Program areas at Junius Ward Johnson Memorial YMCA
ADULT AND YOUTH PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND RECREATION: Helping people of all ages and abilities develop health in spirit, mind, and body is at the core of the YMCA movement. Our programs are designed to help people create realistic goals for self-improvement and emphasize disease prevention through regular exercise, proper nutrition, stress management, and health education. Sports programs for youth, families and adults promote teamwork, interaction, and development of social and physical skills. The YMCA Fitness Center features cardio equipment such as elliptical, treadmills, upright and recumbent bikes, stair climbers, free weights and strength equipment machines. Programs include swimming, basketball, volleyball, racquetball, water and land aerobic classes, Pilates, and arthritis swim classes. Our services are offered at affordable fees for the community, with financial assistance available for those who cannot afford the full fee.
CHILD CARE: Our YMCA provides high quality childcare with a commitment to strengthening families. YMCA childcare programs relieve the burden of balancing work and family and make it possible for parents of children in our care to remain gainfully employed; knowing that their children are thriving is a safe, caring atmosphere. Vicksburg YMCA childcare is made up of two segments: The after-school "Primetime" program is offered in five sites after every school day until 6:00PM. Supervised by trained adult caregivers and counselors, the children participate in a structured program that includes study time, snacks, crafts, and games. The "YMCA Summer Day Camp'', conducted during the summer vacation weeks, extends the Y's childcare program to full-day operations. Swimming and outdoor activities are added to the core program activities. No child is denied participation because of a parent's inability to pay the moderate fees.
CAMPING:The YMCA camping program provides a lasting experience of personal enrichment. Few YMCA programs offer more opportunity to serve the association mission that camping does. In resident sessions, community is established and individual campers grow in spirit, mind, and body as they experience outdoor programs and facilities at Warner-Tully Memorial YMCA Camp. Children interact with other campers and skilled leaders in its outdoor centered programs. Camping helps youth become aware of their physical and mental capabilities, to recognize the value of cooperation, and to gain confidence. AQUATICS: YMCA aquatics involve individual young people, infants, adults and family groups in programs ranging from Mom 'n Tot swim times to older adult water exercise and therapy. Many learn to swim in YMCA swim Programs and enhance their safety, fitness and enjoyment through Y aquatics. Our Family Swim times gives adults and children shared time in the pools. They learn to appreciate one another while promoting happy and healthy families.
SPORTS AND RECREATION: The Vicksburg YMCA's youth sports and recreational programs are designed to be age appropriate, emphasize physical fitness, improve skills, develop positive character traits and provide enjoyment for all participants and families involved. The Y youth sports programs - as in all Y activities - focus on positive values development for every child. The YMCA's 4 core values are emphasized- Caring, Honesty, Respect Responsibility - in every all practices and game sessions. "Every child plays half of every game - regardless of ability and our volunteer leaders are urged to value cooperation over competition, fair play over winning at any cost and strong self-esteem over building the next superstar. Y seasonal sports programs include football, cheerleading, little kicker's soccer, basketball, Biddy Basketball, and tee-ball. No child is denied participation for inability to pay fees, with subsidies available for providing program fees and necessary equipment for qualifying children.