Youth Development
Nurturing the potential of every child and teen.
We believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That's why, through the Y, hundreds of youth in the Kandiyohi County Area are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors and better health.
Child Care
Experiences during the early years of life influence how children view their world, how they relate to others and their ability to succeed as learners. The YMCA Child Care curriculum acts as a teaching guide to support all aspects of a child's development, which includes:
- To support and strengthen the family unit
- To help children develop to their fullest potential
- To create a safe and positive environment
- To teach, model, celebrate, practice and praise
- To reinforce the Y’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility
- Recognizing the importance of social/emotional development
- Taking advantage of every opportunity to build a foundation for lifelong learning
- Observing and documenting each child's development to allow for differentiated instruction and individual guidance
With so many demands on today's families, parents need all the support they can get. That's why child care at the Y is about more than looking after kids. It's about nurturing their development by providing a safe place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships and build self-reliance.
Click here for a Child Care Center Flyer
Hours of operation: 6:45 AM – 5:45 PM
Program Features
- Qualified teachers and assistant teachers trained in education, CPR & First Aid
- Weekly themes, letters, numbers and character values
- Learning centers like reading, art, family living and small manipulatives
- Daily lesson plans provide time for outdoor activities in a newly remodeled child friendly playground
- Second Step, an outstanding conflict resolution curriculum designed specifically for preschool-aged children
- An active Parent Advisory Committee
Tour/Enrollment Information
Contact Troy or Kari, at 320-231-7050 to schedule a tour. Upon enrollment, necessary paperwork will be recorded, along with current immunization records and health history.
Swim, Sports & Play
The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active and developing healthy habits they'll carry with them throughout their lives. And the benefits are far greater than just physical health. Whether it's gaining the confidence that comes from learning to swim or building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, participating in sports at the Y is about building the whole child, from the inside out. We offer great programs like:
YMCA Progressive Swim Lessons
Classes are offered for participants 6 months of age through adult. In each swim level your child will learn YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, along with personal safety, personal growth, stroke development and water games and rescue. Children 3 to 36 months can participate in our Parent/Child Swim classes; 3-5 years start in our Pre-K swimmer program; Children 6 and older can start in our youth progressive lessons.
Still have questions? Contact Tom, Aquatics Coordinator or Christy, Aquatics Director at (320) 222-9622.
Click here for the Gym, Pool and Group Exercise Schedules
Youth Fitness
Training Classes
Babysitter Training
Lifeguard Training
Day Camp
Day Camp registration is now open and will continue throughout the summer. Contact Troy or Ryan at 222-9622 for detailed camp information or to receive the digital Day Camp Newsletter which contains everything you need to know for a fun and successful summer. You can also view a photo gallery of Day Camp over the past 10 years.
(PDF) Download Day Camp Registration Form or Register Online
With a commitment to nurturing the potential of children and teens, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, Day Camp ensures that every individual has access to the essentials needed to learn, grow and thrive.
Whether it's swimming or singing, canoeing or climbing, YMCA Day Camps have led kids in developing good values - and having fun - for more than 130 years. Today it's the YMCA's most widely offered program nationwide.
For kids, Day Camp is a fun way to enjoy the summer. Kids have fun while they learn how to make new friends, build new skills and grow in self-reliance. For moms and dads, it's a way to give their children a positive developmental experience. Day Camp also serves as quality childcare for many parents who work outside the home.
Birthday Parties
Let Y staff organize your child's special day! Two hour parties feature a flexible schedule with options for swimming, play time in the Gymnasium or Kids’ Gym, table games in The Center and a private room for gift opening, food and fun.
All birthday parties are scheduled by contacting Sarah at sarahj@kandiymca.org or by calling her at the Y at (320) 222-9622. In the case that she is not present to take your call in person, please leave a message and she will contact you as soon possible. Please schedule your party in advance to allow us to schedule staff and prepare for your special event.
Birthday Party Tips:
- Parties may be reserved for any two hour block when space is available – call Sarah for availability.
- All swimmers must wear a proper swimsuit and bring their own towel.
- Socks are required for play in the Kids’ Gym.
- Some areas of the facility are scheduled for Y programs on various dates and times and may not be availability for party use. Sarah will guide you through all options.
- For the safety of all swimmers, the Aquatic Center has additional rules which must be followed. Click here to view the Aquatic Center Guidelines.
BIRTHDAY PARTY OPTIONS