Tag Archives: alberta

Join in January and We will Waive the Joining Fee

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YMCA Calgary will be waiving the joining fee in January!

This January, YMCA is making it easier than ever to get involved and make a difference in your health and wellness. For the first time ever, YMCA is waiving the joining fee! Join in January and you’ll save up to $75.00.

Because YMCA Calgary understands that every dollar counts, especially now. Take control and join a community that will keep you motivated to reach all your health goals.

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Get started today!

 

NBA LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE ALL-STAR 2016 PROGRAMMING ACROSS 14 CANADIAN CITIES IN 10 PROVINCES

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– Bell NBA All-Star Challenge Presented by AIRMILES Invites Canada’s Top Competitors on All-Expenses Paid Trip to Compete at NBA All-Star 2016 –

– BMO All-Star Kidsfest at the YMCA Includes Jr. NBA Clinics, NBA Cares Activities, and More –

TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2015 – The NBA today announced a nationwide All-Star 2016 program that will bring the excitement of All-Star to 14 Canadian cities in 10 provinces from November through February.
Anchored by the BMO Financial Group (BMO) NBA All-Star Kidsfest at the YMCA and the Bell NBA All-Star Challenge presented by AIRMILES, the events will take place in Calgary, Charlottetown, Edmonton, Fredericton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Regina, Sherbrooke, St. John’s, Toronto, Vancouver, Windsor and Winnipeg. NBA Global Ambassador and Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo and former NBA players Muggsy Bogues and Ron Harper, among others, will interact with fans across the country as they participate in All-Star-themed events and basketball activities, including appearances by NBA mascots and NBA team dancers.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring NBA All-Star 2016 programming to 14 cities across the country,” said NBA Canada Vice President and Managing Director Dan MacKenzie. “As part of our largest grassroots initiative in Canada to date, these events will allow us to grow the game in the birthplace of basketball while also providing top young talent with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend NBA All-Star. We thank our partners BMO, Bell, AIRMILES, Samsung and the YMCA for helping us make these events possible.”

Each event will tip off with the BMO NBA All-Star Kidsfest at the YMCA, an interactive family-friendly event featuring Jr. NBA clinics and NBA Cares activities such as dance classes led by NBA dancers, and a youth art program that invites the community to design a canvas that will be displayed during NBA All-Star 2016 in February. The YMCA is the community partner of Kidsfest, where young sports enthusiasts will also have the chance to try their hand at news making through the popular BMO Junior Reporter Contest.

The Bell NBA All-Star Challenge presented by AIRMILES, which builds on Bell’s commitment to growing basketball across the country and developing homegrown talent, invites basketball enthusiasts ages 14 and older to realize their All-Star dreams and show off their talent. A cross-country initiative to identify and showcase the country’s next generation of rising stars, the Challenge will invite Canada’s top three-point 2 shooters, skills challenge competitors and dunkers on an all-expenses paid trip to compete for a national title at NBA All-Star 2016 in Toronto. The regional challenges will be held at local universities and tie into each school’s basketball games.

In addition, ambassadors from Samsung Canada will be onsite at each event to provide fans and participants with the ability to personalize their own videos from the events with footage from NBA All-Star 2015.

NBA All-Star 2016 will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the birth of basketball. Toronto also hosted the first game in NBA history on Nov. 1, 1946 at Maple Leaf Gardens. NBA All-Star 2016 in Toronto is the first NBA All-Star to be held outside of the United States.

For more information on the nationwide NBA All-Star 2016 programming and to learn about the events in each market, visit www.nba.com/allstarevents. Fans can follow @NBACanada on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates and unique content.

