September 19, 2023
Two years may not seem like a very long time to an adult, but a lot can happen for a teen in two years. It was two years ago that Ryder, a seventh grader in middle school, stopped by the Quakertown branch of the YMCA to inquire about the 7th Grade Membership Initiative.
“Some of his friends told Ryder about the free 7th grade membership at the Y,” explained Ryder’s mother, Karen. “We found he could walk there from school after football practice to hang out with his friends and shoot hoops.”
The 7th Grade Membership Initiative is a donor-supported Pathway program of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties. Seventh graders can sign up for a free membership to use the facility, including the fitness center, gymnasium and pool. YMCA staff supervise the youth in the building, and students must learn about the equipment and pass a safety aptitude test in order to use it.
“The 7th grade membership had a really positive impact on Ryder and his friends,” Karen continued, looking back. “It was a safe place for him to go to be with his friends, burn off steam playing basketball, and occasionally workout in the gym. The Y gives the kids a real sense of belonging in this program. It introduced Ryder to the Y and all the opportunities the Y offers teens to grow and develop responsibility.
“Kyle [Creighton] was great. He oversaw the program, and was an important part of helping the kids learn responsibility and accountability. Ever since then, Ryder has been a CIT at YMCA Camp Bucks in Quakertown for two summers, and he wants to be a camp counselor as soon as he can. We are really proud of the experiences Ryder continues to have being part of the Y community.”
The Y offers free membership to all students in the seventh grade. The goal of the initiative is to encourage youth to make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors to succeed in school and life. Like all YMCA Pathway programs, the 7th Grade Membership Initiative is funded by donors and Cause members.
Those who participate will receive access to the pools, wellness center, gymnasium, group exercise classes, sports classes, teen programs, volunteering opportunities and esports lounge (Doylestown, Warminster).
For more information about 7th Grade Initiative, visit our website here.