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YMCA History
In 1856 the Galt YMCA was formed with meetings being held at Trinity
Anglican Church. Membership was restricted to men 16 and over who were in
good standing with the Christian church. In 1911 the Queen’s Square Melville
Street site was purchased; formerly the Queen’s Arms Hotel for $18,000.
While the YMCA of Cambridge has changed over the years, the core values of
honesty, caring, respect and responsibility remain the same.
Child Care
Child care was first introduced at the YMCA of Cambridge in 1985. In 1991
the YMCA opened its first child care centre at St. Augustine School followed
by a second at Clemens Mill School. Today the YMCA has four off-site full
day child care sites at St. Augustine, Clemens Mill and Elgin Street schools
as well as at the Chaplin Family YMCA. There are also six after-school
programs. The YMCA has emerged as the leading child care provider in
Cambridge serving 479 children each year.
Wellness
The YMCA has always been dedicated to the development of individuals through
spirit, mind and body. Water therapy classes became an integral part of YMCA
Wellness Programs in the 1960s. Currently we continue to adapt to meet the
wellness needs of our community through partnerships with Cambridge Memorial
Hospital. Today there are 46 participants in the YMCA’s Fitness for Function
program and 70 people have participated in the Cardiac Rehabilitation
Program.
Y Service Club
The year 1922 marked the inception of the first Y’s Men’s Service Club. The
Y Service Club’s mission is to strive through active service to develop,
encourage and provide leadership to build a better world for all humankind.
Today they are best known for hosting the Artsy Affair. For over 25 years
the Artsy Affair has raised funds in support of YMCA Immigrant Services and
youth leadership both locally and internationally.
Volunteers
At its inception the YMCA was operated by a group of dedicated volunteers.
It was only in 1893 that the first paid YMCA staff person, Mr. Jolley was
hired. Today the YMCA continues to rely on the dedication of over 450
volunteers who provide over 20,000 hours of their time each year.
Women at the ‘Y’
In 1856 the YMCA was a men’s only association. In 1931 at a world YMCA
meeting it was proposed that women be able to join the YMCA. News reporters
called this a radical resolution. Today our membership is comprised of 50%
women who play an integral part in all aspects of the YMCA.
Day Camp
The Galt YMCA hosted its first boys’ summer camp on the Grand River by Glen
Morris in 1916. The YMCA has continued to offer the day camp experience
throughout the years. Today the YMCA of Cambridge provides summer day camp
opportunities to over 1,200 children each year.
Aquatics
In 1913 the first indoor pool opened at the Galt YMCA. In 1962 a second pool
was added to the Queen’s Square location to further enhance the facility.
Today over 2,100 children attend YMCA of Cambridge swimming programs each
week.
Youth Leadership
Over the last century the YMCA has maintained Youth Leader Corps programs as
an integral part of youth development. In 2003 the Youth Centre officially
opened its doors to all Cambridge youth calling itself the Z Beside the Y.
Today the youth centre is governed by a council of 10 youth and three adult
volunteers. The centre receives over 7,300 visits by Cambridge youth each
year. A variety of leadership and drop-in recreation programs are offered in
a safe and positive environment.
YMCA Circus
The Y Circus was first introduced in 1917 at the Galt YMCA. It remained a
tradition for many decades. The Y Circus’ carnival atmosphere featured
concession stands, gymnastic demonstrations, dance routines, Olympic
wrestlers and weight lifters. But the clowns remained the highlight of the
Circus.
Immigrant Services
In 1999 the Cambridge Multicultural Centre officially merged with the YMCA
of Cambridge changing its name to YMCA Immigrant Services. Today YMCA
Immigrant Services employs eight staff offering services in 12 different
languages to over 750 clients per year.
Recreation Programs
To many, the YMCA of Cambridge is well known for its fitness and recreation
programs. For 150 years, the association has responded to the needs of the
community, providing a variety of recreational and fitness programs for
people of all ages and abilities. From aquatics, to yoga, to squash, to
weight training, the YMCA has something for everyone.
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