New For You At Dan McKinney Family YMCA

dan mckinney y

QUICK LINKS

FEATURED

Check here for news about special happenings and updates that may affect your visit to the Y! Scroll down to see more specific information for different programming areas.

WELCOMING WEEK

September 13-22, 2024

The YMCA of San Diego County invites you to join us in celebrating the power of inclusion and coming together for good! Welcoming Week promotes cross-cultural understanding and community cohesion by bringing together immigrants and U.S.-born residents in a spirit of unity. During Welcoming Week, the YMCA will host activities throughout San Diego County. All events are free and open to the public (space may be limited in certain workshops).

Join us in celebrating!

FALL 2024 CAMP

Our camps are an exciting way to spend a school break! We include lots of action-packed activities that keep your children engaged and happy, like arts & crafts, sports and games. Set in the YMCA style of different crazy activities each and every day, your camper will have a great time while parents have peace of mind knowing their camper is safe. Register today!

October 4, 2024
Novermber 11, 2024

Visit our day camp page for more information.

FAMILY CAMP

YMCA Camp Marston offers unforgettable weekends full of fun and adventure for the whole family at our stunning overnight location in Julian. Each weekend package includes lodging, meals, and a variety of staff-led activities designed to suit all interests and ages. Check out all our upcoming Family Camps!

Halloween Family Camp | October 25–27, 2024 (Fri–Sun)
Thanksgiving Family Camp | November 22–24, 2024 (Fri–Sun)
Winter Family Camp | November 29 – December 1, 2024 (Fri–Sun)
Easter Family Camp | April 18–20, 2025 (Fri-Sun)
Mother's Day Family Camp | May 9–11, 2025 (Fri-Sun)

Visit our overnight camp page for more information or register today!

BRIGHTENING OUR SPACE

We are thrilled to introduce a beautiful new mural in our hallway, created by Amy, a first-year medical student at UC San Diego! Amy approached us with a passion for giving back to the community through her artistic talents, and the result is a stunning piece of art that now adorns our walls.

Over several weeks, Amy engaged with our program participants and staff, gathering ideas and inspiration to create a mural that truly reflects the values and spirit of our YMCA. This collaborative effort has resulted in a vibrant and uplifting piece that celebrates our community and the positive impact we strive to make every day.

EARLY CLOSURE ON SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Dan McKinney Family YMCA will be closing early at 3:00pm on Saturday, September 21, 2024 for our 60^th Anniversary Celebration.

CHILD WATCH

Y Community Plus members with family memberships have unlimited access to Child Watch services at 12 YMCA branch locations across San Diego County. With easy reservations through the YMCA app, you can focus on your fitness or unwind at the Y while your children play under the supervision of highly trained YMCA staff. Not yet a Y Community Plus member? Current Y members can upgrade to the Y Community Plus membership plan by stopping by any location. If you currently have Child Watch services as an add-on to your family membership, you may continue to use Child Watch services on a drop-in basis. Learn more here.

Child Watch hours: Mondays - Sundays, 8:30am – 1:00pm | Mondays - Thursdays, 3:00pm – 6:00pm | Fridays, 8:30am – 1:00pm.

WE'RE HIRING NOW!

You belong at the Y! Make an impact that goes beyond your work day. Be the reason someone discovers their potential, courage and joy while building and creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Hiring now for swim instructors, lifeguards and more! View all openings and apply now.
Interested in volunteering? We need your help! Programs, like youth sports, can't happen without Y volunteers. Learn more and apply today.

AQUATICS OVERVIEW

Find out more about our aquatics facility at Dan McKinney Family YMCA and other pools around the county by visiting our aquatics facilities section page.

Intermittent spa closure: In order to prioritize member safety, the spa at Dan McKinney Family YMCA will continue to have intermittent closures throughout the baseball season. Please see below for days/times of closures. Thank you for your understanding.
- Saturdays: 8:00am–6:00pm
- Sundays: 10:00am–5:00pm
- Mon-Fri: 4:45pm–6:00pm

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

We're here to help you find what moves you at the Y!

