YMCA of Greater Salt Lake

YMCA in Ogden!! Site Celebration and Ribbon Cutting

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:14:00 +0000

This Friday, October 24th, the YMCA will be celebrating its arrival into Ogden. We are hosting a special afterschool program at Madison Elementary with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 4pm and a YMCA festival from 5:oopm to 7:00pm. All are welcome free of charge. Please join us to celebrate the YMCA coming to Ogden!

Sorry for the big gap in time. We have been extremely busy with our most successful camp season on record and beginning a half million dollar renovation of Camp Roger (pictures to come soon), opening the YMCA in Ogden with our successful merger creating the YMCA CARES afterschool programs serving over 1000 children a day in Ogden and Weber and building a partnership with Granite School District to open the YMCA's first Youth Community Center in Taylorsville. Please keep in touch and we greatly appreciate your support.

Happy 4th of July from the YMCA

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:08:00 +0000

We hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend. For us, we get a couple days off from an extremely busy and rewarding summer.
Camp Roger is warming up with the BEST summer in 10 years. We have more than doubled the number kids attending camp in two years with the best programing and specialty camps you can find. We actually have sold out of camps which we didn't think would happen for a few more years. We do have some openings, so call us if you want your child to experience an incredible week of outdoor adventure and experiences and friendships they will never forget.
Also, the YMCA is now in Ogden after officially merging and partnering with the CARES program. So keep an eye out for us. The YMCA is busy growing, improving our programs and are working hard to meet our vision:

To be the leader in understanding and meeting community needs by developing and adapting quality programs that provide value to children and their families.
So keep your eyes out for us. We have much, much more in store.

YMCA - On the move!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:59:00 +0000

Why the big gap since our last blog? There has been A LOT going on. We finished up a fantastic Sports Night with our highest attendance ever (470+). The community continues to support our mission of serving Utah's youth.

In addition, Camp Roger continues to grow with its highest attendance in 10 years with enrollment continuing to grow. There is still room! Don't miss out on one of Utah's best summer adventures for youth! Click here to learn more about the Camp Roger experience.

What else? We have been busy making the final arrangement to finalize the merger of the Ogden After School program (CARES). Its official - on July 1st, the YMCA will now be in Ogden serving over 1000 kids at 13 schools. Marsha Prantil, the CARES director will be joining the YMCA's team and helping us lead our growth into providing the best quality afterschool experience.

Finally, we are in the final stages of forming a partnership with Granite School District that we believe will bring immense value to our communities. The YMCA plans to work with Granite Schools to build YMCA community centers at the schools to provide before & after school programs, holiday & summer camps and many other youth and family programs.

Keep an eye on us! The YMCA will be there for all of Utah before you know it.

YMCA 10th annual Fund Raiser, Sports Night is this Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 23:58:00 +0000

This week is the YMCA's 10th annual fund raising event - Sports Night. This looks to be our biggest event yet with over 500 guests anticipated to honor Utah's best in sports and community service. The event is this Thursday, April 17th from 5-9pm with a silent and live auctions with dinner and program honorees. Tickets to this special event are still available. You can call us at 801-466-6299 to RSVP and find out more information. We look forward to hosting this great event and thank everyone who is supporting the YMCA.

Celebrate Healthy Kids on April 12th

noreply@blogger.com (Casandra) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:19:00 +0000

We have a lot of exciting events coming up for the month of April. The first thing we are all looking forward to is our Healthy Kids Day event being held on April 12th 10am to 2pm at Valley Park (near the Taylorsville Recreation Center). We are teaming up with the University of Utah students and inviting the community (and especially YMCA kids and their families) to join in a festival of fun activities, healthy snacks, games, and lots of information. It is a free event for all participants with cool prizes being given away and should be a ton of fun.

Studies show that the average child gets less than 15 minutes of vigorous activity a day and that the average child spends 20% of their time watching TV. Our goal of our Healthy Kids Day is to change these numbers. We want to show kids how to “put play into their day”.

The Programming and Leadership class at the U of U are coordinating the event and have planned some wonderful activities such as a soccer shoot out, a Frisbee toss, a tire run and a healthy food challenge. These activities will teach the kids how to be active and healthy while still having fun.

Our next event we are all very excited for is our annual Sports Night on April 17. This year our honorees include the Jazz Bear, The Late Bill Daniels and Kyle Whittingham, Elaine Elliot, Eric Heiden, and Chris Waddell. Sports Night is a dinner and silent auction which is held in order to raise money for YMCA programs including after school and Camp Roger. Get more information here.

As you can see , April is looking very busy but very exciting. We look forward to seeing you all at Healthy Kids Day.

