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HEALTH & FITNESS

Children & Youth Programs

Choose from a variety of programs and courses that will enrich your children's lives through play, education and fitness.

 

Registration for Winter Children's Programs Begins Soon

Help your children stay active, make friends, and learn new skills through one of our fun programs like swimming, soccer, dance, martial arts, and more. Early bird* registration for sports and recreation programs begins Tuesday, December 10 and opens to everyone Thursday, December 12. Early bird* registration for aquatics programs begins Tuesday, December 17 and opens to everyone Thursday, December 19. 

* Early bird registration is available to families currently registered for a specific program category (e.g. you must be registered in Karate to gain early bird access to Karate). You will not be able to register for early bird if your child is not currently enrolled in a fall session.

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Children’s Programs

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Soccer

The soccer program is instructional and recreational. Children will learn the fundamentals of the game while developing team building skills and staying active and healthy.

Basketball

When you sign your children up for basketball at the Y, you’re taking them to a place that started it all. Your child will learn basketball fundamentals and teamwork, while staying active and having fun.

Dance classes

Available at select locations.

Hip Hop

From old school to recent hits, this class will keep you moving and grooving and keep you in touch with hip-hop culture. Improve your co-ordination and confidence with this challenging and fun style of dancing. Class structure includes a warm up and progresses to skills development, and finally finishes with choreography.

Jazz

Jazz is a lively and energetic dance. Aimed at improving flexibility and strength, proper placement, posture and alignment are a core principle taught in this class. Jazz is diverse and includes everything from classical Broadway styles to today's modern jazz styles.

Ballet

Ballet helps to improve coordination, flexibility and strength in an engaging and fun classroom environment. Class structure including barre, center work, adagio (slow controlled graceful steps), allegro (fast, high-energy steps) and reverence, emphasizes correct posture, placement, technique and musicality. Ballet is a strong foundation for dancers interested in jazz and lyrical/contemporary styles of dance.

Cheer & Dance

Cheer & Dance teaches basic dance moves, cheer motions and routines, with an emphasis on fitness, fun and individual creativity.

YMCA Karate

YMCA Karate

This is the place to start if you are interested in Karate. No uniform or previous experience needed, just come and learn some moves. This class gives children and parents a chance to try Karate before you decide to buy the uniform and join the White belt class.

YMCA Karate: White Belt

You must have completed the Karate Intro class before registering for the white belt class. A Gi (Karate uniform) is required to participate. Uniforms can be purchased from the YMCA, or you can bring your own. Grading, a belt fees and a YMCA patch are included in the price.

YMCA Karate: Belt Level

You must have completed the previous belt level before registering for this class. A Gi (Karate uniform) is required to participate. Uniforms can be purchased from the YMCA, or you can bring your own. Grading and a belt are included in the price.

Leagues

Participants will learn what it means to be part of a team during our Basketball and Soccer leagues. Balanced teams are created, and each child will have equal playtime. The league includes:

  • a uniform
  • a one-hour game each week
  • two weeks of playoffs
  • an awards ceremony

Friend requests can be made before the draft game, parents of both children must make the request.

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Parent and Tot - Ages 3 months-3 years

YMCA Parent and Tot swim lessons give you time to play, move, and splash in the pool with your infant, toddler or preschooler. A YMCA Instructor will lead these sessions to ensure you and your child get the most from your time together.

  • Splashers: As the first level of the YMCA Parented Swim Lessons, Splashers is a great way to introduce babies 3-18 months old to the water. Parents get in on the fun by participating with their children. At this early stage, children are still learning about their environment. The goal of Splashers is to make children and parents comfortable in the water together and (of course) to learn to splash with arms and legs.
  • Bubblers: The second level of the YMCA Parented Swim Lessons, Bubblers, is for children 18 months-3 years old. We work with you to introduce your child to new movements in the water, including holding the wall, kicking feet, and blowing bubbles. Parents get in on the fun by participating with their children. Bubblers is led by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor who knows how to create a fun, stimulating environment for you and your little one, encouraging bonding and skill development in the water.
Preschool - Ages 3-5 years

The YMCA Preschool program will introduce your toddler or preschooler to the basics of swimming. Each level in the Preschool program has been designed with your child’s natural growth and development in mind. There are eight levels in the YMCA Preschool program. YMCA Swim Instructors will ensure that we find the right level for your child.

