Programs

First WAVE
First WAVE is: Making an impact in our Community!
Water Adventures—teaching every third-grader in Oakland to swim
Values Enrichment—reinforcing reading skills and character values

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, Fremont, Tri-Valley
High School Infant Centers in West Contra Costa
Parenting classes in West Contra Costa
Day Camps in Downtown Oakland, Eden, Fremont, Hilltop, Tri-Valley, Urban Services, West Contra Costa
Resident Camps in Camp Loma Mar, Camp Ravencliff
Environmental Education Center in Camp Arroyo

TEEN ENRICHMENT
Every teen deserves a good start on the road to being an adult. Our Teen Enrichment programs offer a safe, supportive alternative to the harsh streets. We provide a stable environment, where teens can develop their social, emotional, intellectual and moral skills. Teens involved in YMCA programs are more likely to earn better grades and stay in school.

We engage teens in:

Dare2Dream Apprenticeship Programs: Urban Services
Future Choice: Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Urban Services
Developing the Warrior Within Youth Sports Program: Urban Services
Day Camp Counselor-in-Leadership-Training Program: Downtown Oakland, Eden, Fremont, Tri-Valley, Urban Services, West Contra Costa
Resident Camps: Camp Arroyo, Camp Loma Mar, Camp Ravencliff
Youth in Government, Debate and Speech Clubs: Downtown Oakland, Eden, Tri-Valley, Urban Services, West Contra Costa

“My time with the YMCA has been the most rewarding in my career. Everyone is truly connected with how our work impacts the kids, families and communities that we serve.”
Carol Schilling, controller

HEALTH AND WELLNESS
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, Fremont, Hilltop, Urban Services
Childhood obesity education and programs

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CULTURAL HARMONY
Our community of members and partners is a colorful quilt of cultures, races and ethnic backgrounds. We serve children, teens, adults, families and seniors. Cultural harmony is an essential goal of all Y programs.

Throughout the year, we bring our members together at events and programs which celebrate diversity and reinforce the need to appreciate and respect one another. Our collaborative partnerships with community organizations keep us connected to the multicultural East Bay scene.

• Adult Retreat & Conference Centers: Camp Arroyo, Camp Loma Mar, and Camp Arroyo

“I get to know all kinds of people at the Y who I wouldn’t have a chance to meet anywhere else."
Timothy Buchanan, Oakland

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