Greetings Community Members! For this article, we have Scott, the Membership Director at the Roper YMCA, guest writing this article to share some of the program and activities that happen at the Roper YMCA. To stay in the loop about community events, be sure to subscribe to Macaroni KID Winter Garden-Ocoee's weekly newsletter!
The Roper YMCA is celebrating its 45th year in operation as a beacon for Winter Garden and its surrounding areas. The Y has evolved with the times, but the one constant has been living its cause of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. That has never been more prevalent with the 2023 rollout of the “Y Your Way” membership model.
In addition, there have been exciting program returns and additions. Last year was the opening of the Roper YMCA Teen Center, which provides a fun space after school for those 12-17 to play games together or just hang out.
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The Teen Leaders Club meets weekly throughout the school year as students learn what it means to work as a team and provide community service. They’re also inspired by the experiences and words of a wealth of prominent guest speakers. The Roper Y was also the first in the YMCA of Central Florida to launch an esports program, run similarly to other popular Youth Sports hosted onsite. This new option gives those who aren’t comfortable or physically able to participate in traditional sports, but are looking for a competitive and supportive team environment. An initial community tournament drew eight teams with plans to expand further.
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For the elementary age children, there is Y Explorers in the afternoons, which provides an hour-long enrichment activity. This ranges from arts & crafts and cardio to bey blades and gardening, where participants learn about where much of their food comes from. Moms and dads looking for a date night can also sign up for Parents Night Out. This program is held monthly and provides an evening of fun, a movie and pizza. For the first time since before the pandemic, the Roper Y has relaunched Home School P.E. Participants meet once a week for an engaging activity to get students active and moving.
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Each month, the Roper Y brings people together through a series of monthly family nights. Activities include glow zumba and bingo. We have a Fall Festival trunk-or-treat coming up on October 27. All our family night events are free and open to the community.
For more information or to schedule a tour, visit the Roper YMCA website. Stay on top of all the happenings by liking the Facebook page or following on Instagram.