Unwind & Rejuvenate with Sound Healing

Join Genevieve for a SPECIAL transformative experience that will soothe your soul and refresh your spirit! Immerse yourself in the therapeutic sounds of crystal bowls, gongs and other healing instruments. Relax with guided meditation to enhance your experience and deepen your connection. Leave feeling revitalized and at peace! Please be sure to bring a yoga mat (if you have one already) and comfortable clothing. We will provide all the sound healing instruments. Space is limited so reserve your space for this FREE experience. Register today!

Date/Time: Friday September 27, 2024 | 10:30–11:30am
Location: Shepherd Firehouse, 7877 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, CA — get directions

For questions or more information, please contact Jeremy Sobotka, at [email protected].

EGYM AT DAN MCKINNEY FAMILY YMCA

COMING SOON

Dan McKinney Family YMCA will be launching EGYM in Spring 2025! In the meantime, learn more about EGYM here!

Questions? Contact Health & Wellness Director, Jeremy Sobotka at [email protected].

MEN'S PERSPECTIVE GROUP

The Men's Perspective Group will meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month. This group is for men who are seeking mental, physical and spiritual wellness, aiming to balance life situations, family and employment responsibilities. Grow in self-mastery and sound character as you become the person others want to be around!

HEALTHIER LIVING WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS

If you or someone you care for is dealing with a chronic condition, this workshop is for you! Sessions support the self-management of ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease and cancer. Sessions run every Friday until October 11 from 9:30am - 12:00pm.

DURING THE 6 SESSIONS YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO:

Set goals for your health - and stick to them!
Read food labels and meal plan.
Manage stress and difficult emotions.
Safely manage medications.
Exercise to take care of your health.
Use meditation, visualization and positive thinking to relax.

SCHEDULE A MASSAGE TODAY!

Refresh and revitalize with massage! Make rest and recovery part of your wellness routine. Schedule your appointment at the Welcome Center today!

Single Session Pricing:

30-minutes | $60
60-minutes | $100
90-minutes | $130

(5x) Package Pricing:

30-minutes | $280
60-minutes | $480
90-minutes | $625

MASSAGE ON THE GO

After a hard workout, enjoy a free, thirty-minute relaxing massage with our new equipment rental! Ask a Wellness Coach for more information. ID is required to check out massage equipment.

DANCE & MOVE: Nia Playshop Workshop

Join instructor Joy Harris and learn to move your body your way to feel good! Creepy crawlers? Bow stance? Duck walk? Come play and learn the 52 Moves and sense the nine movement forms of Nia! We’ll learn the moves and move the moves! We’ll explore how you can deepen your connection to community well-being and belonging and gain greater health through movement. Nia is a mindful fitness practice set to music that combines movement from dance, martial arts and yoga. Dress comfortably for seated lecture and movement. Some practice will be barefoot. Please sign-up at the Welcome Center. For more information, contact Jeremy Sobotka, at [email protected].

When: Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 10:00am-12:30pm
Location: Dan McKinney Family YMCA | Studio C
Fee: Free

COOKING CLASSES

Upgrade your relationship with food! These educational classes will teach the basics of food and its important role as fuel for the body. Learn healthy and inspiring recipe ideas, while observing the preparation of a delicious meal. End each class equipped with instructions, ideas, and a better overall knowledge of nutrition with applicable ways to make it work for you. You may even get to sample the dishes before you leave to try them at home!

Cooking with Magging and Cappie | Second and Third Wednesdays of the month | Fee: $25 (Members can save up to 25% off) | Register today!

HEALTH COACHING AT THE Y

A health coach can help you be accountable, get perspective on your strengths and identify areas for opportunity. They empower you to create or further develop your vision for healthy living. Check out our health coaching page for more information!

