Youth Programs

Ages 3-5

This program will help your child learn the basics of dribbling, shooting and passing through drills, activities, and skill-related games.

Ages 6-7

This program will introduce and develop your child's dribbling techniques, shooting form, and the ability to make proper passes through drills and activities.

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Ballet 

This ballet program is perfect for the ballet beginner. Basic ballet skills, balance, jumps, and turns will be achieved by the end of the session. Ballet slippers or socks are required.

Jazz/Hip Hop Dance

This program will teach the basics of jazz and hip hop as well as some contemporary dance movement.  Great for dancers with no experience, and for others looking to improve their skills.  Jumps, turns and combinations will be explored every week.

Creative Movement 

We will have a similar program structure for each level, but the activities and content will change depending on age. Our goal is to introduce acting, voice and movement techniques for the stage. We will explore movement with a focus on strength, balance and coordination. We will learn vocal techniques to enhance pronunciation and projection, and we will explore theater games and activities to improve acting skills. Together we will create, write and perform original theatrical pieces to perform in a student showcase on the last day of program.

Dance Exploration Level I and Level II

Our goal is to explore creative movement activities, musical genres and dance techniques (including ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop). We will build skills in rhythm and pattern recognition in both music and dance. We will choreograph and perform a variety of dances in multiple styles based on student interest. We will culminate in a student showcase on the last day of the program.

Maple - Days, Times, Register

Ages 10+

This program teaches participants about the sport of fencing, from skilled instructors with Triblade Academy. Equipment is provided; please wear comfortable gym attire. Available only during the school year, Fall, Winter, Spring I, and Spring II sessions.

Portage - Days, Times, Register

Juniors Golf Lessons

Participants will learn to drive (irons and woods), short game (chipping, putting, sand, and pitching), play on a short course. and receive a video analysis.  Clubs and balls will be provided. Golf program is taught by golf pro Sharon King at The Dome in Schoolcraft on US-131.

This program is available for new or experienced players.

Portage - Days, Times, Register

Tumble Just Me Ages 2-3

In this program, children and their grown-ups will discover the fun of gymnastics together.  Children will explore gymnastics through jumping, balancing, tumbling, and hanging using mats, beams and bars.  Activities will focus on both large and small motor skills, hand-eye coordination and body awareness.

Tumble Just Me Ages 4-5

This program is designed for pre-school youth.  Young gymnasts will work on balance, hand-eye coordination, listening skills, and both large and small motor skills.  The program will focus on basic gymnastics skills including forward and backward rolls, handstands and cartwheels.  

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Ages 10+

This program is intended to develop the whole person in mind, body and spirit while teaching effective self-defense skills for the practitioner. The practice of this art develops strong character through its five primary tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. Available only during the school year, Fall, Winter, Spring I, and Spring II sessions.

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Ages 18-36 Months

This program includes free play, games, music, and parachute time that stimulates cognitive development and physical and social skills. Parent and child interaction throughout the session.

Portage - Days, Times, Register

The YMCA has several active programs for homeschoolers. To learn more, call Don at Portage (269) 324-9622 x423. Available during the school year, Fall, Winter, Spring I, and Spring II sessions.

Homeschool Gym Program

Ages 5-12

Portage - Days, Times, Register

Ages 12-18

Small group training, open to ages 12 -18, with one of our personal trainers to help improve speed and agility by increasing velocity, increasing strength, achieving body control, developing balance and coordination, while improving flexibility.

Portage - Days, Times, Register

Ages 3-6

This program develops skills like throwing, catching, kicking, and more. This is a great introduction to football, soccer, gymnastics, baseball, volleyball, floor hockey, and lacrosse.

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The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo's youth sports camps are designed to develop specific sports-related skills for school-age youth. Both the Maple and Portage sites offer half-day sports camps during summer, winter, and spring breaks. Participants will learn new skills, meet friends, and have fun.  Be sure to bring a water bottle and snack every day to camp.  

Mini Sports Camp - Ages 5-12

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Maple Contact: Pete Jameyson at (269) 345-9622 x152

Portage Contact: Don Seibert at (269) 324-9622 x423

Taekwondo offers a great way for children & adults to build confidence, self-esteem, respect, discipline, strength, flexibility, and patience in a teamwork setting. Our instructor will teach you to channel energy into a positive attitude in a fun and active atmosphere.

Programs Available:

• Ages 4-6
• Ages 7-11

Maple - Days, Times, Register

Is your child looking to bring their sports skills to the next level? One-on-one, private lessons from Y Youth trainers are available at the Maple Y! Training for basketball, track, cross country, soccer, football, and cross-training are open today. 

• Ages 8-18
• Ages 11-18

Register Here