Early EducationOur Early Education programs are for children from 6 weeks to 6 years old. Part-time programs are available.
School Age Child CareBefore and after school care for children in grades 1-6. We also offer school vacation camps, and Y Half Days for early release days.
Kids Stop BabysittingBoth Y branches offer this wonderful convenience for parents while they work out or swim in our facilities.
Camp SargentCamp Sargent is a summer day camp on lake Naticook in Merrimack which offers programs for boys and girls 5-16 years old.
Westwood Park CampsSports Camps at Westwood Park focus on individual skill development as well as the team ideals of sportsmanship for kids entering grades 1-8.
Merrimack Day CampsCamp is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. The Merrimack Y has summer day camps for kids in preschool to grade 6.
Nashua Day CampsCamping is for everyone, and the Nashua Y has summer camp options for kids in preschool all the way up to grade 12.
My motivation for volunteering is that the Y has given me so much I just want to be able to give back to the Y.
Initially I was helping Diana Newman with the many administrative tasks required when teaching the “Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance” (TJQMBB) class, which is a CDC sponsored fall prevention class for older adults. Then Diana suggested I should become an official volunteer and take the Instructor Training Certification as it would be nice to have another person who could teach the class. As I had been taking the class for a few years I thought maybe I could do it. So now I teach some of the classes as well as continuing with all the administrative work and training requirements.
I seem to have fallen into two main areas, working with seniors and working with kids, both of which I love. I try to find ways to improve my knowledge and my skills. As an example, I worked at St Joseph Hospital where fall prevention was so important. So I take some of what I learned there and try to incorporate it into the TJQMBB class. Having improved my Body and Mindfulness knowledge I found it easier than I expected to teach the Qi Gong class.
I really enjoy all of the areas where I volunteer. I get to spend time with people of all ages: staff, members, pre-school children and their parents, or prospective members who I hope I can encourage to join when I give a cause-based tour.
One of my favorite activities is probably the Kids Triathlon. The girls and boys of all ages are so inspiring. I think it is important to encourage them to have fun while striving to do their best.
Since becoming a volunteer in September 2016, coming to the Y seems more enjoyable. I feel I am representing the Y as an ambassador. I like to make new members feel welcome in class and often suggest other classes they may be interested in. Now I am more motivated to do my own classes as people tend to notice when I am not there! For me the Y is such a welcoming environment, and it is nice to know other people are looking out for me too.
I proudly wear my volunteer shirts and hope it will encourage other people to become volunteers.