The Hightstown-East Windsor YMCA will be offering a wider range of programs this year to attract preschoolers, teen-agers and adults to the Mercer Street center.
By: Chris Karmiol
The Hightstown-East Windsor YMCA on Mercer Street is "the cheapest day care around," according to Tracy Carroll, its program director. But this year the YMCA hopes to bring in more than just preschoolers with an expanded program for middle-schoolers and teen-agers, and more offerings for adults as well.
"Day care has always been outstanding," Ms. Carroll said. "We have nothing but waiting lists."
With its winter program beginning Jan. 14, Ms. Carroll is looking to bring the Y’s appeal to a broader base, and educate the community on its vast recreational opportunities.
"We’re offering everything from dance to art to junior-sports readiness," Ms. Carroll said. "There is a place here for everybody. Not just athletics academic, too."
Though the YMCA facility in Hightstown is mainly a day-care center, the Y uses other spaces to house its programs from swim instruction to tae kwon do. With programs such as teen co-ed volleyball at the Grace N. Rogers School, and Middle School Friday Night Fun at the Perry L. Drew School, Ms. Carroll is working to bring teens into the fold of the Y in a national leadership program called the Teen Action Agenda.
"Kids are going to come in, hang out, have fun," Ms. Carroll explained, "but the kids will leave with leadership skills they don’t even know they’re learning. I want them to look at the Y as a place they belong, for whatever purpose they want."
Ms. Carroll stressed there is a lack of activities beyond hanging out at the movies for East Windsor-Hightstown teen-agers. She expects YMCA programs to offer a positive addition to social agendas.
"In giving them the opportunity to have their own place to be, it’s structuring them for adulthood," Ms. Carroll explained. The Y’s commitment to teaching leadership and building community is reflected in the organization’s mission, she said.
The Y will continue to offer its popular men’s basketball league, as well as step aerobics, introduction to strength training, and CPR and standard first aid. The Y also offers several health and fitness programs for seniors.
"The Y is the best kept secret in town," said Ms. Carroll. "People don’t perceive it as a real Y, but they will."
For information on the YMCA’s winter program, call 448-1357.