The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit offers a variety of programs, classes and services for all ages. Programs center around our 5 core values of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty, and Inclusion. We strive each and every day to spark real change in our communities by providing high-quality development opportunities from infancy through graduation and beyond.
Looking for something specific for yourself or your family? There’s something for everyone at the Y! Browse current programs below.
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Academic Enrichment
The Y offers fun and educational programs that support schools and communities by offering hands-on experiences that support academic and social development. From Cooking to STEM, Art and Literacy, there’s something for everyone!
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Arts and Humanities programs at the Y celebrates that everyone has potential, giving opportunities for preschoolers to adults to explore their creative side.
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Taking care of children is an important job with serious responsibilities. Our Babysitter Safety Training (BLAST for short) teaches youth ages 11 and up the skills needed to look after and care for young children.
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YMCA of the USA is calling on high school students (grades 9-12) in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico to propose a YMCA Changemakers Project that addresses a critical issue or need in their communities.
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Supported by Y Arts and the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, the Detroit Can Film Festival strives to empower youth voices to share what’s really important to young people in our region.
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The Y gives kids opportunities for children to gain confidence as they recognize the Y as a place where they belong and can feel comfortable exploring new interests and passions. Our Ys provide STEAM enrichment programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) that build key skills needed for future leaders of tomorrow.
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In Partnership with Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, Summer Youth Employment at the Y provides relevant learning opportunities that help young adults ages 14-24 build basic work skills and with develop career plans.
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Y Arts’ Y Media Works is a highly engaging youth media production program that has been serving Metro Detroit youth since 2008.
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The Teen Achievers program is a career and college prep program for high schoolers that prepares students to succeed in life. Participants are given opportunities to attend college tours, field trips, and workshops focusing on College Prep and Career Planning.
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Michigan Youth in Government (MIYG) allows teens to step into the shoes of policymakers, using hands-on experiences to cultivate skills in public discourse, decision making and civic participation.
Camp
From School Break Camps to Summer Day Camp, When school is out, FUN IS IN! Camping, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character and making friends. But few environments are as special as camp, where kids become a community as they learn both how to be more independent and how to contribute to a group as they engage in physical, social and educational activities.
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Family Camp takes you away from your normal routine. It’s an escape from life’s many interruptions to relax and play together as a family, strengthen relationships and create unforgettable memories that you’ll share for a lifetime.
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Camping is for everyone, and the Y offers opportunities for groups large and small to enjoy the outdoors while staff takes care of the rest. From school groups and corporate gatherings to summer camp for youth with disabilities, everyone can participate in limitless adventure at YMCA Camps Ohiyesa and Nissokone.
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Summer sleepaway camps offer a wide variety of outdoor adventures led by trained and experienced leaders who guide people of all ages in having an unforgettable experience. Expect new and fun activities that will add not only build skills but also great new friendships and character values for life. The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit operates…
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When school is out, fun is in at the Y. School break camp includes all of the fun character-building camp activities any time school is out. The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit offers school break camps for elementary children, preschoolers and teens at most of our YMCA branches.
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At YMCA Summer Day Camp, kids make new friends, accomplish goals and learn new skills, and experience belonging in a way that only the Y can provide. Every new experience comes with a chance to learn and grow.
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Join us for an exciting week of performance and play! Your camper will discover their inner superstar working alongside a talented local theatre professional learning the basics of acting and storytelling.
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Regardless of the season, Nissokone is the perfect setting to make your special day exactly what you imagine it to be. Camp provides a natural, rustic feel that will make your guests feel right at home.
Child Care
At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success.
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Afterschool Care at the Y serves kindergartners through middle schoolers throughout Metro Detroit with a variety of activities to explore and develop their interests and talents when the school day ends.
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Whether your kids are looking for new fun and adventures at the Y, or you crave a kids-free night out, the Y’s Parents’ Day or Night Out programs are the perfect way to give yourself some time away while your kids play and learn alongside their peers under the supervision of our caring and trained…
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Many of our Ys offer free drop-in child care while mom or dad make use of the Y. Playful, engaging options are plentiful for young children while you exercise or connect with others over shared interests.
Sports & Recreation
Along with improving health, Sports and Recreation programs at the Y give adults the opportunity to connect, in person, to others.
