During the cold month of January, when winter blues are likely to set in, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) invites area families to leave the house for a dose of good, old-fashioned family fun. Between January 21 and 28, YMCA branches across Chester County will open their doors to the public, hosting free open houses. It’s all to celebrate the Y’s expansion of family-friendly services.

In total, fourteen events will be held across seven locations, giving families the opportunity to preview new programs and summer camp offerings, receive a swim assessment and explore the facilities and campuses of the YMCA. Families must register in advance for open house events.

The Need to Support Families

"We love to see families spending time together in our branches,” said Kim Cavallero, vice president of membership for YGBW. “To ensure that we provide a great experience that keeps families coming back, we asked our members for feedback. We heard loud and clear that parents need more support, so we’re rolling out additional services geared towards family fun this year.”

“Here at the Y, we get it. We are teachers, coaches, camp counselors, and parents. We work with children and families day in and day out,” said Bridgette Barbera Byrne, senior association director of Camp, Youth Sports and Family Programs. “It is hard to raise children in today’s world. The pace of modern life is lightning fast – with high expectations placed upon children at young ages.”

Refocusing on Family Fun

To alleviate these pressures, YGBW invites families to refocus on fun experiences through two new services – Family Fun Activities and Monthly Programming.

Family Fun Activities include STEM challenges, game nights, family dance parties, and much more. Family Fun Activities are hosted weekly on Fridays and Saturdays at all YMCA branches in Chester County - and are free and exclusive to those with a YGBW Family Membership.

Monthly Programming will begin in March and will focus on helping children discover what they love. With offerings like tumbling, cooking, STEM, arts & humanities and more, kids ages 2-14 can try a new experience each month – while having fun.

"We noticed a trend in youth sports and activities,” said Byrne. “Children’s sports and activities are increasingly serious at early ages. We see a need to focus on fun experiences. Let kids enjoy being kids while building independence and skills on their own terms – and at an affordable price for parents.”

Monthly Programming is open to members and non-members alike, and pricing starts at just $24.99 per month for those with a YGBW family membership. Registration begins on Jan. 28.

To sample all that the Y has to offer families in Chester County, attend an upcoming open house.

To register for an Open House: https://ymcagbw.org/program-showcase-registration

To learn more about Monthly Programs: https://ymcagbw.org/monthly-programs-ymca-greater-brandywine 

To browse weekly Family Fun Activities: https://ymcagbw.org/familyevents