Y Offers Free Teen Memberships This Summer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Alyse LaVoie (617) 269-7171

alyse@teakmedia.com

The YMCA is “In” While School is Out

Charlestown Y offers Free Summer Memberships to Teens

June 21-Sept. 7

CHARLESTOWN | The YMCA of Greater Boston is offering free summer memberships to teens ages 13 to 18 (19, if still in High School) at all of its 13 branches, including the Charlestown Y. Teens can visit any YMCA of Greater Boston branch to enroll with a valid state or student ID or with a parent present.

The free summer memberships for teens are a part of the Y’s Get Summer program. Get Summer provides a safe and fun environment for more than 11,000 teens each year to become well-rounded individuals, engaging them through sports, arts, leadership programs, community service projects, job skills training, college admission tutoring, technology, literacy, nutrition classes, dances, field trips, and more.

Y memberships will be unrestricted from June 21 through September 7, allowing teens total member privileges including use of gyms, pools, group exercise classes, teen center activities and special teen programs per the schedule of their local YMCA. Teens must fill out a Get Summer membership application to receive the special summer membership card, and teens must have the permission of a guardian to enroll.

How does the Y work for teens?

Last year 11,000 teens took advantage of free Get Summer memberships, a 32 percent increase from 2013. Close to 900 free events were provided to teens during Get Summer programming, including the first ever association-wide summer youth “SELFIE” symposium, where more than 300 teens from its 13 branches were in attendance. Teens also participated in the YMCA’s Safe Dating curriculum to learn appropriate emotional and physical interactions and how to navigate the world of teen dating and technology. More than 180 teens also became involved in leadership programs.

To learn more about the free summer membership program for teens, visit ymcaboston.org/teens or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/ymcabostonteens.

ABOUT THE YMCA OF GREATER BOSTON: The YMCA of Greater Boston is the state’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities. Every day the Y works with thousands of men, women and children to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. With 13 branches in and around Boston, the Y partners with 250 organizations to meet unique needs of the communities it serves. The Y is committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For more than 165 years, the Y has been developing skills and emotional well-being through education and training, welcoming and connecting diverse populations, preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations and policymakers. The Boston YMCA is the first in the United States. www.ymcaboston.org

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