Whether you prefer swimming at the pool, forming new friendships at camp, cooling off at the park or hitting the pickleball court, summertime is a time for having fun and making memories with family and friends! 

Fortunately, there are many opportunities to do just that in Fredericksburg and the surrounding region, and many of these opportunities are available thanks to the YMCA. We sat down with Devlin Reiley, marketing and PR director for the
Rappahannock Area YMCA, to find out what classes, activities and events parents may want to add to their bucket list this summer.

What’s new or especially exciting at the YMCA this year that families may not know about yet?
This summer is packed with exciting opportunities across the Rappahannock Area YMCA. Families are especially excited about the opening of our outdoor waterpark for the season, expanded summer programming and new wellness upgrades happening throughout our branches, but a complete wellness renovation at the Massad Family YMCA. We are also continuing to grow programs like summer volleyball, pickleball, youth sports and events that give families affordable ways to stay active together. 

One thing many people may not realize is how much the YMCA has evolved into a true community hub offering everything from wellness and sports to childcare, camps and impact programs that support local families year-round.

What are some of the ways that families can take advantage of all that the YMCA offers during the summer months? 

Summer at the YMCA is all about keeping families active, connected and having fun. Families can enjoy the outdoor waterpark, indoor pools, group fitness classes, summer camps, youth sports, pickleball, volleyball and special family events happening throughout the season like our 4th of July Party and our Luau at the YMCA Waterpark. Parents appreciate having a safe and engaging place for children while also being able to focus on their own health and wellness. Many families also enjoy using the YMCA as an affordable destination where everyone in the household can find something they enjoy.

Can you share more about the pool, the waterpark and swim lessons available at the YMCA? 

The YMCA offers indoor and outdoor aquatic opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Our outdoor waterpark is one of the biggest summer attractions in the region and gives families a fun place to cool off and spend time together. We also offer swim lessons for children and adults, helping swimmers build confidence and important water safety skills.

Beyond recreation, our aquatics programs support community health and safety by teaching lifelong skills that can save lives. Every branch of the YMCA has a pool, with the Massad Branch offering two pools, which includes a therapeutic wellness pool.

Pickleball continues to grow in popularity! What opportunities are available for families who want to try it? 

Pickleball has absolutely exploded in popularity at the YMCA, and it has become one of the fastest-growing activities for both adults and families. We offer indoor and outdoor open play, beginner opportunities, clinics, leagues, tournaments, lessons and social events throughout the year. Families love that it is easy to learn, affordable and fun for all ages. Our indoor and outdoor courts stay active year-round, and many families are discovering pickleball together for the first time at the YMCA.

Many parents are looking for ways to prioritize their own health while balancing family responsibilities. Can you talk about childcare options available while parents work out or attend classes?
The YMCA understands how important it is for parents to take care of themselves while also caring for their children. Our branches offer childcare options while parents use the facility, attend classes or work out. Families appreciate being able to focus on their health knowing their children are in a safe and supportive environment nearby. We strive to make wellness accessible and realistic for busy parents.

What kinds of fitness classes, wellness programs or new equipment are helping adults stay active this year? 

The YMCA continues to expand wellness opportunities for adults of all ages and fitness levels. Members can participate in group fitness classes like strength training, bootcamps, cycling, water fitness and wellness coaching programs. Several branches have also introduced new equipment and upgraded wellness spaces to improve the member experience. In addition to fitness, we continue to offer community health programs focused on healthy living, chronic disease prevention and overall well-being.

Can you share more about sports opportunities? 

The YMCA offers sports opportunities for all ages throughout the year. Youth programs include basketball, volleyball, soccer, swim programs, tennis, pickleball and summer sports camps that help children stay active while learning teamwork and confidence. Adult sports opportunities continue to grow as well, especially in pickleball, tennis, volleyball and wellness challenges. Summer volleyball has become a fun way for youth and adults alike to stay active and social during the warmer months.

What types of camps does the YMCA offer? 

The YMCA offers a variety of summer camp experiences designed to meet different interests and age groups. Camps include traditional day camps, sports day camps, aquatic activities, outdoor adventures and specialty summer camps that focus on creativity, leadership and healthy living. 

“Families appreciate that YMCA camps provide a safe, structured environment where children can build friendships, stay active and create lasting memories throughout the summer.”

Is the YMCA still hosting the Unspoken Mothers Cafe? If so, can you talk a little about what started that program and the kind of support it provides mothers?
Yes, the Caroline Family YMCA continues to support mothers through programs like the Unspoken Mothers Cafe. The program was created to provide a welcoming and supportive space where mothers can connect, share experiences and build community. It focuses on encouraging honest conversations around motherhood, mental wellness and personal support systems while helping mothers feel less isolated and more connected to resources and one another.

Can you highlight a few of the YMCA’s impact programs and how they are helping members of our community? 

The YMCA is proud to provide impact programs that help strengthen the community every day. One of our largest initiatives is Bright Beginnings, which provides local children with back-to-school shopping experiences, school supplies and essentials to help them start the school year with confidence. We also host our Special Needs Splash events, which create inclusive opportunities for individuals and families to safely enjoy the pool and waterpark in a welcoming environment. On top of that, our Community Wellness focuses on our Diabetes Prevention Program, Blood Pressure Monitoring and now Mental Health support! 

Additional impact programs include financial assistance for memberships and programs, youth mentoring, swim safety initiatives, chronic disease prevention programs and support services for families throughout the region. The YMCA works to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to opportunities that improve health, confidence and quality of life. 

What is YMCA Give Day, and how does Give Day support children, families and individuals across our community?

YMCA Give Day is a dedicated day of giving that brings our community together to support the programs and services that help strengthen children, families and individuals throughout our region. Every dollar raised stays local and helps ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive at the YMCA, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Give Day supports critical YMCA programs like childcare, swim lessons, youth sports, summer camps, special needs programming, community health initiatives, financial assistance and programs that provide children and families with opportunities they may not otherwise have access to. It also helps support initiatives that improve physical health, mental well-being, social connection and youth development across our communities. This year, Give Day is on Tuesday, September 15th, and you can show your support by donating, sponsoring and sharing the event.

The YMCA is more than a place to work out. It is a place where children build confidence, families connect, individuals improve their health and community members find support during difficult times. YMCA Give Day helps make those life-changing opportunities possible and ensures the YMCA remains accessible for all.

For more information, visit https://family-ymca.org/.