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Adaptive Social Club brings groups of peers with special needs together on Saturdays for socialization and fun. Activities include physical fitness, games, crafts and community outings. Groups are led by experienced, caring staff and volunteers. A light dinner is included, or participants may bring their own meal. Additional fees may apply for community outings or…
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Adventure Guides is a parent-child program designed to help foster a lifetime of understanding and companionship, and to strengthen the relationship between children and parents.
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At the Y, children learn basic basketball skills using age-appropriate equipment (i.e. smaller balls and baskets for preschool ages). They do fun drills and games that teach ball handling and shooting skills. Early in the program, skill work is stressed as they practice, and as players develop, coaches work on the idea of team play…
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Are you looking for a place to host your next big event? Whether it is a birthday, office activity party, scout group, overnight lock-in, think of the Y. With different options our staff is here to meet your party needs.
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Girls on the Run is a physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. We teach life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games.
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Gymnastics and Dance classes at the YMCA give youth and adults a place to develop balance, coordination, and enjoy the benefits of creative movement.
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The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit offers a variety of styles of martial arts practice, giving you lots of fun ways to achieve fitness and focus, and cultivate self-discipline and socialization skills.
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Pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a community, a way to stay active, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a new hobby, give pickleball a try – you might just find your new favorite pastime!
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Besides increasing strength throughout the body, rock climbing helps develop balance and coordination. With the sport of climbing, you can improve endurance and feel an excitement that comes with this unique kind of challenge.
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At the Y, children learn basic soccer skills using age-appropriate equipment (i.e. smaller balls and goals for young kids). Players do fun drills and games that teach fundamental soccer skills, such as dribbling, passing and shooting. As players develop, coaches work with the kids on the idea of team play and basic strategy.
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SportPort is a collaborative that provides access to sports sampling, free play and free sports equipment to kids so they can play in their own neighborhoods. Through both stationary and mobile partners, SportPort provides access to free sports equipment for traditional and non-traditional sports like baseball, basketball, football or even hockey, disc golf and lacrosse.
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Kids need opportunities to try new things, explore and test new abilities–just for fun. In a Sports Sampler, we introduce children to a variety of sports-related activities, while encouraging healthy attitudes about play.
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STRIDE is a fun fitness and running program for boys in grades 3 through 5. Boys have the chance to share their thoughts and opinions about various life topics in a safe, encouraging environment that helps them develop character, while building running endurance to compete in a 5K.
Swimming
The Y strives to help all ages learn how to swim, so they can stay safe around water and learn the skills needed to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for healthy living.
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Over 79% of children in low-income families have little to no swimming ability, putting our children at an unacceptable risk of drowning. Detroit Swims is working to change that in Southeast Michigan.
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Visiting the pool is a great family activity, and the Y makes sure families can enjoy swimming together. We reserve “Open Swim” time in our pools every day so that individuals and families can enjoy time to play, splash and swim laps together.
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Lifeguards have serious responsibilities, and quality training can help save lives. The YMCA is a national leader in water safety, and we provide lifeguard training and CPR/AED certification courses.
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The Y is the most accessible community resource to prevent drowning and encourage a lifelong enjoyment of swimming. The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit offers Swim Lessons for people of all ages.
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Joining a swim team develops confidence and self-discipline in kids. Besides learning new skills, kids build camaraderie and enjoy the challenge of racing in the pool. YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit swim teams emphasize the value of competition through teamwork, sportsmanship and doing one’s best.
Wellness
The Y aims to improve the nation’s health and well-being by providing programs and activities that promote wellness, reduce risk for disease and help others reclaim their health.
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5Ks, triathlons, and fitness challenges are a great way to stay motivated and work toward wellness goals. And they’re a lot of fun. Our Y offers races and run/tri clubs that everyone can enjoy.
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From low-impact exercise and chair classes to strength training, indoor cycling, and yoga, at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit you’ll find a group class that’s fun, supportive and keeps you moving. Our classes are led by certified instructors who teach proper technique, provide guidance and encourage participants to achieve goals.
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Living healthy is about spirit, mind and body at every age and stage. Our Ys offer classes and programs for those dealing with chronic disease, joint and injury rehabilitation, in addition to health assessments and wellness coaching.
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Personal Training at the Y provides customized solutions to help you meet your goals. Our nationally certified trainers strive to provide motivation, guidance and hands-on assistance to help you reach your goals.
See what programs are happening at your local YMCA branch, See all locations here.