Youth Development

Child Care

Before/After School Program

Our Before School Program opens as early as 6:30AM, and After School closes at 6:00PM.  We provide transportation to a variety of Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Chesapeake schools.  We serve grades K-6 in Portsmouth, K-5 in Suffolk, and 1-5 in Chesapeake.  Don’t hesitate to ask if we service your school!  Please call to schedule an appointment for registration.  Financial assistance is available upon request.

Spring/Winter Break Camp

Full-day camp (6:30AM - 6:00PM) is available when school is out during the holidays.  Your child can spend the days enjoying sports, games, crafts, and recreational swimming.  Open to children ages 6 to 12 years old.

Child Watch

Child Watch is a drop-in service provided for the convenience of YMCA members and guests who are exercising or participating in a YMCA program. We are committed to providing a joyful, warm, and safe environment for young children. We work together with families to support their child’s healthy growth and development by sharing the learning and excitement of their child’s experiences each day.

Education & Leadership

Preschool

Our preschool program offers youngsters a number of age appropriate activities in the classroom and gym. Classroom fun includes circle time, learning, and craft activities. Gross motor skills are developed through swimming lessons and structured gym activities. We offer both a 3 year old and a 4 year old licensed program. Financial assistance is available upon request. Please call to schedule an appointment.

Babysitting Course

This American Red Cross course for ages 11 to 14 covers responsibilities of the sitter, characteristics of children, selection of games and toys, accident prevention, basic care, and first aid skills. Lunch will be provided.

Piano Lessons for Beginners

The YMCA of Portsmouth is offering private piano lessons for beginners ages 5 and up. All lessons are taught by instructor Jennifer Swallow, who has played for 18 years, has a Fine Arts Conservatory High School Diploma in Piano, and is a member of the Music Teachers National Association. Lessons are 30 minutes long and available Monday - Sunday. Register at the Front Desk, or call 757-483-9622 for more details.

Swim, Sports & Play

Private Swim Lessons

Private lessons are available for ages 5 and up, for all levels of swimmers. Each session is 30 minutes long.

Child/Parent Swim Lessons

This is the YMCA Aquatics Program for children six months to five years. All classes are 30 minutes long, and will be taught in the Therapy Pool by nationally certified staff with a low student-teacher ratio to help children safely develop skills and self-confidence in the water.

Preschool Swim Lessons

Classes for 3 to 5 year olds, without a parent. Pike and Eel are the beginner levels. Rays and Starfish must swim and float without assistance.

Youth Swim Lessons

Kids 6 years and older will enjoy the guided discovery methods of learning. Each level of the program promotes total health and fitness using the following five components: personal safety, stroke development, water sports and games, personal growth and rescue. Flotation devices and series swimming are used to encourage group participation increasing strength and endurance. Classes are 30 minutes long and taught by nationally certified staff with a low student-teacher ratio help children safely develop skills and self-confidence in the water.

Swim Team

This YMCA swimming program for youths age 5 through 18 emphasizes personal improvement in competitive strokes, starts, turns, and times.  Swim coach will hold try-outs for swim club eligibility. Must be a Y member to participate.

Youth Karate

Martial Arts Basic Karate is a 45 minute class for youth ages 5 - 13 with little or no experience. Instruction is provided on several ability levels.

Youth Tennis Lessons

Lessons will focus on introducing the basic fundamentals and strategies of tennis. Class will work on developing hand-eye coordination, flexibility and endurance through drills and play. Ages 7 to 16.

Ballet Dance

This is an introductory class to classical ballet. Leotards, tights, and ballet slippers are recommended. Beginning Ballet is for age 4-6, 45 minutes. Ballet I is for ages 6 and up, 45 minutes.

Gymnastics

This program instructs boys and girls ages 18 months to 10 years in gymnastic skill development, safety measures, and values. Students are grouped by ability and experience.

Youth Basketball League

Boys and girls age 5 to 12 hoop it up in our Youth Basketball League. The focus will be on fundamental basketball skills and team play in addition to the YMCA core values and character development. Ten weeks of exciting basketball including a Paul Webb clinic, practices, and 8 league games.  All games are on Saturday mornings.

Youth Interactive Zone

Enjoy a workout while playing video games! Youth and teens ages 8 and older can drop in to this counselor monitored area to play air hockey, pool, and various interactive video games in our I-Zone while the adults work out elsewhere in the facility. Children under 8 may attend with a parent.

Parent’s Night Out

Parents’ Night Out is not just for parents! Children ages 3 - 5 have structured games, crafts, and play time in the Child Watch room.  Kids ages 6 - 12 will enjoy games, recreational swimming, crafts, and other fun activities in the Youth Center. Wear shoes to play in the gym and the older group should bring a swim suit and towel. Two slices of pizza and a drink are served for both age groups.

Y Birthday Parties

Y Birthday Parties are for children ages 3 and up, with a maximum of 20 guests including the birthday child, available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.  All bookings have: a Party Attendant, use of the Party Room for 1 hour, use of the Gym or Pool for 90 minutes (or pool for 45 and gym for 45), Goodie Bags, Paper Products, and Balloons.  Call 757-483-9622 for more details.

Camp

Summer Kinder Camp

Children ages 4 to 6 meet for a half-day program filled with swimming lessons, gym games, songs, and crafts. The Y provides children with a mid-morning snack. Campers need to bring a knapsack, bathing suit, towel, wear tennis shoes, and label all belongings.  Each session incorporates a different theme for campers. All children receive YMCA memorabilia.

Kinder Camp Brochure

Summer Day Camp

Summer Day Camp at the Y is an experience that builds a lifetime of memories for your children. Traditional camping activities such as canoeing, fishing, crabbing, and hiking are mixed with sports, field games, and environmental education during the morning session. During the afternoon sessions campers participate in arts and crafts, gym games, and Y swim lessons. Throughout all of our activities, heavy emphasis is placed on YMCA Character Development.  Camp activities begin at 8:30 AM and end at 4:30 PM.  Supervised extended care is provided to allow parents to drop off campers as early as 7:00 AM and pick them up as late as 6:00 PM.  Enrollment is limited. Registration is handled on a first-come, first served basis. Financial Assistance is available.

Day Camp Brochure

Summer Sports Camps

The Y offers one-week sports/specialty camps during the summer in half-day programs. Camp hours can be extended for children who would like to participate in a full-day program, with the afternoons spent enjoying gym games, arts and crafts and free swim on Friday. Children must bring a lunch, drink, and 2 snacks for the full-day program. Campers enrolled in the full-day program may be dropped off as early as 7:00 AM and picked up no later than 6:00 PM.

Sports Camp Brochure

March 31st - Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Bunny will visit the Y and leave eggs for all the kids to find! After the hunt, stay for crafts and activities, and maybe a visit from the Bunny! The time for this event has not been finalized yet, so check back here soon!