New Haven YMCA Youth Center
Building Confident Swimmers & Lifeguards
Becoming an Aquatic Leader
As part of the Aquatic Leader Program, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to swim while learning how to be safe in and around water, progressing into stroke development and endurance. Participants will move through the program as they become stronger, more confident swimmers.
Additionally, program participants will have the opportunity to take part in the Learn to Guard portion of the program after developing the swim skills and endurance needed to meet the prerequisites of the Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Program.
The Aquatic Leaders Program meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 4:45pm-5:30pm at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center. For more information, please email Jess at jskolozdra@cccymca.org or call 203-776-9622.
Run, Support, Have Fun
Hamden/North Haven YMCA & New Haven YMCA Youth Center Family Color Run/5K Trail Run
Come join in a great cause to support the Hamden/ North Haven and New Haven YMCA Youth Center’s Annual Campaigns. There are lots of ways to register!
Register online at hnhymca.org or newhavenymca.org.
Register in person at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center front desk.
Register race day from 9:00am-9:30am at Camp Mountain Laurel located at 2705 Downes Road Hamden CT, 06518
Pre-registration fees are $30 for the color run and $40 for the 5K trail run. Race day registration is $35 for the color run and $45 for the 5K trail run.
The first 100 pre-registered participants will receive a Y giveaway. Water stations will be available throughout the event. Race line Start Services will be providing the bibs and pins for all the 5K Trail runners.
WHEN: May 17, 2025
WHERE: 2705 Downes Road Hamden CT, 06518
RACE TIME: 10:00am for family color run & 10:30am for the 5K Trail Run
Registration opens: December 9
Fun With Friends
Walk-In Program
At YMCA Walk-In Program participants build self-esteem, values and leadership skills. Our Walk-In Program provides a safe environment where teens & young adults can focus on developing confidence and character with trained professionals guiding them. Participants will be able to take part in open gym basketball, the Learn to Swim & Learn to Guard Program, open swim, and have access to computers for homework support on scheduled days.
OPEN GYM
WHEN: Monday through Friday
TIME: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Learn To Swim & Learn To Guard Program
WHEN: Thursdays
TIME: 4:45pm-5:30pm
*Applications for the Walk-in Program can be found at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center located at 52 Howe Street New Haven, CT 06511.
FIND YOUR JOY, AND SHARE IT!
As we near the end of another year, we are filled with hope and optimism. Every day we are reminded of the power of community – whether it’s a child blowing bubbles underwater for the first time, a person running their first 5K, or a teenager realizing the power of volunteering through leadership programs.
These milestones are possible because of the unwavering support from people like you.
The power of the Y—and the power of community—is everyday people supporting each other in creating a better life.
While we celebrate each milestone, we know there is more work to be done. Children, families, and adults continue to need support, and the Y is committed to meeting those needs. But we can’t do it alone. We need caring neighbors like you.
With the magic of the giving season upon us, we ask you to find your joy and share it with others. Your support can mean the world to your neighbors in need.
Your gift will make a meaningful difference in so many lives.
Winter 1 Program Guide
Please browse our Winter 1 Program Guide and discover opportunities to kick off the new year with a fresh start! Whether you’re looking to have your child try something new, begin a new routine, or meet new kids, we may have what’s right for you. This season is the perfect time to refocus or make small adjustments to current habits that can lead to big, positive changes. Register for a YMCA Winter 1 Program.
Winter 1 Session runs January 5-March 1, 2025
Registration Opens for Members on December 16, for Program Participants on December 23.
Unlimited Potential
Teen Leaders Club
“A good leader inspires others with confidence in him; a great leader inspires them with confidence in themselves.”
Join us on Thursdays at 6:30 pm for the Hamden/North Haven YMCA & New Haven YMCA Youth Center’s Teen Leaders Club! Invite your friends!
Leaders is a Nationwide YMCA program for Middle School and High School teens that teaches leadership skills through community service, volunteerism, and personal growth.
In Teen Leaders Club you will have fun and can…
• Meet other teens from our community and from the New England area.
• Be a leader in the YMCA and in the community.
• Plan events and field trips.
• Participate in regional leadership retreats.
• Earn volunteer service hours and recommendations.
WHEN: Weekly club meetings will be held on Thursdays at 6:30pm for about an hour and a half.
