Education and Leadership
Preschool
The YMCA Preschool has been in operation for over 53 years serving children ages 2.9-5. We strive to develop self-esteem, socialization, and kindergarten readiness skills, as well as a lifelong love of learning. Developmentally appropriate and fun activities include YMCA preschool swimming lessons, dramatic play, cooking, music lessons, story time, field trips and more. Teaching staff are certified and qualified by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. The Preschool is licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Registration for the 2011-2012 school year begins on January 10, 2011 and will continue until classes are filled. Ask at our Reception Desk for a flyer or contact Michelle Anamisis, Preschool Director, for more information at ext. 306. Please click the links below for more info.
Preschool 2-day swim letter 2011
Youth and Government
YMCA Youth & Government lets young people in grades 9 – 12 experience democracy in action. Participants have opportunities to develop writing, speaking, and debating skills, make friends and learn how they can make a difference. Each year teenagers from across Massachusetts gain a deep understanding of our democratic traditions, their importance, and how to sustain them by their active participation in this unique program. Youth and Government culminates with a conference weekend in Boston where students come together for a Model Legislative session at the State House. For more information please contact Bridget Daley Camping & Outdoor Education Director.
Leaders Club
Teens in high school may apply to become a member of the Leaders Club. This program teaches leadership development through community service, team work, and values clarification. Leaders Club is governed by an Executive Board consisting of Leaders Club members. The club is responsible for the organization and facilitation of their events and activities. They also volunteer weekly at the YMCA and design community projects throughout the year. Members participate in group overnights, weekend rallies, and events with other clubs. The club meets Wednesday evenings at 7:00PM at the YMCA
Youth Art Classes
Beginning Acrylic Painting
Experiment with palette and brush; learn basic acrylic technique including drawing, perspective, composition, lighting and brush techniques and mixing colors.
Ages: 8-12 years old
Day: Tuesday
Time: 4:30-6:00PM
Cost: $76 member $94 non-member
Instructor: Kate Gallavan
Includes all art materials
Preschool Picasso – Preschool Drawing and Painting
In this class, young children will learn about drawing, sketching with pencils, shading and painting. We will learn how to draw simple animals along with shapes to show how to build a scene.
Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:00PM-4:30PM
Ages: 4-6
Cost: Member $51 Non member $63.00
Instructor: Ellie Meyer
Comic Book Art
Have fun learning the basics of comic book art from sketch to print-ready first page.
Day: Wednesday
Time: 4:45PM-6:00PM
Ages: 8-12
Cost: Member $60 Non member $72
Nature Art
The woods provide a powerful setting for promoting creativity. Each class we will take short hikes out into the woods of Camp Shepard and then head back to the Chalet where we will create art out of the natural treasures we find.
Day: Friday
Time: 4:30-6:00PM
Ages: 5-8
Cost: Member $51 Non member $63
Location: Camp Shepard Chalet
Session: Fall 1 only
ARRRT! (Reduce, Reuse and Recyle Art)
Save the earth one project at a time. We will create beautiful art pieces out of a variety of recycable items.
Day: Friday
Time: 4:30-6:00PM
Ages: 5-8
Cost: Member $51 Non member $63
Location: YMCA Mansion
Session: Fall 2 only
Music Lessons Program
For children, teens, adults
Individuals may sign up for either private or group vocal, piano/keyboard or guitar lessons
Private lessons are available by appointment.. Please contact Amy Tosi, Music Director at ext.308 or atosi@westfieldymca.org to arrange lessons.
Private Vocal lessons (ages 15 +)
Member: $168 for 8 weeks of 45 minute lessons or individuals may enroll in one or more lessons by appointment at $30 per 45 minute lesson
Non-member: $175 for 8 weeks of 45 minute lessons or individuals may enroll in one or more lessons by appointment at $32 per lesson for 45 minutes
Private Vocal lessons (ages 10-14)
Member: $120 for 8 weeks of 30 minute lessons
Non-member: $128 for 8 weeks of 30 minute lessons
Private Keyboard/Piano lessons (ages 5 +)
Member: $120 for 8 weeks of 30 minute lessons
Non member: $128 for 8 weeks of 30 minute lessons
Private Guitar lessons (ages 6 +)
Member: $120 for 8 weeks of 30 minute lessons
Non-member: $128 for 8 weeks of 30 minute lessons
Group Vocal Lessons (ages 10+)
Day: Tuesdays 6:30-7:30PM (begins Sept. 6th)
Member: $100 for 8 weeks for 1 hour lessons
Non member $115 for 8 weeks for 1 hour lessons
Group Keyboard lessons (ages 5 +)
Day: Mondays 4:00-4:45PM (begins Sept. 12th)
Member: $100 for 8 weeks for 45 minutes each class
Non member: $108 for 8 weeks for 45 minutes each class
Group Guitar Lessons (ages 6+)
Day: Wednesdays 4:00-4:45PM (begins Sept. 7th)
Member: $100 for 8 weeks for 45 minutes each class
Non member: $108 for 8 weeks for 45 minutes each class
Music Director: Amy Tosi
To learn more about our music program please click the following article:
Music lessons program to begin at YMCA
Nature Programs for homeschoolers and afterschool
Earthwork Programs Homeschool Nature Program
In collaboration with the Westfield YMCA, Earthwork Programs will be offering a nature-based homeschool program this fall at Camp Shepard. The goal of the program is to provide a safe and fun learning environment where students develop a deeper understanding of the natural world and its relationship to self, family and community. The curriculum is seasonal, based on the laws and cycles of nature. Topics covered will be mammal studies in tracking, plant identification and uses, stone tools, wilderness living and naturalist skills, bird language and awareness training, Native American culture, community building and forest ecology and relationships. The philosophy is to help develop the whole person. This includes emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually…key elements in living positive and sustainable lifestyles in harmony with others and the natural world.
Ages: 7-12 years old
Dates: Sept. 15-November 17th (10-weeks)
Day/Times: Thursdays 10:00AM-3:00PM
Location: Held outdoors at Camp Shepard
Cost: $500-$650 sliding scale, per child per 10-week session. Payment plans are available. 10% due payable to Westfield YMCA at time of registration.
Lead Instructor: Frank Grindrod. Frank is the founder of Earthwork Programs and since 1999 has been dedicated to teaching earth skills such as nature awareness, tracking, wilderness living skills and earth philosophy. He is a graduate of Greenfield Community College’s nationally recognized Outdoor Leadership Program. He is trained as a Wilderness First Responder and is a certified facilitator for the Nurtured Heart Approach.
Earthwork Programs Afterschool Nature Program
In collaboration with the Westfield YMCA
A holistic nature program where participants will develop a deeper relationship with the natural world, learn cultural history, learn to and practice how to interact within a group, become increasingly aware of our “wild” neighbors, and develop the physical skills and abilities that foster self confidence. Participants will learn animal tracking, scout invisibility, and making and using survival tools for gathering materials in an honoring and respectful way. Literature, writing, science, mapping, storytelling, music, movement, singing and other disciplines are incorporated in an interdisciplinary method of exploring the natural world and community.
For children in grades 3-6
Dates: Sept. 15 – Nov. 17 (10 weeks)
Day/Time: Thursdays 4:00-5:30PM
Location: Outdoors at Camp Shepard
Cost: $250-$350 sliding scale, per child per 10-week session. Payment plans are available. 10% due payable to Westfield YMCA at time of registration.
Instructor: Frank Grindrod, Program Director Earthwork Programs (see above for full bio)
For more information, please contact Rosann Scalise, Director of Program Operations at ext 302 or rscalise@westfieldymca.org.