  • Bobbers: As the first level of the YMCA Preschool Swim Lessons, Bobbers is for children who are 3-5 years old who are new to swimming. Children are encouraged to attend without a parent.
  • In Bobbers, we’ll continue to introduce fun activities in the water to activate the movements that will eventually lead to swimming. By the end, your child will be comfortable having their face in the water and will have learned basic movements while being supported.
  • Floaters: The second level of the YMCA Preschool Swim Lessons, Floater, is for children 3-5 years old who have completed Bobbers or equivalent. In Floaters, we introduce floating and gliding and continue to practice other movements. Through structured activities and play, children will also become comfortable submerging themselves underwater. Children are encouraged to attend independently of their parents.
  • Glider: The third level of the YMCA Preschool Swim Lessons, Glider, is for children who are 3-5 years old and have completed Floaters or equivalent. In Gliders, children will combine kicking with gliding to learn how to propel themselves through the water.
  • Diver: The fourth level of the YMCA Preschool Swim Lessons, Diver, is for children who are 3-5 years old and have completed Glider or equivalent. In Divers, children will combine all the skills they have learned so far to swim on their front and back unaided for a distance of 10 metres. Your child will also learn to jump into and float in deep water unassisted.
  • Surfers: The fifth level of the YMCA Preschool Swim Lessons, Surfers, is for children who are 3-5 years old and have completed Diver or equivalent. In Surfer, we’ll continue to help your child develop front and back swimming skills and build up to a distance of 15 metres. And now that your child is comfortable jumping into the water, we’ll work on some creative and fun entries.
  • Jumpers: The sixth and final level of the YMCA Preschool Swim Lessons, Jumper, is for children who are 3-5 years old and have completed Surfers or equivalent. In Jumpers, we’ll introduce the front and back crawl, as well as underwater swimming. Children at this level will have achieved a foundation of swimming skills and be able to front swim a distance of 25 metres.
Learn to Swim Program - Ages 6-12

For those looking for swimming lessons for children 6-12 years old who have mastered basic swimming skills, the YMCA Learn to Swim program is a series of four swimming lessons focused on technique, stroke development and endurance.

During the program, your child will have the opportunity to meet new people and explore other facers of aquatics, like competitive swimming, water sports and aquafit classes.

  • Otter: An introductory level for beginner swimmers ages 6-12 years old, Otter will teach your child the basics of pool safety, going underwater, and gliding on their front and back.
  • The first of four levels in our national YMCA Learn to Swim program, Otter teaches your child how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. During these classes, your child will also select from an optional list of skills to learn during the session. A YMCA Swim Instructor will encourage your child to actively participate in their own learning.
  • Seal: Seal is for children 6-12 years old who have completed Otter or who have equivalent skills. In this level, they will further develop the skills of gliding, kicking and submerging.
  • The second of four levels in our national YMCA Learn to Swim program, Seal teaches your child how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. A YMCA Swim Instructor will encourage the children to build their confidence in the water.
  • Dolphin: Dolphin is for children 6-12 years old who have completed Seal or who demonstrate an equivalent skillset. Your child will be introduced to swimming on their front, back and underwater.
  • The third of four levels in our national YMCA Learn to Swim program, Dolphin teaches kids how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. A YMCA Swim Instructor will be cheering your child on as they complete their first full swim strokes.
  • Swimmer: Swimmer is for children 6-12 years old who have completed Dolphin or who have equivalent skills. In this class, kids will learn front and back crawl, and how to tread water.

The last of four levels in our national YMCA Learn to Swim program, Swimmer teaches children how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. Children at this level will have achieved a solid foundation of swimming skills and be able to front swim for a distance for 25 metres. A YMCA Swim Instructor will inspire your child to reach their potential in the water.

Star Program - Ages 6+

The YMCA Star Program helps swimmers become leaders! Children who have completed the YMCA Learn to Swim Program or equivalent can develop more advanced skills through the YMCA Star Program.

Children 10 years or older who are competent swimmers can take the YMCA Star Leadership Program to continue to nurture their love of swimming and build towards more advanced aquatics certifications.

Star 1: (equivalent to level 5) Star 1 is for children who have completed the Swimmer level in our Learn to Swim program. In this class, kids will learn to use the whip kick on their back and the eggbeater motion for treading water. We will help your child continue to develop front and back crawl techniques and endurance.

Star 2: (equivalent to level 6) Star 2 is for children who have completed Star 1 or who show an equivalent skill level. At this level, we focus on elementary backstroke and continue to help kids refine their stroke technique and increase their endurance.