NBA ALL-STAR TOUR – CALGARY INFORMATION

  • Thursday, January 7 – 6:30-7:30pm Jr. Clinic at Shawnessy YMCA – 400 333 Shawville Blvd SE
  • Friday, January 8 – 530pm-8pm (Clinic 6-645pm & 7-745pm)
    BMO All-Star Kidsfest on Friday Night at Saddletowne YMCA – 7555 Falconridge Blvd.  NE
  • Sunday, January 10 – 10:30-11:30am  Jr. Clinic at Crowfoot YMCA – 8100 John Laurie Blvd N.W

NBA ALL-STAR TOUR DATES LOCATION
Thursday, Nov. 19 – Sunday, Nov. 22 – Winnipeg, MB
Thursday, Nov. 19 – Sunday, Nov. 22 – St. John’s, NL
Thursday, Nov. 26 – Sunday, Nov. 29 – Toronto, ON
Thursday, Nov. 26 –Sunday, Nov. 29 – Fredericton, NB
Thursday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 6 – Regina, SK
Thursday, Dec. 3 – Sunday, Dec. 6 – Montreal, QC
Thursday, Jan. 7 – Sunday, Jan. 10 – Calgary, AB
Thursday, Jan. 7 – Sunday, Jan. 10 – Charlottetown, PEI
Thursday, Jan. 14 – Sunday, Jan. 17 – Halifax, NS
Thursday, Jan. 14 – Sunday, Jan. 17 – Windsor, ON
Thursday, Jan. 21 – Sunday, Jan. 24 – Edmonton, AB
Thursday, Jan. 21 – Sunday, Jan. 24 – Vancouver, BC
Thursday, Jan. 28 – Sunday, Jan. 31 – Ottawa, ON
Thursday, Jan. 28 – Sunday, Jan. 31 – Sherbrooke, QC
Thursday, Feb. 4 – Sunday, Feb. 7 – Toronto, ON

About NBA All-Star 2016
NBA All-Star 2016 in Toronto – the first All-Star to be held outside of the U.S. – will bring together some of the most talented and passionate players in the league’s history for a global celebration of the game. The 65th NBA All-Star Game, which will take place Sunday, Feb. 14 at the Air Canada Centre, will reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages. TNT will televise the All-Star Game in the U.S. for the 14th consecutive year, marking Turner Sports’ 31st year of All-Star coverage. The Air Canada Centre will also host the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, Feb. 12 and State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on Saturday, Feb. 13. Other events at NBA All-Star 2016 include the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, the NBA Development League All-Star Game presented by Kumho Tire and the NBA Development League Dream Factory.

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Contact for more information
Tiffany Fisher, NBA Canada, 416-680-2062 or TiFisher@nba.com

Create a positive Child Minding experience for you and your child

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When the needs of a child guide parents and caregivers in their actions, it helps children to have positive experiences that support them in their growth and development.

YMCA Calgary aims to provide your child with a safe, caring and stimulating environment – one filled with lots of opportunities for them to explore and learn as they play.

We know that it is very important to have open, positive relationships between parents and caregivers so communication is effective. This allows children to make connections between their home and the broader community while gaining an understanding that the adults in their life are working together… for them!

YMCA Child Minding areas are places children become very familiar with as they gain confidence for being away from their parent. In the Child Minding area they develop relationships of their own with other children as well as the staff and volunteer caregivers. As a values based organization we pride ourselves on providing opportunities for children to learn about, and practice behaviours of, respect, responsibility, caring and honesty. In the child minding areas you can see this –

  • When children observe caregivers and parents warmly greeting and calmly speaking with one another
  • When check in and sign out processes are smooth and worry free for children, parents and caregivers
  • When children clean up the toy or piece of equipment they were playing with prior to leaving the area
  • When caregivers let the phone go to voice mail while they play and engage with children. Messages can be picked up in a few moments, a wonderful play moment shouldn’t be interrupted
  • When a parent or caregiver voices a concern to the other adult and they hear each other out prior to determining how they can best work together to support the child

YMCA staff and volunteers want all children to feel comfortable and happy within the Child Minding area. They truly enjoy working with the children and are committed to providing them with the care and attention they need.

For more information about YMCA Child Minding areas visit our website at http://www.ymcacalgary.org/childminding/

 

Reminder: Child Minding Block Booking for winter 2016 Session (Jan 4 – Mar 20, 2016)

YMCA Members     Book beginning Monday, November 23, 2015

Non-Members       Book beginning Monday, December 7, 2015

 

 

 

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Community Wellness Day

Come to our community wellness day!

