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dig into your passion, or explore something new
Events may take place at the Ridgewood Y or off-site. Participation is open to all members and non-members unless otherwise noted, however, Ridgewood Y members receive free or discounted registration, depending on the event.
August 2025
AN END OF SUMMER TRADITION FOR CAMPERS AND ALUMNI
Candleboat Ceremony
YMCA Camp Bernie
Friday, August 15
7:00PM
Campers, families, and alumni — you’re invited to help us close out another unforgettable summer at our beloved Candleboat Ceremony, the final and most magical campfire of the season!
We’ll kick things off on the Main Athletic Field with cheers, awards, and heartfelt speeches. It’s a night to celebrate everything we’ve shared this summer! During the ceremony, paddle recipients will be called to the field to be recognized for their achievements!
As the sun sets and the stars begin to twinkle, we’ll make our way to the pond for the candleboat tradition — a peaceful, song-filled moment where we float candles on the water to reflect on our summer memories and say goodbye until next year.
September 2025
JOIN THE TEAM!
Ridgewood Y Breakers Tryouts - Short Course Season
Thursday + Friday | September 4 + 5
4:00-6:00PM
Ages 6-18
The Ridgewood Y Breakers embraces the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility by promoting a healthy, active lifestyle for young swimmers and teaching the benefits of a team sport.
Our trained coaching staff focuses on athletic development and aims to improve swimmers’ competitive skills and endurance through progression and an appropriate level of competition. It is designed to motivate and challenge swimmers to reach individual goals while still enjoying the benefits of a team sport.
Caretakers Support Group for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Monday, September 15 – please note that this session is not the first Monday of September
6:00-8:00PM
FREE
Topic: The Power of Your Personal Story
Our Caretaker Support Group is meant to provide a welcoming and safe environment for caretakers of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases to share experiences and feelings. Participants may also learn coping skills, stress management methods, and self-care techniques so that they can continue to provide crucial, quality care for those in need.
Caretaker Support Group meets on the first Monday of each month, and is open to members and non-members.
School Vacation Camp
Tuesday, September 23
8:00AM-6:00PM
Members $70 | Non-members $90
Ages 4-12
When school is out, the Y is in! The Ridgewood Y’s School Vacation Camp provides a fun, reliable, and affordable childcare option when schools are on break. With days full of crafts, games, swimming, and themed activities, children are treated to a little taste of summer camp fun—leaving you to focus on the day ahead knowing the kids are in good hands.
ESCAPE TO NATURE!
Fall Family Camp at YMCA Camp Bernie
Friday-Sunday | September 26-28
October 2025
School Vacation Camp
Thursday, October 2
8:00AM-6:00PM
Members $70 | Non-members $90
Ages 4-12
When school is out, the Y is in! The Ridgewood Y’s School Vacation Camp provides a fun, reliable, and affordable childcare option when schools are on break. With days full of crafts, games, swimming, and themed activities, children are treated to a little taste of summer camp fun—leaving you to focus on the day ahead knowing the kids are in good hands.
IT'S BACK!
Parents Night Out
Friday, October 3
7:00-10:00PM
Members $20 | Non-members $35
Ages 3-12
Take some time away while the kids play! For over 13 years, the Ridgewood Y’s Parents Night Out program has offered an affordable and trustworthy option so caregivers can spend an evening out while knowing their kids are in good hands—and having a good time! While the adults get some quality time out on the town, children are having a blast under the watchful eye of our trained staff participating in themed evenings that include movies, crafts, games, and more. Now the whole family can have a night out to remember!
Caretakers Support Group for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Monday, October 6
6:00-8:00PM
FREE
Topic: Being Present for Yourself and Your Loved Ones
Our Caretaker Support Group is meant to provide a welcoming and safe environment for caretakers of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases to share experiences and feelings. Participants may also learn coping skills, stress management methods, and self-care techniques so that they can continue to provide crucial, quality care for those in need.
Caretaker Support Group meets on the first Monday of each month, and is open to members and non-members.
Valley Health Presents: Stronger Together—A Mother/Daughter Journey
Wednesday, October 8
5:30-7:00PM
FREE
Raising kind, strong, and confident daughters is a goal we all share—but it doesn’t always come with a roadmap. Moms and daughters are invited to join us for a warm, engaging, and interactive workshop focused on building open communication, emotional resilience, and overall well-being.
Led by Danielle Weiss Heller, LCSW, Director of Outpatient Services at West Bergen Mental Health and proud mom of two, this session offers practical strategies and thoughtful conversation to help nurture a stronger, more connected mother-daughter relationship. Leave with tools you can use right away—and a shared experience you’ll both remember.
*Light refreshments will be provided.
