News

YMCA First WAVE Kicks Off Its Second Year

Nov 17, 2008

The First WAVE program at the YMCA of the East Bay has been preparing to welcome another great group of third graders from schools across Oakland. To help us achieve this goal we’ve hired a team of well trained and enthusiastic instructors.

Our returning and new instructors have been working on updating various required certifications through rigorous trainings. By the end of training, all instructors with the YMCA First WAVE program will have received the American Red Cross Life Guard, First Aid, CPR, and Water Safety Instructor certifications making them qualified to teach students who have never been in a pool, to those that are on swim teams. In addition, our First WAVE instructors have also been focusing much of their time learning how to affectively incorporate our literacy component into every class.

We are happy to welcome back the schools that participated last year and even more excited to welcome Acorn Woodland Elementary, Fred T. Korematusu Discovery Academy, Lafayette Elementary, and Parker Elementary as new participants in the First WAVE program.

YMCA of the East Bay Honors Dedicated Volunteers at the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

Oct 30, 2008

On October 15, 2008 the YMCA of the East Bay awarded the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service and Youth of Character Awards to our valued YMCA leaders at the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Celebration at the Hilton Oakland Airport. Guests were welcomed by youth ambassadors who ushered them into a banquet room filled with delectable delights. Each table was decorated with puzzle pieces and guests were invited to complete the puzzle and discover an image of YMCA programs in action along with a very special message, “You’re a part of something great!”

Volunteer and youth from among our ten YMCA branches and camps were honored for their dedication and service, not only to the YMCA of the East Bay, but to the local communities in which they live. All 14 honorees are exemplary models of citizenship, servitude and positive role-modeling. Throughout the year each award winner will have opportunities to represent their local branch as exemplary models of volunteerism and leadership.

The YMCA of the East Bay would like to extend a warm thank you and congratulations to each honoree for being an important piece of the puzzle!

Making WAVES in the Community

Aug 26, 2008

Did you know that drowning is the second leading cause of death among children 14 years and younger, and that African American children drown at a rate almost three times higher than the national average?

The First WAVE program at the YMCA of the East Bay responds to this issue with swimming lessons and more. “WAVE stands for water adventures and values enrichment,” explained Program Director Alison Richardson, “and that’s what we deliver. In its first year, the program taught 337 third-graders in Oakland schools. In 10 sessions, they learned to swim and got to practice the reading skills taught in the classroom. First Wave also addresses character values such as respect, honesty, caring, and responsibility.

First WAVE aims to include the entire family. All students and their families receive an Activity Book that supports their reading and writing lessons. A First WAVE family newsletter encourages health and wellness activities for the entire family.

“In 2009, we hope to introduce a First WAVE membership card that student will receive once they complete their lessons,” said Richardson. “It will encourage students and families to explore the East Bay through discount or free programs offered by our First WAVE partners.” Examples include entrance to the Oakland Museum and events at Laney College and Cal State East Bay University.

In the 2007-08 school year, 21 third-grade classes at nine elementary schools participated:Allendale Elementary, EC Reems Academy of Technology and Art, Esperanza Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, Piedmont Elementary, PLACE at Prescott Elementary, Sankofa Elementary and St. Martin de Porres.

2008 Y Summer Games

Aug 14, 2008

In the quiet, cool morning, enthusiastic YMCA of the East staff volunteers set the stage for the 2008 Summer Games on the Merritt College campus. Buses drove up the hill and disembarked hundreds of happy, enthusiastic campers from all YMCA of the East Bay day camps. They all carried banners representing their branches, each decorated in a unique style. After an amazing opening ceremony, accompanied by the rich sound of African drums, the campers set off to the main events.

The long jump, the 50-yard dash, and the water relay (perfect summer fun) were just a few of the many activities campers of all ages could take part in. To give everyone a chance to participate in all activities, groups rotated from one activity to the next. At the 50-yard dash, some amazing girls beat the pack over and over. Truly a gift of youth and a healthy body, kids ran not just once or twice but three, four and five times. And when the finish line was moved out to 100 yards, they lined up to run again. Even the counselors took part in a group challenge. Everybody was a winner!

On the lower field, 500 water balloons added to the fun for the water toss. Campers tried their skill at not only making a good throw but at being skilled enough to catch a moving target filled with water! Success on the catch side was limited, but that seemed to be the point, especially mid-day when the temps reached 80. Lots of laughter and smiles.

In their final walk around the stadium every child received a medal with a “great job” from a staff member to remember their day of fitness and fun.

While the day was filled with fun and excitement for the young campers, it was equally exciting for a group of YMCA of the East Bay donors. They had the opportunity to see firsthand the positive effect their philanthropic giving has on the East Bay community. Nine people who generously donated to the Send-a-Kid Campaign, attended as special guests. They toured the Y-Games, chatted with the kids and enjoyed a thank-you lunch in honor of their support.

Everyone—donors and campers alike—had a fun and exciting time. Donors shared personal stories about their YMCA experience and day campers made memories that will someday be retold as their Y-story.

Youth & Government Excellence

May 21, 2008

Members of the YMCA’s Youth & Government Oakland Delegation filled several statewide leadership positions, including Governor’s Lobbyist, Jury Trial Chair, Special Investigations Panel, and Media Editor.

This model legislature program for high school students teaches civics and government in semester-long sessions where participants develop new legislation that is debated on the floor of the state legislature. More than 25 student delegates from six Alameda, Oakland and Piedmont high schools bring a diversity of backgrounds and ideas to the program, which includes youth delegations from throughout the state.