Star 3: (equivalent to level 7) Star 3 is for children who have completed Star 2 or who show an equivalent skill level. At this level, your child will focus on the breaststroke and eggbeater motion for treading water, while continuing to build endurance in the pool. We will also introduce young swimmers to introductory lifesaving concepts.

Star 4: (equivalent to level 8) Star 4 is for children who have completed Star 3 or who show an equivalent skill level. At this level, we will help your child focus on the sidestroke and we will continue to introduce lifesaving skills.

Star 5: (equivalent to level 9) Star 5 is for children who have completed Star 4 or who show an equivalent skill level. We will introduce the butterfly stroke along with lifesaving and first aid elements from the Rookie and Ranger levels of the Canadian Swim Patrol Program.

Star 6: (equivalent to level 10) Star 6 is for children who have completed Star 5 or who show an equivalent skill level. Swimmers will continue to develop lifesaving and first aid skills at the Rangers and Star level of the Canadian Swim Patrol Program. They will also begin to learn how to teach others to swim.

Star 6 bridges to the YMCA Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Society’s Bronze programs (depending on age).

How to Become a Lifeguard

Bronze Star (10 hr.)

Bronze Star LifeGuard Badge

Develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.

Prerequisite: None (Swim Patrol experience recommended.)

Bronze Medallion (15 hr.)

Bronze Medallion LifeGuard Badge

Challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.

Prerequisite: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (need not be current).

Bronze Cross (20 hr.)

Bronze Cross LifeGuard Badge

Begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.

Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Lifesaving Society Emergency or Standard First Aid certifications (need not be current) or EFA or SFA from one of these approved agencies.

National Lifeguard

National LifeGuard Badge

National Lifeguard is a legal certificate for lifeguarding throughout the country and is recognized by the province of Ontario for lifeguarding public swimming pools.

National Lifeguard is recognized as the waterfront supervisory certification for Ontario Recreational Camp Regulation 503/17.

National Lifeguard certification is available in four options: Pool, Waterpark, Waterfront, and Surf. The National Lifeguard Award Guide details the curriculum requirements and performance standards for National Lifeguard Instructors and candidates.

Prerequisites: Minimum 15 years of age, Bronze Cross, and Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid (need not be current) or Standard First Aid from one of these approved agencies.

National Lifeguard Pool certification is a prerequisite for the Waterpark option and National Lifeguard Waterfront is a prerequisite for the Surf option.

Youth Aquatics Programs

Youth focused aquatics programs are the perfect way for your child to take their swimming skills to a new level. Prepare for lifeguarding courses, become certified or join the Junior Lifeguard Club and watch their confidence grow.

Lifeguarding Certification Courses

Bronze Cross

This course is the prerequisite for National Lifeguard. You'll enjoy more advanced training, including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. A timed 600 metre swim is included. Prerequisites: You must have Bronze Medallion and valid Standard or Emergency First Aid certification.

Bronze Cross

This course is the prerequisite for National Lifeguard. You'll enjoy more advanced training, including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. A timed 600 metre swim is included. Prerequisites: You must have Bronze Medallion and valid Standard or Emergency First Aid certification.

Bronze Medallion

Bronze Medallion is the second of the Lifesaving Society’s Bronze level courses. Participants will develop an understanding of lifesaving principles and learn valuable skills needed to be successful in an aquatic emergency. Prerequisite age 13 or Bronze Star certification.

Bronze Medallion & Cross with EFA

Complete Bronze Medallion, Emergency First Aid and Bronze Cross certifications in this combo course.

National Lifeguard

The National Lifeguard (NL) certification is the industry standard for professional lifeguards in Canada. NL guards are water rescue professionals trained in emergency care. They prevent accidents, spot potential trouble and intervene before it becomes life-threatening. Prerequisite age 15 years, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR C

National Lifeguard (Recertification)

The National Lifeguard (NL) certification is the industry standard for professional lifeguards in Canada. NL guards are water rescue professionals trained in emergency care. They prevent accidents, spot potential trouble and intervene before it becomes life-threatening. Prerequisite age 15 years, Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR C Learn more about our First Aid Courses

Junior Lifeguard Club

The Junior Lifeguard Club focuses on aquatic skills development based on personal-best achievement. Building on skills they already have, Junior Lifeguard Club members work to develop and improve swimming and other aquatic skills with emphasis on swimming skills, lifesaving skills, lifesaving knowledge, leadership and teamwork, community education, competition, and personal fitness Minimum swimming requirement is 50m of front crawl and tread water for one minute. Participants are placed in classes based on their skills and previous experience. Levels range from:

  • JLC Bronze
  • JLC Silver
  • JLC Gold

Telegames entry fee is included in the price of the course.

