YMCA of the East Bay

CHILD CARE
Our child care and youth development programs give parents the peace of
mind that comes from knowing your children are in a fun and safe
environment where they will learn, explore and grow. We have programs
for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. From before school care to
afterschool help with homework and in summer camp, thousands of
families trust the YMCA.

We partner with local schools and community organizations to offer:

Child Learning Centers in Eden(http://eden.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/child-care) , Fremont,(http://fremont.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/child-development) Tri-Valley(http://trivalley.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/child-care)

High School Infant Centers in West Contra Costa(http://westcc.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/child-development/infant-or-toddler)

Parenting  classes in West Contra Costa(http://westcc.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/teen-parent-program)

Day Camps in Downtown Oakland(http://oakland.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/camp) , Eden,(http://eden.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/day-camp) Fremont(http://fremont.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/day-camp) , Hilltop(http://hilltoTri-Valley(http://trivalley.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/day-camp) , Urban Services(http://us.ymcaeastbay.org/camps) , West Contra Costa(http://westcc.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/day-camp)

Resident Camps in Camp Loma Mar(http://lomamar.ymcaeastbay.org/) , Camp Ravencliff(http://ravencliff.ymcaeastbay.org/)

Environmental Education Center in Camp Arroyo(http://arroyo.ymcaeastbay.org/programs/outdoor-environmental-education)

A healthy body is just as important as a healthy mind and spirit.
Our Health and Wellness programs help individuals and families achieve
all three.

Our fitness centers provide equipment, classes and training so you can
make regular physical activity a part of your life. We strive to reduce
the negative impact of unhealthy lifestyles on youth and adults and
create positive community awareness. We focus on giving you the tools
and knowledge to prevent injury and illness, with a focus on nutrition,
exercise and building self-esteem. Partnerships with hospitals, health
organizations and other groups expand the resources and ensure the
quality of service we deliver to our members and communities.
Here’s just a sampling of the Health and Wellness programs available at various locations:

Healthy Kids Day

Prenatal Exercise Classes 

Yoga and Tai Chi classes and wellness seminars

Type II Diabetes Camp

Fitness center programming in sports, aquatics and exercise: Downtown Oakland(http://oakland.ymcaeastbay.org/programs) , Fremont(http://fremont.ymcaeastbay.org/programs) , Hilltop(http://hilltoUrban Services(http://us.ymcaeastbay.org/programs)

Childhood obesity education and programs

Teaching problem solving, resourcefulness, environmental
conservation and nurturing self-confidence and character values, the YMCA of
the East Bay day camps, week-long residential camps and environmental education
programs are offered in sites throughout the East Bay and beyond.  Residential camps operate at Camp Arroyo in
Livermore, Loma Mar near Pescadero in San Mateo County and Ravencliff in
Humboldt County. Since its earliest
founding, the YMCA has offered residential camping programs to effectively
develop values and life skills, as well as respect, caring and conservation of
the resources of the natural world. Day and residential camp experiences also
provide recreation and physical development through program-based sports and
activities. During the school year more
than 4,000 students and 600 adults from 45 East Bay schools attended environmental
education programs at Camp Arroyo, which is operated in partnership with East
Bay Regional Park District. Camps Loma Mar and Ravencliff provide environmental
education during the school year and host residential camping for youth and
teens during summer months. Seven
hundred twenty youth experienced residential summer camps at Loma Mar and
Ravencliff in 2008. Day camp programs offering recreation and sports
activities, as well as values and character development, are provided to youth ages
5 to 14 in 6 YMCA Branches throughout the East Bay during summer months and during
school holiday breaks. The YMCA of the East Bay partners summer camping
programs with Exploring New Horizons, Youth Enrichment Strategies, Camp Kessem,
Young Actors, Summer Drama Camp and Big City Mountaineers.

The California YMCA Model Legislature and Court program, also called Youth & Government, is based on the idea that democracy must be learned by each generation. This statewide program for high school students delivers a nine-month, hands-on experience of state government. A variety of activities build, encourage and strengthen the skills and character traits that will help high school youth become involved, responsible adults who are decent and respected citizens. Each fall, more than 2,000 teens and 250 volunteers meet as individual delegations at their local YMCAs. The teen delegates debate issues that are important to them and to the state, nation and world. The delegates write bills, select governmental positions to role-play, attend statewide training conferences and run for office. In February, a five-day Model Legislature convenes in Sacramento at the State Capitol. There, the “regular” occupants of state government offices move over and the teen delegates take over, using the historic halls, chambers, and offices of our State Capitol, Supreme Court and Governor's Office.

YMCA Building Futures Mentoring is a free program of the YMCA of the East Bay. We serve at-risk youth ages 6-18 in Oakland and its surrounding areas in Alameda county as well as Contra Cost county. Mentors meet with their mentees once each week for an average of 1-3 hours over a 1-year period. A unique feature that set us apart from other mentoring programs is that volunteers receive 15 hours of interactive training on roles and responsibilities of being a mentor, communication skills, issues young people face, recognizing and reporting child abuse and danger, strengths based approaches, understanding family dynamics & termination.

Youth are referred from families, schools, mental health organizations, social services agencies, churches, after-school programs and from YMCA programs. Mentors and youth are connected after a screening process which takes into account a number of variables from mentor preferences including age of youth, gender, similar interests, what skills and life experiences the adult has to offer compared to that which the young person needs, personality and geographic location where the mentor is able to travel. Although mentoring is primarily a one to one relationship, there will be some opportunities to do group activities with other volunteer mentors and youth.