Your health is more than just what you eat or how often you exercise. Experience a new whole well-being approach is that is individualized, sustainable and transformational. Sessions are conducted in-person or virtually and have been designed to:

Produce meaningful and long-term behavior change
Identify motivators and resources for achieving your highest potential
Uncover the success that lies within you through guided support
Create and implement a plan for achieving your goals
Develop lasting and restorative self-care practices

Personal Health Coaching Fee: $70/members | $90/participants.

For more information or to register, visit our front desk or contact Jeremy Sobotka at [email protected].

Memory Screening

Monthly memory screening will be held the first Thursday of each month. Flyers with a registration QR code will be posted around the branch 4-weeks prior to the event.

For more information, contact Geraldine Cui at [email protected].

LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA engages cancer survivors through an approach that focuses on the whole person — mind and body. Through this program participants work with trained Y staff to improve cardiovascular endurance and functional ability, build muscle mass and strength, and increase flexibility. In addition to physical benefits, the program also focuses on the mental and emotional well-being of survivors and their families. This creates a supportive community environment where people affected by cancer can connect during treatment and beyond. Get more information online here.

GROUP FITNESS CLASSES

Be sure to check our group fitness class schedule for new classes and updates. Remember, members have unlimited access to classes!

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ORIENTATION

Meet with a wellness coach to get acquainted with equipment and classes, ask questions and chart a path to reach your goals. Schedule your 30-minute orientation at the Welcome Center! Learn more.

For any questions or concerns regarding Health and Wellness, please contact Jeremy Sobotka at [email protected].

REIKI

Reiki therapy sessions with Lanie Chapman, certified Reiki master with more than 30 years of experience. Reiki is an ancient, safe, natural and proven healing technique for stress reduction and relaxation, mental clarity, reduction of pain, improved sleep, increase of confidence and self-esteem.

To schedule a reiki session, please visit the front desk or give us a call.
For more information or questions, please contact Jeremy Sobotka at [email protected].

PERSONAL TRAINING

Working with a personal trainer can help you reach your goals and maximize your fitness potential! Improve your training with our class packages. Learn more about personal training here.

INBODY ASSESSMENTS

InBody body-composition assessments are available by appointment. Get a detailed breakdown of your lean tissue, water and fat mass in just 45 seconds. Now you can leave the guessing behind and know exactly what is inside your body! Free with a purchase of a PT package or $20 for members, $30 for non-members. See a coach or trainer to get signed up or contact Jeremy Sobotka, [email protected].

ADULT SPORTS

Adults can play too! This fall, enjoy volleyball and basketball leagues, pickleball lessons and clinics at the Y! View all sports here.

YOGA: PRIVATE LESSONS

Deepen your yoga practice with private yoga lessons. Be heard, be seen, transform and rise to your full potential! Contact Jeremy Sobotka at [email protected] for more information or schedule your private lesson.

PICKLEBALL CLINICS

Interested in learning pickleball or improving your game? Join us for our new, three week clinic on our indoor pickleball courts! Our knowledgeable instructors will teach you tips and tricks to take your game to the next level.

Three weeks on Thursdays
- Intermediate clinic: 11:30am - 12:30pm
- Beginners clinic: 12:30-1:30pm
- Register today!

For more information, contact Jeremy at [email protected].

PICKLEBALL

Private lessons - Private lesson sessions with Eric are now available every day of the week to help you improve your game! Register online or at the front desk, then email Jeremy at [email protected] to schedule your appointment time. Register now!
Pickleball club - Come and play pickleball on Fridays, 9:00am - 10:30am, on the outdoor courts. Check in at the Welcome Center prior to play — we have limited spots, and play is first come, first served. Members may check out equipment at the Welcome Center, and are responsible for setting it up and taking it down. Learn more about pickleball here.
Private lessons now available with Eric! Register online or at the front desk, then email Health & Wellness Director Jeremy Sobotka at [email protected] to schedule your appointment.

kids in after-school program with Y staff

FAMILY & KIDS

Family-time is special at the Y. Spend time together and discover new activities for your child to explore.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Parents Night Out

Enjoy an evening out while we entertain the kids at the Shepherd Firehouse with games and crafts while making new friends! This event is for children ages 3-12, children must be potty trained. Register exclusively at the Front Desk! Limited spots are available and registration closes the day before the event, so act fast!