Competitive Lifesaving Club

Pre-requisite for this club is the completion of Junior Lifeguard - Gold level. The Lifesaving Competition Club is for present and former Junior Lifeguard Club members who are serious about Lifesaving Sport. This clubs sole focus is the exciting world of Lifesaving Sport. The team will train to compete in Lifesaving regional and provincial competitions.

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Youth Workshops

Encourage your tween and teen’s craving for independence with these safety courses that are sure to prepare them for this next phase of their youth.

Babysitting Course

Class is for 11-15 year olds.

The Canadian Red Cross Babysitting course (for ages 11 -15) covers everything from managing difficult behaviours to essentials on leadership and professional conduct as a babysitter. Babysitting promises to deepen and enhance the responsibility that older youth feel when caring for younger children. This course provides a great emphasis on first aid skills and provides an improved learning when it comes to giving the appropriate care in the event of an emergency. A workbook and certificate is included in this program.

Stay Safe Program

Class is for 9-13 year olds.

The Red Cross Stay Safe program teaches youth (ages 9 - 13) the skills they need to start on the road to independence. The program covers the following topics; Importance of responsibility and respect while being accountable to yourself, how to prepare, recognize and respond to unexpected situations, (i.e. inclement weather, strangers, unanticipated visits), How to stay safe at home and within the community, the importance of setting and following rules around safety when staying on your own. First Aid topics will also be covered; Check, Call, Care (includes phoning EMS/911), recovery position, conscious choking (adult/child/alone), feeling unwell, asthma (includes use of inhaler and spacer), anaphylaxis (includes use of EpiPen), poisoning, insect stings, wound care (i.e. minor cuts and scrapes, splinters, nosebleeds, bumps and bruises, life-threatening bleeding, burns). A workbook and certificate is included in this program.

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How to register for children’s programs at health and fitness centres

Registering online is the quickest way to get your child(ren) signed up for programs.

  1. Visit the Y Guide to see all Y programs currently available, or soon to be available, for registration.
  2. Use My Y to register and confirm payment.

If you are unable to access your My Y account, please reset your password. DO NOT create another customer account.

Please watch our how-to video for assistance or contact us via LiveChat.

2025 Program Dates

Winter 2025
#Start DateEnd DateLast day to registerBlackout date# weeks
Monday08-Jan04-Mar28-JanFebruary 19 (family day)8
Tuesday09-Jan05-Mar28-Jan
9
Wednesday10-Jan06-Mar28-Jan
9
Thursday11-Jan07-Mar28-Jan
9
Friday12-Jan08-Mar28-Jan
9
Saturday13-Jan09-Mar28-Jan
9
Sunday14-Jan10-Mar28-Jan
9
Spring 2025
#Start DateEnd DateLast day to registerBlackout date# weeks
Monday17-Mar16-Jun
May 19 (Victoria Day)13
Tuesday18-Mar17-Jun

14
Wednesday19-Mar18-Jun

14
Thursday20-Mar19-Jun

14
Friday21-Mar20-Jun
March 18 - Good Friday13
Saturday22-Mar21-Jun

14
Sunday23-Mar22-Jun

14

Program break June 23 - June 29th

Summer 2025
#Start DateEnd DateLast day to registerBlackout date# weeks
Monday30-Jun18-Aug14-JulAug 4 - civic7
Tuesday08-Jul19-Aug14-JulJuly 1- Canada Day7
Wednesday02-Jul20-Aug14-Jul
8
Thursday03-Jul21-Aug14-Jul

8
Friday04-Jul22-Aug14-Jul

8
Saturday05-Jul23-Aug14-Jul

8
Sunday06-Jul24-Aug14-Jul

8

Program break Aug 25 - Sep 5

Fall 2025
#Start DateEnd DateLast day to registerBlackout date# weeks
Monday08-Sep15-Dec
Oct 13 - Thanksgiving14
Tuesday9-Sep
16-Dec


15
Wednesday10-Sep
17-Dec


15
Thursday11-Sep
18-Dec


15
Friday12-Sep
19-Dec


15
Saturday6-Sep
20-Dec


16
Sunday7-Sep
21-Dec


16

Program break Dec 22,2025 - Jan 4,2026