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center 50 Howe Street, New Haven
HOW TO REGISTER: Show up anytime! New leaders can participate in two meetings before making the decision to join. For more information, contact Mush by calling 203-776-9622
Learn to Swim, Learn to Guard Program
Introducing a new program for teen and adult participants focusing on learning to swim then progressing to developing the skills lifeguards need to possess to attain certification. **Scholarship assistance may be available to help offset the cost of the program. Please reach out to Jessica Skolozdra, jskolozdra@cccymca.org.
WHEN: Tuesdays & Thursdays, must attend both days each week
TIME: 4:45pm-5:30pm
FEE: Member: $98/Program Participant: $196
Lifeguard Certification Course
The Lifeguarding course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize and respond to aquatic emergencies and to provide professional-level care for breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until emergency medical services (EMS) personnel take over. Must be 15 years or older to take the class. All classes must be attended. Registration does not guarantee certification.
The class is at no cost to the participant pending a successful reference and background check, and an agreement to work at the Hamden/North Haven YMCA & New Haven YMCA Youth Center for six months.
WHEN: December 27 and 28 or February 15 and 16.
TIME: 10:00am-4:00pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $250/Program Participant: $350
Soccer
Learn the basics of soccer while having fun and practicing with friends! Each week will be dedicated to learning a different skill and each session will conclude with a game.
WHEN: Thursdays: 4:45-5:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50/Program Participant: $100
Kids Zumba
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Kids Zumba is the way to go! Kids Zumba is movement through dance combined with Spanish language.
WHEN: Thursdays: 4:45pm-5:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50 Program Participant: $100
Dance for Beginners
Learn the basics of dance with us each week developing skills and confidence, while making friends and having fun!
AGES: 5-10 years old
WHEN: Tuesdays, 6:00pm-7:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $85 Program Participant: $170
Youth Basketball
Learn the basic skills of basketball from our experienced staff members. Kids will learn how to dribble, shoot, and pass while learning the importance of teamwork.
WHEN: Tuesdays: 4:45pm-5:30pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50 Program Participant: $100
Get Crafty – Canvas Painting
Grab your creativity and unleash your inner artist! Our Arts & Crafts guru will lead fun activities that can be brought home at the end of each class.
WHEN: Thursdays: 5:30-6:15pm
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $65/Community: $130
Summer Day Camp
WELCOME TO SUMMER DAY CAMP!
The YMCA believes all kids have great potential and deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. At YMCA day camp kids and teens can develop skills, self-confidence, new friendships and a sense of belonging – all while having tons of fun.
In order to have fun and thrive, kids of all ages need to feel both physically and emotionally safe. When you drop your child off at a camp, you can rest assured that their total well-being will be supported. Safety is always our number one priority! We keep kids healthy and safe while providing enriching experiences. As a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of youth, the Y has been a leader in providing summer camp for over 130 years. Our experienced and caring staff and volunteers model the positive core Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility that help build character.
Learn More: 2025 YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel Day Camp Brochure, YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel 2025 Day Camp Parent Handbook and YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel FAQs
Registration Forms: 2025 YMCA Camp Mountain Laurel Day Camp Registration Packet-Fillable
If your child will require special assistance or medicine while at camp, these forms may also be required: Individual Care Plan_Medicine Authorization
Financial assistance is available for families who need it to ensure that all kids in our community can have enriching summer experiences. These forms are required to apply: Financial Assistance Forms
If your child is 14-15 years of age, they may be interested in our Counselor in Training program. In our CIT program, they will receive valuable job interviewing skills, child care training, leadership experience, team building, and problem-solving skills. To apply please fill out the application and contact the Y for an interview. CIT Application Form
Our camp programs fill up fast, so make plans to reserve your spot.
Eat Smart Be Active Together
Nutrition Education Program
Join us at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center for the beginning of our Family Nutrition Education Program. The program will be a six part, monthly series, running through August 2025.
The Eating Mart-Being Active Workshop curriculum will center around hands-on activities to reinforce learning and apply new skills, including food preparation, food tasting, and physical activity. This program is open to all families, free of charge.
WHEN: December 17, January 21, February 18, March 18, April 15, May 20, June 17, July 15, August 19
TIME: 3:00-4:00pm
HOW TO REGISTER: Register at the front desk at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center or by emailing Aishah abrice@cccymca.org
No School, No Problem
Y Vacation Club and Y Fun Club
Children can enjoy planned vacation days or emergency school closing days at the Y, lead by staff members from our school age child care program. They’ll be with others they already know and that you trust. (Pre-registration and additional fees may apply).