School Vacation Camp
Monday, October 13
8:00AM-6:00PM
Members $70 | Non-members $90
Ages 4-12
When school is out, the Y is in! The Ridgewood Y’s School Vacation Camp provides a fun, reliable, and affordable childcare option when schools are on break. With days full of crafts, games, swimming, and themed activities, children are treated to a little taste of summer camp fun—leaving you to focus on the day ahead knowing the kids are in good hands.
School Vacation Camp
Monday, October 20
8:00AM-6:00PM
Members $70 | Non-members $90
Ages 4-12
When school is out, the Y is in! The Ridgewood Y’s School Vacation Camp provides a fun, reliable, and affordable childcare option when schools are on break. With days full of crafts, games, swimming, and themed activities, children are treated to a little taste of summer camp fun—leaving you to focus on the day ahead knowing the kids are in good hands.
Valley Health Presents: Muscle-Sparing Knee Replacement
Tuesday, October 21
4:00-5:00PM
FREE
Muscle Sparing Knee Replacement is a minimally invasive surgical technique designed to relieve pain and restore function by minimizing disruption to the surrounding muscles and tissues. This innovative approach often leads to less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery.
Join Ismar Dizdarevic, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon at Ridgewood Orthopedic Group, as he explains how the procedure works, who it’s best suited for, and what to expect before and after surgery. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and explore whether this option is right for you.
SAVE THE DATE
Ridgewood YMCA Grand Gala - Masquerade Ball
Friday, October 24
Ridgewood Country Club
For sponsor and auction information, please contact Richa Koirala [email protected]
BRAAAINS AT BERNIE
Zombie Survial Training Camp at YMCA Camp Bernie
Friday-Sunday | October 24-26
Ages 12-17
…Did you hear that? Groans in the dark—getting closer. We sprint into the nearest cabin and slam the door. How many are out there? One? Two? Doesn’t matter. This door won’t hold against hungry, tireless zombies. We need an escape route—now. Quick, search for food, first aid, anything! No time—they’ve found us. Call it in on the walkie. RUN!
Our annual Zombie Outbreak is a one-of-a-kind experience for teens: survival skills, zombie combat, stealth and evasion, improvised first aid, resource gathering, and even necrology. Can you and your team outwit the undead in our high-intensity simulation?
BOO!
Kid's Community Halloween Party
Friday, October 31
10:30-11:30AM
No Tricks, Just Treats!
Join us for a spooktacular morning of Halloween fun at the Ridgewood Y! Come in costume for a festive parade, sweet treats, story time, music, games, and crafts—all in a safe and friendly setting. All ages welcome!
Registration is recommended so we can plan for treats and supplies.
TEMPLATES
JUST ADDED!
School Vacation Camp
Friday, May 23
8:00AM-6:00PM
Members $70 | Non-members $90
Ages 4-12
When school is out, the Y is in! The Ridgewood Y’s School Vacation Camp provides a fun, reliable, and affordable childcare option when schools are on break. With days full of crafts, games, swimming, and themed activities, children are treated to a little taste of summer camp fun—leaving you to focus on the day ahead knowing the kids are in good hands.
FINAL ONE OF THE YEAR!
Parents Night Out: Beach Bash
Friday, May 2
7:00-10:00PM
Members $20 | Non-members $35
Ages 3-12
Take some time away while the kids play! For over 13 years, the Ridgewood Y’s Parents Night Out program has offered an affordable and trustworthy option so caregivers can spend an evening out while knowing their kids are in good hands—and having a good time! While the adults get some quality time out on the town, children are having a blast under the watchful eye of our trained staff participating in themed evenings that include movies, crafts, games, and more. Now the whole family can have a night out to remember!
Caretakers Support Group for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Monday, May 5
6:00-8:00PM
FREE
Topic: Moving out of Resistance and Suffering
Our Caretaker Support Group is meant to provide a welcoming and safe environment for caretakers of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases to share experiences and feelings. Participants may also learn coping skills, stress management methods, and self-care techniques so that they can continue to provide crucial, quality care for those in need.
Caretaker Support Group meets on the first Monday of each month, and is open to members and non-members.
Menopause Support Group
Wednesday, May 14
11:30AM-12:30PM – please note the change in time for this meeting
FREE
Topic: Sleep and Stress
Our Menopause Support Group offers a welcoming and safe space for individuals navigating the challenges of menopause to share experiences, feelings, and insights. Participants can explore coping strategies, stress management methods, and self-care techniques to support their physical and emotional well-being during this transitional phase.
Menopause Support Group meets on the first Wednesday of each month, and is open to members and non-members.
Youth Programming Open House
Saturday, May 3
10:00AM-12:00PM
FREE
Now’s the perfect time to learn about all the youth programs offered at the Ridgewood Y. Whether you’re interested in summer camp, teen fitness, or anything in between, our open house has all the information you need. Find out where your child’s journey begins!
No need to register, just show up!
Additional 2025 dates:
Thursday, June 5 | 5:00-7:00PM