Upcoming Dates:

Saturday, October 19 | 5:00 - 8:00pm | Theme: Spooky Slime Party
Saturday, November 16 | 5:00 - 8:00pm | Theme: Cozy Crafts
Saturday, December 14 | 5:00 - 8:00pm | Theme: Holiday Drop Off & Gifting Workshop

Registration cost for participants is $66, members can save up to 25%. Members also receive the family fee of $40 per child if more than one child is enrolled.

Contact Tina Dinh, Child Watch and Family Programs Coordinator, at [email protected] for more information.

ART CLUB

Wednesdays | 2:00 - 4:00pm — Love to draw, paint or both? Join us to create a masterpiece using different art techniques. We encourage members to bring their own supplies, as we have limited supplies available. Easel will be provided. For more information, please visit our Welcome Center.

GYMNASTICS

Jump into fun with gymnastics! Toddlers and teens can grow strong, get confident and find balance in a safe, fun and encouraging environment. Learn more.

NEW Adult Open Gym | Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:00pm

Tumble-a-Thon

Saturday, October 12, 2024 | Session 1: 1:00-1:30pm | Session 2: 2:00-2:30pm

Join us at the Tumble-a-Thon to support our Annual Campaign! Gymnasts will have the chance to show off their skills, tumble, and compete for exciting prizes. Plus, when a gymnast raises $25, they'll receive a special T-shirt. Raise $35 or more, and they'll also enjoy a complimentary open gym session on the day of the event! Don't miss this fun-filled opportunity to tumble for a great cause!

Questions? Contact Shea Colby at [email protected].

DANCE

Schedule coming soon!

SWIM LESSONS

SWIM TEAM

Our La Jolla Lightning swim team is practicing regularly! If your child would like to get involved, swimmers should be proficient in 100 yards freestyle with rotary breathing, 100-200 IM based on ability, 25-50 yards butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle. Learn more about swim teams at the Y.

PARENT AND CHILD PROGRAMS

Join in as we expand our parent and child enrichment classes for parents and kids! We will have new art and music classes and rookie sports for those ages 2 to 5 years!

SPORTS

Join our 6-Week youth basketball league. Games will take place on Saturdays with practices during the week. Specific game times will be determined after teams are formed.

Peewee Basketball
Lessons | Monthly sessions

Ages 4-5 | Tuesdays, 4:30pm or Saturdays, 9:00am

Youth Volleyball
Beginner Clinics | Monthly sessions

Ages 8-10 | Wednesdays, 3:30pm or Saturdays, 11:00am
Ages 11-13 | Wednesdays, 4:45pm or Saturdays, 12:00pm

Youth Basketball
Clinics | Monthly sessions

Ages 6-11 | Beginner clinic | Tuesdays, 4:30pm or Saturdays, 10:00am
Ages 7-12 | Intermediate clinic | Thursdays, 3:30pm
Ages 10-13 | Advanced clinic | Thursdays, 4:30pm

Volunteer Coaches are needed! We can't play this seson without the help of great volunteer coaches like you! The Y will provide training. Interested? Apply online here.

SPLASH PAD BIRTHDAYS

The splash pad is now available for birthday parties! Contact our aquatics department to reserve your two-hour party time on Saturdays or Sundays!

ADVENTURE CLUBS

Adventure Clubs at the YMCA nurture the relationships between parents and children through camping and other outdoor activities. Enjoy weekend campouts (tent and cabin camping) from the desert to the mountains and beaches. Parents and their children can look forward to making new friends and participating in activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, crafts, campfire skits and more! Learn more.

ENRICHMENT

This program provides a safe environment where children will engage in imaginative play and activities that stretch both mind and body, including physical education, creative arts, science, cooking, swimming and more! Learn more.

