New For You At Dan McKinney Family YMCA

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FEATURED | HEALTH & WELL-BEING | KIDS | TEENS | Y ACTIVE ADULTS (55+) | SPECIAL EVENTS | COMMUNITY NEWS

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.

Important Notice: Family Restroom Renovations

We are currently replacing the doors and partitions in our family restrooms. During this process, two family restrooms will be closed at a time — four will be available for use at all times. For your convenience, families with young children will also be allowed to use the locker rooms. Please note: children ages 4 and older must use the appropriate gender-specific locker room. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

We invite you and your family to celebrate the holidays this month with your family and friends at the Y! YMCAs all throughout San Diego County are hosting holiday events and special programming to help you through the busy weeks ahead. Check out the events here and register today!

HOLIDAY BREAK DAY CAMPS

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!

• December 23, 26 & 27
  • Single day camp options available!
• December 30, January 2 & 3
  • Single day camp options available!
• January 6

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!

• 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!

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!

60 DAY BODYPUMP CHALLENGE

January 6 –March 6

Looking for a holistic and rewarding experience? Look no further! Our 60 Day BodyPump Challenge includes two complimentary InBody scans, conducted both before and after the transformation journey, providing valuable insights into your progress. To stay committed, individuals will receive a class punch card and are required to attend a minimum of two Les Mills classes per week, choosing from BodyPump, BodyAttack, or BodyCombat. Additionally, participants will have the option to attend a nutrition class and a BodyPump instructional workshop. The transformation is not only about shedding pounds but also building muscle, with points awarded for muscle gained and body fat lost. Points will be deducted for any muscle loss. Pricing starts at $99/member. Register today!

The top three participants with the most significant transformation can win exciting prizes such as:

• First Place: Five personal training sessions (55-minutes each).
• Second Place: Three personal training sessions (55-minutes each).
• Third Place: One personal training sessions (55-minutes each).

For more information or to register, visit the Welcome Center or contact Jeremy Sobotka at [email protected].

GROUP EXERCISE AT SHEPHERD FIREHOUSE YMCA

Did you know we now offer group exercise classes at Shepherd Firehouse YMCA in La Jolla? We have plenty of offerings such as: ZUMBA, HIIT, Yoga, Les Mills Classes (such as BODYPUMP and BODYCOMBAT), plus so much more! Visit the Shepherd Firehouse YMCA homepage to see monthly offerings!

For questions, please contact Sean Flatow by email at [email protected] or by phone at (858) 453-3483 ext. 1829.

MEN'S PERSPECTIVE GROUP

Join us for Men’s Perspective Group – a new well-being initiative to bring men together for healthy discussion on how to be the best version of themselves. Be a person of mental, physical and spiritual wellness, learn how to balance life situations, family and employment responsibilities, develop a personal life goal, grow in self-mastery and sound character, and be the person people want to be around. For male YMCA members ages 18+. Visit our blog to meet the founder, Jerry Kwasek and learn more about this great opportunity!

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!

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! 

Holiday Healing Sale | December 1-31

• 30-minute massage: $50 | (5x) 30-minute massages: $240
• 60-minute massage: $80 | (5x) 60-minute massages: $370
• 90 minute massage: $105 | (5x) 90-minute massages: $510
• 30-minute reiki: $35
• 60-minute reiki: $60

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.

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!

SHEPHERD FIREHOUSE GROUP EXERCISE 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.

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.

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, December 14 | 5:00 - 8:00pm | Theme: Holiday Drop Off & Gifting Workshop
• Saturday, January 18 | 5:00 - 8:00pm | Theme: Happy New Year!
• Saturday, February 15 | 5:00 - 8:00pm | Theme: Valentines Day
• Saturday, March 15 | 5:00 - 8:00pm | Theme: St. Patrick's Day
• Saturday, April 12 | 5:00 - 8:00pm | Theme: Glow in the Dark

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 

SWIM LESSONS

Sign up for group or private swim lessons! Register today.

