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Charitie Bruning Appointed Executive Director of YMCA Camp Bernie

Posted on Updated on by Sherry Danna

Port Murray, NJ – December 6, 2023– The Ridgewood YMCA is proud to announce the appointment of Charitie Bruning as the Executive Director of Ridgewood YMCA’s Camp Bernie.

Bruning is no stranger to the YMCA, having spent over fifteen years managing branches, teen programs, and summer camp initiatives with YMCA Buffalo Niagara and Genesee YMCA.

Prior to joining Camp Bernie, Bruning provided resources, development, training, and other support to YMCA community programs, specializing in team-building and facilitation.

“I understand the value that these programs have on youth and teens within the community,” Bruning said. “It has always been an aspiration of mine to give back to the programs that developed me into the community leader that I am today.”

“We are delighted to welcome Charitie Bruning to the Ridgewood YMCA Camp Bernie family,” Ridgewood YMCA CEO, Ramon Hache, said. “Bringing in Charitie is a key component of our strategic vision for the camp, as she brings tremendous knowledge and energy, helping us drive the growth and quality of Camp Bernie while building stronger relationships with the communities we serve.”

Upon taking over as Executive Director on November 13th, 2023, Bruning will continue to cultivate impactful and engaging experiences in line with the YMCA’s core values of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. – 

DID YOU KNOW that since 1956, the Ridgewood Y has owned and operated a full-facility summer camp in Port Murray NJ?

In addition to our very own Camp Woods here in Ridgewood, our sister facility Camp Bernie boasts a full summer day camp program as well as overnight camp for kids in grades 2nd-10th.

Learn more about Camp Bernie!

Game On! Winter sports registration is open

Posted on Updated on by Sherry Danna

Elite Training Basketball
Grades 5-12
Tuesdays | Dec 12-Feb 6
6:30-7:30PM
Members $200 | Non-members $280

Lil’ Kickers Soccer
Ages 3-6
Sundays | Dec 3-Jan 28
10:00-11:15AM
Members $120 | Non-members $150

Junior Academy Soccer
Ages 7-10
Sundays | Dec 3-Jan 28
11:30AM-12:45PM
Members $120 | Non-members $150

Check out our winter soccer and basketball sessions starting in December and running through the new year. The Y has options for all age groups and genders. Our programming is open to members and non-members, and scholarships are available for qualifying families. Click the link below to learn more and register!

Register
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Donate to Our Holiday Teddy Bear Boutique

Posted on Updated on by Sherry Danna

ACCEPTING DONATIONS MONDAY NOVEMBER 20-SUNDAY DECEMBER 10
FRONT LOBBY OF THE RIDGEWOOD YMCA

This holiday season, the Ridgewood Y is partnering with our community volunteers to host a Teddy Bear Boutique! Simply bring your new or gently loved teddy bears to the Ridgewood Y and add them to the designated donation box in the lobby.

Children in need of a teddy bear will have the opportunity to shop in our Teddy Bear Boutique and bring a new friend home!

If you know a child in need of a teddy bear, please get in touch with Megan Nayden [email protected] to set them up with a special boutique appointment!

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DEC 1: Parents Night Out—Holiday Jamboree

Posted on Updated on by Sherry Danna

FRIDAY DECEMBER 1
7:00-10:00PM
Ages 5-12
Members $20 | Non-members $35

Kick off your holiday festivities while we entertain the kids! Our Parents Night Out program is the perfect way to give yourself some time away while your kids play and learn alongside their peers under the supervision of our caring and trained staff.

Have a night on the town while we entertain your little ones!

 

NEXT UP January 5th: Disney Day

For more information, contact Cara Apsley at [email protected]

Register
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Thanksgiving Week Schedule Changes

Posted on Updated on by Sherry Danna

FACILITY HOURS FOR THANKSGIVING WEEK NOV 20TH-26TH

Please note the following changes in our schedule for the week of Thanksgiving:

WED NOV 22 | EARLY CLOSING 5:00AM-3:00PM
THU NOV 23 | CLOSED
FRI NOV 24 | REGULAR HOURS RESUME 5:00AM-9:00PM

STAY AND PLAY will be closed Thu Nov 23 through Sat Nov 25. Regular hours will resume Mon Nov 27.

Please click the links below to view changes to group exercise and swim schedules.