Special Thank You to James L. Sorenson

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:17:00 +0000

The YMCA would like to express a very special and heart felt thank you to James L. Sorenson. His generosity has allowed many people and organizations to better serve their mission. For the YMCA, James L. Sorenson's $1,000,000 dollar for dollar challenge grant has helped the YMCA grow and better serve Utah's families and youth. We are very grateful for Mr. Sorenson's generosity and support and let his family know his memory will always be in our hearts for what he has done for our YMCA and Utah's youth and families.

THANK YOU!

The Salt Lake Tribune printed and article about Jame L. Sorenson's generosity and how he plans to keep giving after his passing. Click here to see the article.

Happy Holidays from the YMCA

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:34:00 +0000

We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. The YMCA of Greater Salt Lake had a wonderful year with improvements in all our programs; Camp Roger and our Before and After School Programs. Enrollment drastically increased and we are moving towards our goal of expanding the youth, families and communities we serve.

We would like to express a HUGE thank you to all of you who have supported the YMCA with your time and money. Without your help, we would not be able to accomplish everything we have. You support is providing a bright future for the YMCA and all of those youth and families we serve. THANK YOU!!

Camp Roger had the best year in over 5 years! We also began our renovation project remodeling the directors cabins and both bathhouses. 2008 we have big projects planned remodeling our Lodge, kitchen and ALL our sleeping cabins. In addition, we have new and expanded programing for our Camp Roger summer camps. You can register online NOW. Click hear!

Before and After School Programs ("ASP") had a great year opening a new school and increasing our enrollment. However, 2008 looks to be a HUGE year for ASP. We are looking to expand our service area, completely restructure our ASP operations and add online registration. Stay tuned for what will happen to our ASP. Our goal is to offer the best programing and opportunty for Utah's youth, families and communities.

Looking Forward to a Successful Year

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Henry, Camp Director) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 23:33:00 +0000

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share how excited I am to be a part of the YMCA of Greater Salt Lake. I am joining you all from the Midwest, originally from Southern Illinois, I received my BA in Iowa and since then have spent my years experiencing the world and pursing this career in leadership development and camping. Most recently as the Assistant Director of YMCA Camp Wapsie in Iowa.

I am really excited to be here and be a part of an amazing opportunity for youth in Utah. I am looking forward to an exciting and successful 2008 season and I hope I can contribute to the rich tradition of Camp Roger and continue to make it a wonderful and memorable experience for every camper.

Have a wonderful and blessed holiday season and I look forward to meeting all of you in the New Year.

James L. Sorenson will double any donation made to the YMCA this holiday season.

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Pulley, Communications Coordinator) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:56:00 +0000

At this time of year, we greatly appreciate all cash donations to the YMCA of Greater Salt Lake. Each donation is matched by the James L. Sorenson grant, so your money is doubled.

The YMCA serves underprivileged youth and provides them with opportunities that are necessary for them to be a success. Each donation made goes directly to serve kids ages between 5-17 years old.

Thank you to all those that donate to the YMCA and give kids opportunities they would not otherwise have.

If you would like to donate go to the homepage and press donate.
www.ymcasaltlake.org

Merry Christmas!

Camp Roger has a New Face

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:45:00 +0000

If you haven't been keeping up with YMCA news, we have planned an half million dollar investment in camp Roger facilities for 2008. BUT not only will Camp Roger have an improved look and feel, we have a new face: Amy Henry started this week as our new camp director for Camp Roger and we are very excited to have her join our team.

Amy brings a wealth of experience and energy with a passion for the YMCA and for camping. The past three years, Amy has been with YMCA Camp Wapsie as the assistant director and a total of seven years in the YMCA and camping.

Not only will camp have improved lodge and sleeping cabins for 2008, we have a great director to continue improving the Camp Roger experience make Camp Roger the premiere camping experience in Utah!! Stay tuned - as we are almost finished designing the 2008 camp schedule. We have some exciting camps to offer this year.

Santaletterz.com contributes to the YMCA

noreply@blogger.com (Amber Pulley, Communications Coordinator) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 18:09:00 +0000

With every letter sent from Santa, the YMCA will receive $1 dollar. Santaletterz.com will contribute to the YMCA and each dollar will be doubled by the generous $1 million dollar matching grant given from James L. Sorenson.

Tis the season for giving...
Thank you santaletterz.com and James L. Sorenson for helping the YMCA build strong kids, strong families and a strong community!

Re-open Redwood Elementary Program

noreply@blogger.com (Casandra) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 23:28:00 +0000

We are excited to announce that our Redwood Elementary Afterschool Program will be re-opening on Monday, November 5th. And, there are still a few registration spots available. Click on the link to find out more and register for the new program!