PRESCHOOL ENRICHMENT

Join us for our newly expanding parent and child enrichment classes!

Music & Art — Tuesdays | 10:00 - 11:00am
Rookie Sports — Saturdays | 10:00am - 11:00am

TEEN PROGRAMS

Encourage your teen to discover new activities, make friends, and explore their potential in a fun and supportive environment — at the Y!

TEEN ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING

Teen enrichment is coming to Dan McKinney Family YMCA! We're thrilled to be cooking up a whole new lineup of classes and workshops created just for our amazing Y teens! Whether you yourself are a teen or someone in your family is a teen interested in art, tech, sports, or something totally unique, we want to hear from YOU! Your input is important to us. We encourage you to take two-minutes to complete this survey. Exact dates, age ranges and pricing will be provided soon.

Reach out to our Teen Enrichment Coordinator, Reese Kirkpatrick, at [email protected] with any questions or feedback.

Teen Cooking Classes

Join our teen cooking class! Whether you’re a beginner or an iron chef, our cooking classes provide meals and lessons to meet you where you’re at. You can expect a fun and supportive environment to build your confidence, culinary skills and community! Register today!

When: Wednesdays | 5:30–6:30pm | Monthly Sessions (October, November, December)
Location: Dan McKinney Teaching Kitchen | Dan McKinney Family YMCA

Teen Nights

Introducing our Teen Nights hosted by Dan McKinney Family YMCA —an exciting new way for teens to get out there, explore new activities and make new friends. Once a month, the Shepherd Firehouse YMCA transforms into the ultimate hangout spot just for teens. Join us for game and movie nights, holiday festivities and many nights of fun with friends! Register today!

Session Dates:

Friday, October 18, 2024 | 7:00–8:30PM
Friday, November 15, 2024 | 7:00–8:30PM
Friday, December 13, 2024 | 7:00–8:30PM

Contact information:

Hannah Lewis, Teens Director | [email protected]
Reese Kirkpatrick, Teens Coordinator | [email protected]

Teen Night Spooktacular

Friday, October 18 from 7:00–8:30pm

Calling all teens for a night of Halloween fun! This event is packed with exciting activities, including a Halloween-themed photo booth, pumpkin decorating, and spooky games that will keep you on your toes. Whether you're here to out-spook everyone or just soak up the haunting vibes, this night is for teens to hangout, have fun and make new friends. Register at the Welcome Center or online. Contact our Teen Enrichment Coordinator, Reese Kirkpatrick, at [email protected] with any questions or feedback.

Fee: Free for YMCA members | $10 for nonmembers
Location: Shepherd Firehouse YMCA, 7877 Herschel Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 — get directions

MODEL LEGISLATURE & COURT (MLC)

High School Program | Grades 9—12

Are you interested in shaping the future? Model Legislature & Court is geared specifically for high schoolers to give them the unique opportunity to step into the roles of state legislators, lawyers and judges, allowing you to develop your public speaking, critical thinking and leadership skills. Learn more!

Registration is now open! For more information, please reach out to Hannah Lewis at [email protected].

Y’s Active Adults (55+)

YAA EVENTS

More information coming soon!

