By: Mary Genson | Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle | Published September 7, 2022
BIRMINGHAM — As the Birmingham Family YMCA’s summer sessions come to a close, they are in preparation for a fun-filled fall.
This summer, a major component of the YMCA’s programming was summer camps. Executive Director Kelly Stubbe said they saw over 100 children every day.
Students participated in STEM activities, crafts, field trips and more throughout camp.
“It was definitely successful,” Stubbe said. “It has been feeling a lot more normal than it has in the past, and we are excited that we were able to grow our camp program this summer and give families the care that they needed while also providing the fun stuff too.”
Now that summer programs have wrapped up, the YMCA is starting its fall season of programs and events.
“Our programs are open to everybody, so if someone wants to try something out, we’re happy to talk with them and show them around,” Stubbe said.
Some of the newer programs that the YMCA will be offering this year are youth cooking and craft classes.
“Children can learn real life skills to use in the kitchen and stretch their creativity with art projects involving painting, sculpture and weaving,” Youth and Family Program Director Haley Gumenick said.
The Youth Cooking Class that will be offered this year is designed for children ages 5-11. Students will learn the fundamentals of cooking and food safety in this class. Each week, students will have the opportunity to develop new skills and make food that fits a unique theme each week.
The first session for this class will run 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 6-Oct. 18. Another session will follow.
The Youth Craft Class is meant for the same age range as the cooking class and will run 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays Sept. 8-Oct. 20.
Similar to the cooking class, this craft class will guide students through their learning of the basics of crafting and tool safety. Each themed lesson will build on skills learned in the past lessons.
“We also craft our classes to build each week, so children should feel like they are actually mastering some skills by the end of our sessions together,” Gumenick said.
While the big kids are away at school, the YMCA also offers programs available during school hours, such as Prep and Play, a pre-kindergarten program for ages 2.5-5 on Friday mornings.
Each week, children will eat a healthy breakfast, learn, play and get a mini swim lesson.
“All these classes are beneficial to any children who participate because they are getting not only a social interaction with peers their own age, but also learning valuable teamwork, communication and hands-on skills,” Gumenick said.
Gumenick is newer to her role and said she is excited to put out new classes in the coming months and to create more opportunities for families and children.
The YMCA will also have special events this fall.
Early in the season, The YMCA Birmingham will participate in the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit’s block party Sept. 10 in celebration of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit’s 70th anniversary.
This event will include music, food and other fun activities at the Boll Family YMCA in Detroit.
More information on the Birmingham Family YMCA fall happenings can be found at ymcadetroit.org.