Exciting Happenings at the YMCA

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:22:00 +0000

To keep all of you following what is going on with the YMCA of Greater Salt Lake, we have quite a bit going on. We are opening a pilot afterschool program with Redwood Elementary and hope to have a full program on site by the start of the new year. Additionally, we are in the process of forming a partnership with the CARES program in Ogden and Weber that will greatly expand our service area and allow us to serve more children in which we can build strong families and strong communities.

Though Camp Roger is shut down for the season, we are preparing for an exciting summer next year with more activities and enhanced specialty camps. Camp Roger will also be undergoing quite the renovation starting with the Lodge and Sleeping Cabins. We are refining the plans for these projects and hope to begin both of them in 2008.

If you would like more information about our Afterschool Programs, Camps, Volunteer or Employment opportunities, please call us @ 801-466-6299.

YMCA Update

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 17:28:00 +0000

The YMCA of Greater Salt Lake is making a strong turn around and we have A LOT of exciting things coming about with our YMCA. Camp Roger had a very successful season with a much greater than expected increase in campers all having a wonderful experience. As you have met already, our Before and After School programs have new director, Casandra Byington, who has been doing wonderful things for our programs. Please stay posted as we will keep everyone up to date with all the exciting things the YMCA is doing in Utah's communities.

Before and After School Programs Underway

noreply@blogger.com (Casandra) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:34:00 +0000

We are completing our third week of Before and After School Programs at five different sites throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Some changes this year include several new staff members that have already started working hard to make a difference in the lives of our students. We are also in the planning stages for Lights On Afterschool, October 18th. Keep posted for exciting new plans and programs on October 18th.

News From The Wilderness

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Sobczak, Camp Director) — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 21:14:00 +0000

We have had six successful weeks of camp so far and have started number seven with a bang. It is Superheros week this week. What Super Power would you like to have. I bet we will have some you wouldn't have thought of. The rain the last few weeks has done a SUPER job starting to turn things a bit green again. It has come at the perfect times as well. We have been lucky that it had not interrupted our programs to much. We have made it fun even when it is a little wet. Our super powers challenge on Friday is coming together nicely. The chance to find out how super we all are. Tests of strength, speed, accuracy, and much more will play into the challenges we have in store for our young superheros in training. Next week is our tribute to the holidays. Each day dedicated to a different holiday. Costumes at dinner to help us get into the mood. Capped of by our final tribute to the Holidays Dance and Lip Sync contest. That's all for Know from the Wilderness. Until next time, have safe and happy days.
Steve "Papa Bear" Sobczak

Wild West Week at Camp Roger

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 15:20:00 +0000

We have FINALLY been getting some rain up at camp - but it hasn't stopped all the fun. The wranglers have been having some great rides and by the end of the week, should be ready to ride in the next rodeo. The rest of the camp has been enjoying the cooler temperatures that have been fabulous for hiking, mountain biking and fishing. This picture was taken Tuesday of the Wranglers heading out on a morning ride.

Stay tuned for more information about camp. Next week is our Amazing Race camp where campers will have their own adventure race and over night back packing trip.

Greetings From Camp Roger

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Sobczak, Camp Director) — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:02:00 +0000

Hello from the wilderness of Camp Roger. We are halfway through our fourth week of camp and Harry Potter is all the buzz this week. Our Quidditch tournament is tonight. The four houses are fairly even going into tonights event. Last night we battled Wizards, Elves and Giants in our evening activity and captured the hose flags on Monday. These first three and a half weeks of camp simply flew by. We have had such a great time here this year that it feels like we just get started and it's time to go home. The changes in our program schedule have given the campers an opportunity to do more activities than ever before. The comment from one camper "I give it two thumbs up! There is no waiting around it's bang, bang to the next activity." We still have plenty of spaces left for the last four weeks of camp. Come join s for the fun filled days at Camp Roger. Next week is our Wild West week, followed by Olympic week, Superheros and the holidays to top it all off.

Summer is Heatin' up at Camp Roger

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 21:53:00 +0000

Camp Roger's summer camp is having an incredible year! This week, over 80 kids this week are enjoying the summer in the Uintah Mountains swimming, fishing, hiking, riding horses and much, much more. Camp is going better than ever and there is still room for the last weeks of summer to get out of the heat and enjoy all the excitement Camp Roger has to offer. The whole family is invited to come to the Sunday Evening Family BBQ where campers are checked in. Enjoy a nice meal and wander around camp to see all the exciting activities your camper will experience . There is still room in our last four weeks of camp - don't wait! Call now to see how you can get involved.

Register online or call us at 801-466-6299

Take a virtual tour of Camp Roger: http://www.ymcasaltlake.org/map.html

YMCA offices have moved

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:07:00 +0000

The YMCA of Greater Salt Lake has moved its administrative offices. We are still in the same office complex but we have moved up in the world. We are now on the 4th floor in suite 440. To find us, you will enter the double glass doors, take the elevator to the 4th floor and keep turning left until you get to the end of the hallway. That is where you will find us.

