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Programs and services at the Winchester YMCA are centered in the YMCa mission. The YMCA mission is to put Christian priciples into practive throught programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Y programs, such as Youth Sports and Summer Day Camp, are the tools YMCAs use to help participants experience the Y mission. In Winchester YMCA programs, mission activities look like this:
Spirit
Refers to self-esteem and willingness to help others and the activities that develop these qualities. Spirit also includes a sense of fun and a climate of positive energy. YMCA activities include:
- Collaboration with others,
- Conflict resolution skills,
- Opportunities for success regardless of ability.
Mind
Refers to learning and to activities that promote learning. YMCA activities include and encourage:
- Solving problems,
- Using school-gathered knowledge,
- Having high expectations each time an activitiy is undertaken.
Body
Refers to health and wellness and the activities that promote these qualities. YMCA activities include and encourage:
- Physical fitness,
- Active games.
Hardwired to Connect
For 152 years, YMCAs have witnessed firsthand how their work positively impacts the lives of children and families nationwide. But the newly released report— “Hardwired to Connect:The New Scientific Case for Authoritative Communities”—commissioned by YMCA of the USA and the Commission on Children at Risk, provides scientific evidence for the positive emotional and spiritual growth that kids experience after participating in YMCA programs.
While academic in tone, the report’s conclusions powerfully support YMCAs’ historic mission, current work and goals for the future. The findings scientifically validate the significance of current YMCA collaborations with parents, schools, parks and recreation departments, religious groups and other youth and family-serving organizations. Surrounding our kids with rich networks of nurturing relationships not only helps them thrive, but has been shown to genetically protect them from developing emotional disorders like depression and anxiety and/or substance abuse. In addition, this nurturing may even transform existing genetic vulnerabilities into strengths.
To download a copy of the report’s 4-page Executive Summary, click here.
To download the entire 28-page report, click here.
Important Note about Downloading
Downloading requires the free Acrobat™ Reader that is already installed on most computers. If you do not have the Acrobat™ Reader, get it here.
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