West Essex YMCA - Youth Programs

Youth Programs

To create a YMCA on-line account, view the most updated schedules and/or begin the enrollment click on registration on-line

Let's Go to Gym (1-3 yrs old)

Parent and Child can play in organized activities at the YMCA! Children can burn off extra energy and interact with other children!

Stories & Movement (2-5 yrs old)

Parent and Child can listen to stories and engage in movement activities! A great chance for children to listen to books, interact with other children, and play at the West Essex YMCA!

Love for Literacy (3-5 yrs old)
Parent and child will read stories, listen to poems, listen to music and complete all sorts of activities that focus on building literacy skills. Parent and child will engage in rhyming, letter-sound and other literacy related activies.

Creative Writing (Grades 5-6)
Do you love to write? Participants will write freely or write based on the mini lesson provided at the beginning of each session. Mini lessons will include poetry, short story writing, persuasive writing, etc. Particpants will have the opportunity to express themselves and obtain feedback and encouragement on their writing pieces.

Roller Hockey (5-7 yrs)
The West Essex YMCA is the place to be for the most exciting roller hockey action in the area. Develop your skating ability while learning the basics of hockey. The YMCA provides equipment and instruction through skill training and game play. Participant must provide their own hockey helmet with face guard and roller blades.

Flag Football League Coed (Grades K-2)
The League is open to boys and girls ages 5 -8. Program will focus on layers “skills development” and “building confidence” for all kids. Children will enjoy playing in our fun flag football youth program that promotes fitness and teaches youngsters valuable football lessons about teamwork and fair play. Practice starts on September 13th. Games start in September. Play off will be in November. Registration begins in August. We are looking for Team Sponsors and volunteers.

Flag Football (6-8 yrs)
YMCA Flag Football "Huddle Up" for Fun! Flag football is an increasingly popular version of American football that was designed to minimize injuries that playing tackle football could bring. This program offers instruction on the fundamentals of football and game play. The games are safe, fun and exciting while offering positive competition. Smaller football for smaller hands, modified rules for safer play and fewer players on field for greater success!

Tennis (5-10 yrs)
Basic skills, including scoring, forehand, backhand, and footwork, are presented each week to introduce players to the game of tennis. Held indoors in the Y Gym, participants will have fun learning the skills and building stamina needed to succeed! Player will hit and hit, again and again. All levels welcome. We supply all the equipment.

Basketball (4-10 yrs)
Join us as we teach the basics of dribbling, shooting, passing, and offensive and defense sets. Basketball is a co-ed skill development program. Players learn the fundamentals of basketball in a pre-competitive environment where they focus on learning the game, not playing to win. pg_13(1)

Baseball (4-13 yrs)
If you are a beginner or more experienced player looking to hone your skills, this class is for you. Hitting, base running, throwing and catching are all included. We believe that everyone gets to play and that winning is not everything, learning how to play is. This program will emphasize fun-damentals, skill development, character development, teamwork and sportsmanship. We want youngsters going away feeling good about themselves.

Tae Kwon Do (7 yrs-Adult)
A great family program! Individuals are also welcome. Improve yourself in body, mind and spirit. Develop your blocking, kicking and punching techniques emphasizing the traditional philosophy and discipline of Tae Kwon Do. Improve your confidence and ability to focus while relieving stress and learning self defense. Participants should wear a Gi.

“Tot Kwon Do” (5-6 yrs)
This program was developed specifically for young children ages 5 through 6. This program offers children a strong foundation in essential character qualities such as courtesy, respect, and discipline. In addition, the program is designed to improve children's motor skills and enhance their ability to pay attention and follow directions. All classes are taught using the most safe, fun, and exciting instruction methods available for this age group. Participants should wear a Gi.

Softball (10-12 yrs)
Designed for those who want to fine-tune their skills or learn how to play softball, this program includes instruction on the fundamentals of hitting, catching, and fielding as well as strategy and game-like situations. The YMCA softball clinic is a great place for players to learn the fundamentals of softball in a fun, low-stress environment.

All Sorts of Sports (3-10 yrs)
Join us as we introduce players to wide range of sports and games to enhance their athletic experiences. Sports include soccer, basketball, baseball, football and more. Basic physical and social skills are taught. Games change weekly, so be ready to have some fun!

You Pick the Sport (Grades 1-3)
Children choose which sports and games they want to play. Variety of indoor sports like Basketball, Hockey, Volleyball, Kickball, Tennis, 4-Square, and outdoor sports like Baseball, Tennis, Soccer, Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Lacrosse, Kickball and more.

Jungle Gym (3-5 yrs)
Have fun, get fit & be creative with your favorite jungle animals. Weekly stories, crafts, games and exercise.

Kiddy Kickz (3-6 yrs)
The Kiddy Kickz program is designed to give young soccer players a FUN introduction to soccer in a safe & enjoyable environment. This program is a unique soccer experience that combines children's general interests & hobbies into fun soccer related activities. These activities are designed to engage the players into performing basic soccer skills & fundamentals, providing them an excellent introduction & head start towards their soccer careers.

Drills 4 Skills (6-15 yrs)
The Drills 4 Skills program is designed to supplement the individual player in their quest to improve their technical ball skills, confidence & fitness. This program will challenge players at all abilities in every technical aspect required to raise their game to the next level. Speed of execution & decision-making are also areas of focus to ensure relevant
skills are performed efficiently as well as effectively on the field.

Racquetball (7-10 yrs)
If you want to learn how to play racquetball, you won’t find a better program anywhere else. Here is an opportunity for you to have some fun and get ready for tournaments in no time. This is a sport with simple rules that anyone can learn. Space limited to 8 participants, so sign up quick.

Youth Basketball League Coed (Grades K -8) (Fall Session)

An opportunity for your child to learn the fundamentals of basketball and enjoy a healthy competition in a value based program. Practices are on Saturdays and games are played on Saturday so family members are available to cheer the players on. League practices begin in November, while games begin in January and conclude in March. All children receive a team t-shirt and a trophy. Team sponsorships are available. Registration starts on October 1st, 2009. You can register in person or on-line. If you register on-line please download, complete and return "Youth Basketball Registration Form" to West Essex YMCA. Click here to download Registration Form . For more information call (973) 992.7500