Please note: We are a NON-facility YMCA which means we do not have an on-site fitness center, pool, courts or day care. We are in the development stages in which we plan to have a facility in the future.

SO WHAT DO WE DO?!?! - We provide youth programing. We do before and after school programing at the schools who want additional programing. We have our own residents camp in the Uintah mountains where children have the opportunity to have experiences of life time, camping, making friends, riding horses, learning about nature and challenging themselves like they never have before.

That is where we are. But if you want to come see us personally, drop by at:

YMCA of Greater Salt Lake
3098 S. Highland Dr.
Suite 440
SLC, UT 84106

Tour Camp Roger - Virtually

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Sat, 26 May 2007 13:47:00 +0000

We have been gearing up for the camp season busy registering campers for the summer, cleaning up camp and getting everyone prepared for a great camp season. To help our families get to know Camp Roger better, we have created a virtual tour of camp. You can see an overhead shot of the camp, what facilities we have, where the facilities are and see pictures of each area. Check it out - go to: http://www.ymcasaltlake.org/map.html

We have an incredible summer planned with record number of families and campers registering. We are well on our way of achieving our goal of being the premier camping experience in Utah. Though some specialty camps are full, there are still spaces available. You can register now online or by calling us at (801) 466-6299. Have an great holiday weekend and I hope everyone is getting excited for the summer.

News from Orchard, Taylorsville, Fremont

noreply@blogger.com (Kathryn Miller, School Programs Director) — Mon, 07 May 2007 17:44:00 +0000

The Orchard after school program completed its theme on Egypt at the end of April. The activities included an Egyptian version of red light/green light, learning about mummies and their significance to Egyptian culture, and building a pyramid to display for the school. The kids at the Fremont morning program had a blast when The Hip Hop Dancers taught the kids several dance steps. For Healthy Kids Day, the afternoon program at Fremont had a special guest from the American Consumer Education Foundation. Dr. Fries spoke to the kids about back injuries from carrying backpacks that are too heavy. For those with parental permission, she also provided back screenings. By special request from the kids, Nita will invite Dr. Fries to visit again during the fall schedule. The Taylorsville afternoon program celebrated Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 4. Other planned activities this month include studying butterflies, sea life, and seasons. The morning program at Taylorsville had a nature scavenger hunt where the kids discovered that trees regenerate from the many seeds found on the school grounds.

ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW LIVE!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Wed, 02 May 2007 16:52:00 +0000

It took 6 months, but we are finally ready to launch our new online registration process for YMCA programs. Right now, we only have the ability to register for Camp Roger, but soon you will be able to register for after school programs, volunteering and much more.

To start, registration you will need to create a user name (you email) and a password for the primary contact adult in the family. You will add all the family members that you would like the YMCA to know about by giving us basic information about each family member and then you can register any or all of the kids you want to attend our programs. Click Here to register online now.

As this is new, we would greatly appreciate any feedback - the good and the frustrating - about how we can make our registration process better. Go to our contact us page to give us feedback. Thank you and we can't wait to see you and your family at Camp Roger this summer! -Rich

Camp Roger Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Steve Sobczak, Camp Director) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:33:00 +0000

Camp Roger registrations are pouring in! Sessions are starting to fill up fast. Come spend a week or more with us at Camp. If you are interested in sending your child to camp this summer, be sure to get your registration in soon. Remember, the early registration discount ends May 16th. That's only three weeks from now. Don't forget to check out the new daily schedule we have set up. We have made our activity times longer so your child can get the most out of each learning experience. I look forward to receiving your registration.

Thinking Summer,
Steve

YMCA Sports Night - "Simply the Best" one yet!

noreply@blogger.com (Rich West, CEO) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 19:43:00 +0000

We held our annual fund raising event, Sports Night, this past Tuesday and it was "Simply the Best" one yet. We had a fantastic turnout and an incredible program honoring Utah's best. BYU coach, Bronco Mendenhall, along with Utah Ute, Eric Weddell and BYU Cougar, John Beck were the YMCA's coach and student athletes of the year.

The evening was a huge success in creating an awareness of Utah's caring and dedication to children helping the YMCA raise over $100,000 to serve Utah's families. The addition of Jim Sorensen's generous match made the night by far the best even yet for the YMCA of Greater Salt Lake. Tom Nissalke, our CEO and former Utah Jazz Coach has had an incredible impact in his first year in rejuvenating the YMCA and helping us serve our mission: We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities. WE are well on our way of becoming one of Utah's premier organizations serving Utah's children and families.