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

Register today online or at the Welcome Center!

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. Learn more about our teen enrichment programs today!

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 (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! Ages 12-17. Register today!

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

Contact information: 

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

TEEN NIGHT FROSTY FESTIVITIES

Friday, December 13 from 7:00–8:30pm

Join us for a cozy winter night with cookie decorating, crafts, games, and a hot chocolate bar! Bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots, and help make someone’s holiday a little brighter. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season—friends, fun, and giving back! Don’t miss out on the festive fun and a chance to spread joy!

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]. 

MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN)

Middle School Program | Grades 6–8

Middle school students or "ambassadors" come together in delegations and participate in the program with peers from across California. They are given the opportunity to discuss international issues, discover other cultures, develop life enhancing skills, and make new friends. The three-month program includes two in-person events*, a 1-day training and the culminating 2-night Model United Nations Summit. There, delegates represent assigned countries as ambassadors and work to solve global issues with the skills they have acquired. Learn more!

Important Dates and Information:

• Parent Information Session: January 29 & February 5, 2025 | 6:30pm at Dan McKinney Family YMCA
• Weekly Meetings: Wednesdays | 6:30–7:30pm
• MUN Conferences:
  • Training Conference 1: Saturday, March 22, 2025 | North High School, Torrance CA 
  • MUN Summit: April 25-27, 2025, at Camp Pali Mountain, Running Springs, CA

For more information, please reach out to Hannah Lewis, [email protected] | 858-453-3483 ext 1832.

Registration open February 2025.

Y’s Active Adults (55+)

YAA EVENTS

More information coming soon!

THE WHOLE HEALTH PROGRAM

The Whole Health Program, in partnership with the San Diego VA, provides wellness programs for veterans throughout San Diego County. Veterans are invited to participate in activities like Tai Chi and Yoga at the Dan McKinney Family YMCA in La Jolla, promoting physical and mental well-being. Interested in participating in our group exercise classes, such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Aqua Aerobics and much more? Check out our group exercise schedule here.

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

YAA CLUBS

• 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.
• 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.
• Walking Club — Wednesdays | 9:00–11:00am | 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.
• Quilting Club — Second Wednesday | 11:00am-3:00pm | Join us for creativity and connection at our Quilting Club, where members gather to craft and share their passion for quilting!
• Ping Pong Club — Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:00-11:00am | Join us for some friendly competition and fun at our Ping Pong Club, where players of all skill levels are welcome to rally and connect!
• 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 | 9:30–11:30am | 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

SPREAD JOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: SUPPORT LGBTQ+ YOUTH AT SAFE STAY WELLNESS CENTER

Gift collections runs from November 6 through December 6

This holiday season, we’re partnering with the LGBTQ+ Safe STAY Wellness Center to support LGBTQ+ youth who are transitioning out of homelessness. With your help, we can provide essential items, gifts, and support to make their holiday a little brighter. Join us in giving back by donating gifts from our Amazon wish list. Every contribution helps create a welcoming, safe and joyful environment for the residents of Safe STAY Wellness Center. Together, we can make a difference and spread holiday cheer to those who need it most. Donations vary based on the Amazon wish list— select the gifts that resonate with you! Click here to access our Amazon wish list and choose a gift to donate. Thank you for your kindness and generosity!

LIVE WELL ON WHEELS

Wednesday, December 11 | FREE Blood Pressure Screening

We are excited to announce the LiveWell San Diego, LiveWell on Wheels (LiveWoW) bus will be coming to the Dan McKinney Family YMCA to provide members access to a variety of health and community services—on the go!

The bus is fully equipped to offer a variety of resources including disaster response services, health screenings and will have representatives ready to assist members in living healthier lives.

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

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! 

Friday, December 13 | 9:00am-2:30pm
Donors will receive a voucher for a free entrée* to dine-in at Broken Yolk Cafe!
*Available while supplies last. Up to $18 value. Dine in only. Vouchers cannot be sold or redeemed for cash. 

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

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!