Staff Members | Board of Directors | Employment
What does YMCA mean? When was the Y founded?
YMCA means Young Men’s Christian Association. The YMCA was founded in 1844 in London, England and came to America in 1851. The Grand Traverse Bay Young Men’s Christian Association was incorporated on Thursday, May 23, 1963 and declared a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt charity on November 30, 1964.
At every stage of life, YMCAs are there to help children, families and individuals reach their full potential.
Click here for a historical narrative of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA from 1963 - 2004 written by Hank Johnson, long time Y board member.
Our Mission
"To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all."
Our Values
"Through programs that foster honesty, respect, caring and responsibility, at the YMCA we build character one kid at a time."
Our Vision
"Strong kids, strong families, strong communities!"
The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA shall be nondenominational and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, disability, color, religion, or national origin.
How We Serve Your Community:
10,000 participants in 65 programs
2,000 kids involved in YMCA Pop Warner Football; 300 kids in Y Lacrosse; 1,000 participants each in Y Basketball and Y Gymnastics; 850 in Y Tennis; 300 kids in Y Child Care and Y Camp; 2,000 participants in Y Adult Sports; 400 teens each month involved in Y Teen Dances and other teen programs.
2,800 members; 220,000 usages
1 in 3 Americans has been a YMCA member at some point in their life. Our main facility alone hosts more than a quarter of a million usages each year, with additional usages in sites throughout the five county region.
33,000 volunteer hours
Nearly 500 volunteers each year log more than 32,000 hours as coaches, mentors, and helping kids with reading and homework, at camp, and in other ways.
$120,000 scholarships
As part of our “No One Denied” financial assistance program, 23% of camp and child care families, 11% of member families, and 80 families of active duty military personnel receive scholarship assistance, along with 500 other needy Y families.
Meeting Community Needs
Your YMCA now hosts three varsity Lacrosse teams.
Why? Because the community asked for it.
Your YMCA opened a Day Care Center and offers swim lessons.
Why? Because the community needed it.
Your YMCA began site construction for a New Y facility.
Why? Because the community deserves it.
Y Membership Benefits:
Your YMCA membership entitles you to special benefits not available to non-members. Benefits include:
*4 fitness areas
*Selectorized circuit, cardio selection, and free weights
*FREE or reduced rates on all programs
*Use of the gym, locker rooms, sauna, and towel service
*Ability to reserve tennis and racquetball courts
*3 free guest passes for adult members
*FREE drop-in childcare during posted hours
*Welcomed at more than 1,000 YMCAs nationwide as part of the national "AWAY" program