YAA CLUBS

Mahjong Monday — Mondays | 11:00am–1:00pm | Show off your competitive side and see if you can be the champion of Mahjong Monday! Free for members and welcome to all levels. Learn as you go or just observe if you are a mahjong newbie.
Coffee Club — Mondays | 8:30–9:30am | Coffee Club is our Y Active Adults focus group. Share your ideas, give feedback and help us select the clubs, trips and activities offered here at Dan McKinney Family YMCA.
Walking Club — Tuesdays | 9:30–11:00am | Enjoy a walk with fellow Y members as we explore our surrounding neighborhood. Bring your walking shoes!
Crocheting and Knitting Club — Wednesdays | 11:00am–1:00pm | Knit, crochet, and socialize with other members! Work on projects together and share ideas. Bring your own supplies; the YMCA can also assist in providing knitting supplies to get you started!
Art Club — Wednesdays | 2:00 - 4:00pm | Love to draw, paint or both? Join us to create a masterpiece using different art techniques. We encourage members to bring their own supplies, as we have limited supplies available. Easel will be provided. For more information, please visit our Welcome Center.
Book Club — Second Thursday | 12:30–2:00pm | Join us for a discussion about the book of the month at our book club group! Please visit our Welcome Center for information on our monthly reading.
Bridge Club — Fridays | 9:00–11:30am | Join us for Bridge Club! Bridge is a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck that is played with partners sitting opposite from each other at a table. A Bridge deal consists of two phases, which are bidding, and card play. Each partnership attempts to score points by making its bid, or by defeating the opposing partnership's bid and the side with the most points wins.

*These events are free for members to attend. All clubs are subject to cancellation. Please check in at our Welcome Center.

Y Active Adult Activities Around the County

More to explore

View our Y Active Adults page to view programming and activities around the county.

Events and Special Activities

DAY AT THE BAY 2024

YMCA Active Adults Day at the Bay is back for our 21st year! Join us Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 9:00am–3:00pm outside at Mission Bay Aquatic Center for this special event that brings together the YMCA's 50+ community to celebrate everything great about aging in San Diego! Register today!

Fee: $37/nonmembers (Save up to 25% with select Y memberships)

WOMEN'S WELLNESS WEEKEND 2024

The YMCA of San Diego County’s annual Women’s Wellness Weekend is here! Join us September 20-22, 2024, for an opportunity to come together and create community around personal health and wellness. Join us in the beautiful mountains of Julian at YMCA's Camp Marston. Learn more here.

Pricing begins at $249/nonmembers (Up to 20% off with select Y memberships).
Register today!

Questions? Contact Sharnaye Neale at [email protected].

CELEBRATE WITH US! 60 YEARS OF OUR YMCA

Save the date for our 60^th anniversary celebration on Saturday, September 21, 2024! Join us for an evening for volunteers, donors, members and staff to recognize the history, significance and impact of the La Jolla/Dan McKinney Family YMCA. Our YMCA has been a cornerstone of La Jolla and the surrounding community for 60 years! We're passionate about making an impact and being there for our neighbors when they need us most. Stay tuned for more information!

FITNESS CHALLENGE BINGO

Join our fitness challenge Bingo! Complete exciting challenges on our Bingo grid for a chance to win! Fill out your card to enter the drawing for a free month of membership or 3 free personal training sessions. Multiple winners will be selected soon, so start your fitness journey today! Visit the Welcome Center to grab your card and get started. Good luck, and let the challenges begin!

BLOOD BANK

Did you know you could help save up to three lives by giving blood? The YMCA of San Diego County has partnered with the San Diego Blood Bank to host blood drives across the county this year. Help address a critical need for blood donations in our community! Donors will receive a Padre's Blood Donor T-shirt (while supplies last and sizes subject to availability).

Dates coming soon!

M ake an appointment here or call (619) 400-8251.

people volunteering at an event at the Y

Y in the COMMUNITY

CONNECTING YOU TO CARE

We've streamlined the child care search process with our enhanced referral system to help parents make the best decision for their families. Learn more!

HELP PAYING FOR CHILD CARE

Do you or someone you know need help paying for child care?

The San Diego County Centralized Eligibility List (CEL) is one application that connects you to different agencies across San Diego to help pay for child care for families who qualify. Child care has become the second-largest expense for families – spending up to 50% of their household budget a year. See if you qualify for this service today.

KEEP IN TOUCH

CONNECT ON SOCIAL

Find us on social media: Facebook and Instagram.

COMMUNICATION PREFERENCES

Visit our subscription center to opt in for text-message alerts to ensure you receive updates that may affect your visit to the Y.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions or concerns, our membership team is here to help! Call us at (858) 453-3483 during regular business hours or send an email: [email protected] and we'll get back to you soon!