GROUP FITNESS
LAP + FAMILY SWIM
BREAKERS SWIM TEAM

HAVE FAMILY IN TOWN?

Don’t forget about our guest passes! For only $10/person your guests can enjoy a day with all the perks of a Ridgewood Y membership!
Visit the Welcome Center to purchase. ID required.

The Ridgewood Y is a member of the Nationwide YMCA Program and accepts members from other branches across the country! Just check with your local branch to make sure you’re enrolled. We can’t wait to see you!

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DEC 9: The BIG Christmas Carol

Posted on Updated on by Sherry Danna

SATURDAY DECEMBER 9
12:30-2:30PM
FREE FOR MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

Step into a world where holiday cheer meets the magic of the Ridgewood Y’s Parkinson’s Program! Join us for The BIG Christmas Carol, a heartwarming twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Get ready for a laughter-filled journey as we discover joy and delight in the most unexpected ways! Don’t miss the festive fun—it’s the season of celebration at the YMCA!

RSVP HERE

Performance begins promptly at 12:30PM. PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST 30 MINUTES EARLY to allow for security checks at the front desk. ID OR MEMBERSHIP CARD IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY. If you are not a Ridgewood Y member, you can cut down on entry time by downloading and pre-filling an entry waiver here.

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NOV 18: E+R=O Resiliency Seminar with Jim Stroker

Posted on Updated on by Sherry Danna

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 18
12:00-1:30PM
Members $25 | Non-members $35
Members U-17 $5 | Non-members U-17 $10

Join Coach Jim Stroker for the first event in his three-part Resiliency Seminar Series.

The E(vents) in our life—many of which are unplanned—do not dictate the outcome of our lives. The occurrence of events is out of our control, but the R(esponse) is not. We own it, we are accountable for it, and it is the greatest influencer on the O(utcome). The actions we take, the attitude we choose, and the effort we put in—all of these are totally up to us.

Register
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NOV 15: Ramapo State Forest Friendsgiving Hike

Posted on Updated on by Sherry Danna

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 15
9:00AM-12:00PM
FREE FOR MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

Enjoy a four-mile hike in Ramapo State Forest with multiple views of the NYC skyline, surrounding mountains, and lakes.

We’ll meet in the lobby of the Ridgewood Y at 8:45am, and depart at 9:00am. Travel time is roughly 20 minutes each way.
The hike will be approximately two hours but may be longer based on hiking speed—please expect to be gone for at least three hours total.

WHAT TO BRING: a backpack with lunch, snacks, water, sunblock/bug spray etc.

WHAT TO WEAR: Weather-appropriate clothes; layers work best. Footwear such as hiking boots, trail shoes, or sturdy sneakers. Bring an extra layer for the lunch break, as your body cools down quickly during rest.

TRANSPORTATION: Typically we will carpool from the YMCA, but you are welcome to drive yourself. (Location of trailhead will be provided)

Register
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STARTING NOV 13: Learn Pickleball Fast

Posted on Updated on by Sherry Danna

Sessions will be held weeks of:
November 13
November 27
December 11
January 8

Each session consists of THREE lessons: Mon, Wed, Fri 8:00-9:00AM

Members $15 | Non-members $30 per session

Join us to Learn Pickleball Fast! From the dink to the lob, we’ll take the time to teach you, and introduce you to the great sport of pickleball. These one-week lesson sessions will get you up to speed—then stay to play in our pickup games!

 

Just bring a positive attitude and a desire to learn—the Y has everything else: paddles, balls, and nets will be provided. Our pickleball instructor will lead you through the court, rules, and the basic strategy to get you ready to play with a group. After the class, you are welcome to stay and put your new skills to the test in our weekly pickup games!

This is a three-class series held over the course of one week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00-9:00AM
Pickup games are held every week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00AM-11:30AM

Register
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NOV 8: WELLNESS SEMINAR SERIES—Intro to Mindful Meditation

Posted on Updated on by Sherry Danna

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 8
7:00-8:00PM
FREE FOR MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

Mindfulness meditation is the practice of paying close attention to our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and actions with kindness and without judgement. It can effectively enhance our understanding of how thoughts and actions create stress and impact our quality of life. Over time, we can develop our innate capacity to live with more clarity, openness, and joy.

Mindfulness coach Joe Schmidt will introduce you to techniques and guide you through meditations while helping you to implement these powerful practices into your thoughts and lives.

Register
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