Upcoming Vacation Club Days include: December 23, 26, 27, and 30
For additional information, please contact or email Aishah Brice at abrice@cccymca.org or Melissa DePino at mdepino@cccymca.org to register.
LOCATION: New Haven YMCA Youth Center 50 Howe Street New Haven, CT 06511
After School Child Care
FIND YOUR HOMEWORK HELPER
The Y is here to meet your school age child care needs! Our program combines academics with play, and offers a caring and safe environment where kids can achieve, feel a sense of belonging, build friendships and explore new interests. Once homework is complete and snacks finished, Y staff will lead the participants in various enrichment activities including STEAM, kids fitness and fine arts.
We help kids reach their potential and thrive in a safe, trustworthy setting. We offer a curriculum that aligns with the school day and supports growth in literacy, science, math, science, engineering, arts and technology (STEAM) while infusing the arts, physical activity, and fun. We teach kids confidence, encourage self-expression and enrich social development. Providing our youth with the support, encouragement and positive role models that they need, will not only increase their ability to succeed in school but in life. For families, we offer peace of mind knowing that your child is in a safe and educational program building new relationships and achieving more.
As a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, supporting their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development. The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA continues to give youth an enriching and safe experience. Our experienced and caring staff and volunteers model the positive core Y values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility that help build character. Our core values are woven throughout our child care program to create a warm, nurturing, home away from home. Your child’s growth, development, and education are important to us, as we do our best to ensure their future is bright.
Everyone belongs at the Y. To ensure that all youth have the chance to participate, the Y offers financial assistance to those in need. Please talk with us to learn more. If you’d like to help send a child to child care, you can donate easily on our web site or at our Y. We also participate in the State of CT Care4Kids program.
2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR REGISTRATION
Please review our NHYYC 2024 2025 SACC Brochure and NHYYC 2024 2025 SACC Parent Handbook. To register, please fill out our 2024_2025 CCCY SACC Registration Packet and if necessary and Individual Care Plan_Medicine Authorization form. Financial aid may be available, to apply please fill out the CCCY Financial Assistance Application_C4K Forms.
2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR REGISTRATION
Please review our NHYYC 2025 2026 SACC Brochure and NHYYC 2025 2026 SACC Parent Handbook. To register, please fill out our 2025_2026 CCC YMCA School Aged Child Care Registration Packet-Fillable and if necessary and Individual Care Plan_Medicine Authorization form. Financial aid may be available, to apply please fill out the CCCY Financial Assistance Application_C4K Forms.
Building New Skills
Early Learning Toddler and Preschool Programs
Our child care programs allow parents to answer the inevitable questions: Where can my child be safe and learn what they need to know to be prepared for school, and for life?
The New Haven YMCA Youth Center provides an OEC licensed toddler program for 1-2 year-olds, a School-Readiness program and a NAEYC accredited Preschool program for 3-5 year-olds. All programs are full day and year round.
We are proud to be helping youngsters gain self-confidence and social skills while developing positive attitudes about school and learning! Please take a look at our brochure: NHYYC-2024-2025-ELC-Brochure and the answers to frequently asked questions.
All the forms and information you’ll need is right here. Click on any item from the listing below to get started!
2024-25-CCC-YMCA-Early-Learning-Child-Care-Registration-Packet-Fillable
2024_2025 NHYYC Early Learning Parent Handbook
CCCY-Financial-Assistance-Application-Materials
Care 4 Kids helps low to moderate income families in Connecticut pay for child care costs. This program is sponsored by the State of Connecticut’s Department of Social Services (also called DSS).
Take What You Need, Give What You Can
Dwight Community Fridge
Together, we’re dedicated to strengthening the community by giving back and supporting our neighbors. The Dwight Community Fridge is located at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center, located at 50 Howe Street in New Haven. It is designed as a “take what you need, leave what you can” program. The community fridge project happily accepts donations of prepackaged, prepared meals, fresh produce, dairy, non-perishables, snacks, and more. It is available to the community daily based on the schedule below.
Community fridges act as a grassroots response to the food insecurity crisis. They are especially critical in neighborhoods where traditional forms of food assistance are difficult to access. For instance, individuals without cars are often unable to reach food bank locations. The goal is to reduce food insecurity by providing free, direct access to nutritious food made possible through community partnerships, local food stores and restaurants, along with Yale University students and farms. On any given day, the fridge is full with items including fresh produce, prepared meals, bottles of water, milk, frozen foods, bakery items, eggs, bread, grab and go snacks, cereal and more! Food is provided by community members, restaurants, local chefs, urban farmers, grocers and food pantries.
