is inactive on the membership, the parent does not need to be present while the teen is at the YMCA, thus allowing the parent to work or supervise younger children.

Most Dayton YMCA branches will also offer afternoon special events for youth in this age group. These activities will vary by branch and by day but might include dodgeball, swimming, crafts, water balloon toss, snacks, pizza parties, sports, or service projects.  An adult mentor will be available to organize, coordinate, and supervise these events. The kids are welcome to attend different events offered by various branches at their discretion.

Why should you encourage your 7th or 8th grader to get a free membership?

• Free access to a full fitness center to build strength and aerobic fitness
• Free access to gyms to meet up with their friends for pickup games of basketball or similar
• Free access to pools to stay cool on hot days
• A variety of planned, supervised activities to keep them busy
• An opportunity to meet new friends
• The YMCA is a safe place for kids to hang out
• Lots of age appropriate fun all summer long!

Free junior high memberships are effective June 1st to August 15th.  For more information, check out this link here.   

Thank you to AES Ohio for sponsoring this activity for our local youth in 2022.