Saturday October 3rd 2015 – 9:30am – 1pm

Non-profits and health & wellness businesses will have booths set up in the common area through the facility.

There will be a seminar focused on seniors as well as teddy bear activities throughout the complex for younger children, including the outdoor courtyard led by YMCA.

There will also be free admission to the YMCA.

Please note that registration is required for the senior events (call 403 290 5755) and those attending the teddy bear events should bring their favorite doll!

Hope to see you there!

SCWF Adults

Activities for Seniors

SCWF Youth bear

Activities For Children

Beat the heat this summer

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Summer is one of the most active times of the year for many children and families. Outdoor activities increase as the days get longer. It is important for people to take the proper precautions with the rising temperatures and sun exposure throughout the day. Being active in the heat can be fun, but it can also pose a danger if you do not allow your body sufficient time to cool down. Here are a few ideas to beat the heat this summer:

  • Drink plenty of water: It is important to stay hydrated. Make sure to carry a full water bottle with you at all times.
  • Shower or bathe frequently in cool water: It will help you stay cool by lowering your body temperature and making you feel refreshed.
  • Make sure to wear Sunscreen: Wear sunscreen as it helps keep ultraviolet rays from damaging the skin. Dressing in light, loose clothing that covers bare skin is another sun-safe move.
  • Have a family swim: Find a local pool or splash pad to spend the afternoon at while keeping cool. Perhaps one of the local YMCA Calgary pools?
  • Take advantage of the cooler times of the day for activities: Early mornings and later evenings are the best times for strenuous activity.
  • Enjoy a cool treat: Ice cream, popsicles or freezies are enjoyable at any age. Or, try frozen fruit snacks such as grapes and bananas.
  • Look for inside or shade activities: Arts and crafts, reading or a favourite family board game are a great way to take a break from the mid-day heat.

girl swimming

 

Summer fun for the entire family!

 

Shawnessy YMCA Childcare – A new look for the outdoor play yard.

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The Shawnessy Child Development Centre has some very happy children. With summer fast approaching and outdoor play time lengthening, staff decided it was time to clean and revamp the outdoor play yard with some new toys and equipment. After all of the current equipment was removed from the play yard to be cleaned, the children had a few things to say about where the climbers and play house had disappeared to:

  • “It was sucked up into the ground!”
  • “The shed ate the climbers and slide!  It is going to burst!”
  • “Someone took them and put them in the grass area.  We will need to talk to someone about that.”
  • “Now we can ride the bikes all over and not worry about anything else.”
  • “What is going on here?  Trudy will have to figure this out.”

Equipment has now been returned to the play yard, along with some new structures for creative adventures – take a look!

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Self-Care in Times of Stress

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iStock_000040737660_DoubleWith the economy shifting around us, now more than ever, is the time to focus on the well-being of yourself and your family. YMCA Calgary is dedicated to providing programs and opportunities for Calgarians to stay active, manage stress and strengthen connections in our communities.

We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate at the YMCA. If you have been impacted by job loss or other financial challenges and are unsure about continuing your membership, please talk to us about how we can accommodate you.

As always, our YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and adult-focused Opportunity Fund are also available to ensure that everyone has the ability to have a YMCA experience.

If you have questions, please contact our Membership Team or the General Manager of your YMCA location.

FREE Weekend in the Mountains for Flood affected families!

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Camp Chief Hector YMCA is offering free weekends for ANYONE affected by the 2013 Southern Alberta Floods! 

Flood Relief Respite Weekends poster - 2015We are welcoming everyone affected by the 2013 floods, no matter how great or small, to spend a weekend at Camp Chief Hector YMCA to rejuvenate in the mountains.

Enjoy activities such as:

  • Archery
  • Canoeing
  • Hiking
  • High and Low Ropes Courses
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Bouldering and Climbing Wall
  • Massage Therapy is available

These weekends are FREE and are provided at no cost. Funding is generously provided by the Government of Alberta and are designed to encourage building strong relationships within your community.

For more information about the schedule and what to expect, click here.

Call 403-269-6156 or 1-866-430-9622  to register.

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