BUNNY HOP: The Easter Bunny welcomed children to a special Aquatic Egg Hunt, where hundreds of colorful plastic eggs were floated in the Princeton YMCA’s swimming pool. The children gathered them and then traded them in for prizes.

By Jean Stratton

During its 110-year history, the Princeton YMCA has offered a wide-ranging program of activities for the community. Adults and children have benefitted from an amazing number of opportunities — everything from exercise to enrichment to enlightenment.

Initially serving as a recreational club for youth and young adults in private homes, it later became a branch of the national YMCA, and moved to 102 Witherspoon Street in 1914.

As Princeton YMCA senior director of youth development Lindsey Williams says, “Princeton YMCA has been serving our community for over 110 years, continuing a legacy that began with the YMCA movement more than 151 years ago.”

Now located at 59 Paul Robeson Place, in 2022, it became associated with the Greater Somerset County YMCA. “We became part of a larger community,” points out Williams. “This brought even more opportunities and sharing of ideas and meetings with the different Ys.”

Special Place

Having joined the Princeton YMCA three months ago, Williams brings extensive YMCA background and years of experience to her new role. During her previous career, she worked in several different YMCAs across the country, as far apart as Hawaii and Connecticut.

“The Y movement brought me to Princeton,” she explains. “I’ve always focused on youth programs, and I love working with kids. The Princeton Y is the strongest community YMCA I have been in. Princeton is a wonderful town with so many opportunities and activities. The Princeton Y is very family-oriented and a very special place. It’s a community helping others, and making everyone feel valued.”

Serving the community is certainly the priority of the Princeton Y, and this involves everyone from pre-K children to retirees. Whether they enjoy swimming in the large four-lane pool or participating in educational activities, the arts, dance, exercise classes in the fitness center and large gymnasium, Princeton Y members have opportunities for a full range of experiences.

Opportunities for families and children are especially important to Williams, and she is looking forward to expanding the existing activities.

“The youth programs at the Y give me a chance to work with children and watch them grow and participate in a space that is safe and encouraging. We have great programs, including physical activity, with access to sports, swimming, gymnastics, and fitness programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. In the area of social skills, group activities and camps help children build friendships, teamwork, and communication skills.

“After school programs include safe, structured environments that support learning and personal growth. Confidence and leadership programs like youth leadership training and teen mentoring help develop self-esteem. The program also instills lifelong habits with early exposure to fitness. and healthy living encourages long-term well-being.”

Family Fun

Family events and celebrations are also held, including seasonal gatherings, such as egg hunts, Mother’s Day events, and special Friday Family Fun Nights.

“We also have a Parents’ Night Out once a month,” continues Williams. “The kids come to the Y for dinner, a swim in the pool, and activities. It’s a fun night out for the parents.”

In addition, she reports, holiday and school break camps are available, offering full day care with structured programming during school holidays.

Broadening the horizon for kids is another important aspect of life at the Y, points out Alyssa Roman, Princeton YMCA associate youth development director. “There are always opportunities for children to learn new skills and make new friends. They also have a chance to interact with other kids who are out of their day-to-day life experience. They meet new people, participate in new activities together with others from different schools, and even different communities.”

Williams agrees. “When you join the Y you join a community. So many people can find a purpose for themselves and their children. I’m involved in planning events, rebuilding, and adding new programs and activities. I love working with the staff here helping to do this. They are wonderful people, so dedicated to the Y’s work.”

A very important upcoming program is the annual summer camp, from June 23 to August 21. “As we head into summer. we are gearing up for an exciting camp session and awesome family events that bring everyone together for fun, learning, and connection,” reports Williams.

Camp Options

The five-day weekly camp meets from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, offering a full spectrum of activities for kindergarteners through eighth graders. Before and after camp hours are also available from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Camp options include traditional multi-activities and also specialty options. Traditional choices include sports, swimming, dance, and STEM, among others. Specialty options are for first through sixth graders, who want to explore their creativity, also science, art, technology, etc. Other options include gardening, farming, and farm-to-table eating.

There are also weekly themes, including sports, technology, and the environment, among others.

The camp is held at the Y location, which also offers an extensive outdoor setting with a colorful and imaginative play set, swings, a basketball court, and special gardens.

FUN FOR ALL: “Princeton YMCA is serving the community with heart and vibrant energy! From our amazing Before and After School Care programs to our dynamic Judo Martial Arts classes, we’re proud to offer a wide range of services that support families and build strong confident kids.” Lindsey Williams, Princeton YMCA senior director of youth development (shown here sporting blue facial ornamentation for a recent event) looks forward to welcoming even more children and their families to the Y’s wide-ranging youth programs.

Face-To-Face

Campers bring their own lunch, and the Y provides a healthy afternoon snack. Registration is still available, and the camp is accredited by The American Camp Association, which is committed to children’s safety and security. In addition, the program is flexible. Participation can include one week, one month, or the entire summer.

Face-to-face interaction for Y members, whether adults or children, is a very important concept to Williams and Roman.

“There is such great support for the community and an emphasis on interaction with everyone at the Y,” points out Roman. “I really enjoy seeing the kids grow and enjoy themselves and getting to know the other kids face-to-face.”

“We have also wonderful support from various organizations, companies, and individuals,” adds Williams. “Guided by our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, the Y is dedicated to giving people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. As the nation’s leading non-profit committed to helping people and communities learn, grow, and thrive, the Y is dedicated to inspiring positive change near and far.

“I feel so lucky to be here,” she continues. “Being part of the Y is my second family. My own children are in the Y program. Here, I can be a mom and a career woman. It is a wonderful opportunity and a special place. We are a mighty team, dedicated, passionate, and here to serve all 4,000 Princeton YMCA members and our vibrant community every step of the way.”

Princeton YMCA’s general hours are Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information about joining the Y or registering for camp, call (609) 497-9622; visit the website at gscymca.org.