When: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-8:00pm / Saturday & Sunday, 10:00am-7:00pm
Where: New Haven YMCA Youth Center, 50 Howe Street, New Haven
How: Donation of items can be made Monday- Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm at the New Haven YMCA Youth Center
Arts & Crafts
An instructed creative art class focusing on exploration and self discovery. Our arts & crafts guru will lead this seasonally themed craft class.
WHEN: Saturdays: 10:30am-11:15am
WHERE: New Haven YMCA Youth Center
FEE: Member: $50/Program Participant: $100
Refer Your Friends to Join the Y!
When a friend you’ve referred joins the Y, we’ll thank you by giving you a FREE membership month.
There’s no limit to how many friends you refer and there’s no limit to how many FREE months you can receive.
Being with friends is always more fun for you and your family.
Take advantage of sharing the Y with your friends today!
YMCA360 ON-DEMAND AND LIVE
At the YMCA we believe that when people experience all that our Y has to offer, they will be drawn into supportive, healthier relationships with one another and their community.
YMCA360 is an on-demand video platform for our Y community. YMCA360 offers 2500+ group exercise classes, youth sports training, well-being classes and more to serve you wherever you are. Whether you are at home or on the road, take the Y with you along with your favorite classes, instructors and more. Watch this brief introduction!
These programs are free to all full-facility members of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCAs.
From your desktop, laptop, tablet, smart TV or mobile device, YMCA360 is available wherever you are with an internet connection. Instructions for access:
- Please visit ymca360.org
- Click the login button
- Enter your email address, click continue
- Enter your zip code, click continue
- Click your YMCA
- You will receive a 6 digit email code, via email
- Enter this code, click continue
- You will be let in!
Please reach out to the Y with questions or check our YMCA360 FAQs for CCCY Members. If you have a recommendation for a new program, please let us know.
Y Aquatic Safety Guidelines
Our lifeguards are here to ensure your safety and have the authority to restrict any behavior deemed unsafe. Y members and guests must follow all safety guidelines or may be asked to leave the pool area.
- State health codes require all persons to shower with warm water and soap before entering the swimming pool.
- Wear appropriate swimming attire in the water at all times. T-shirts, shorts, cut-offs and street clothing are not appropriate.
- A parent/guardian, at least eighteen (18) years of age, who is a Y member, must accompany any child five (5) years of age and younger in the water at all times. Parents/guardians, of children seven (7) years of age and younger who have passed the swim test must remain on the pool deck. All swimmers eight (8) years of age and older who have passed the swim test may use the pool on their own.
- Any non-swimmer must have an adult accompany them in the water and be within arm’s reach.
- Children who are not potty trained should wear two layers of accident protection, a waterproof swim diaper and a bathing suit, at all times while in the swimming pool. For privacy and sanitary reasons, please refrain from changing children on the swimming pool deck.
- If you have a communicable or infectious disease or an open sore, please do not enter the swimming pool area.
- Spitting and nose blowing in the pool, pool areas and locker rooms are not permitted.
- For everyone’s safety, the swimming pool will be closed during lightning and thunderstorms and will not reopen until thirty (30) minutes after the last occurrence of either.
- Walk, do not run, to avoid injury.
- Pushing, dunking and rough play are not permitted.
- For your safety, diving is only permitted in water at least nine (9) feet in depth. Do not perform back-flips, back-dives, twists or any other type of flip that may cause injury to yourself or others.
- Extended breath holding activities may cause blackouts and are strictly prohibited.
- United States Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices can be used in the shallow end of the pool. They should be properly sized and in good condition. Persons wearing the device must be accompanied by adult in the water within arm’s reach.
- Y equipment is for Y programs only. Starting and diving blocks are not for public use. Inflatable pool toys and flotation devices are not permitted.
- Glass containers, food, and gum are not allowed on the swimming pool deck.
- Please do not sit, play, hang or lie on the lane lines.
- Before entering the deep end of the swimming pool, all swimmers must complete the swim test including an unassisted 25-yard non-stop swim and a thirty (30) second tread which will be recorded in our log. The lifeguard may administer a swim test at any time.
- Stop, look and listen when you hear the lifeguard’s whistle blow.
- Have fun, be safe and keep your language and behavior family friendly.
2/2023