Blog

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges and its African American Network Employee Resource Group invite the community to join the Y for a series of free virtual events during August.  

The audience was at home, the actors all wore face masks and stood 6 feet apart. This year’s Creative Theater Camp at the South Mountain YMCA in Maplewood looked a little different, but the shows still went on, all in an effort to ensure campers had the best summer experience possible. 

 The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges plans to reopen for adult and child swim lessons on Aug. 1 after a months-long hiatus due to the pandemic. 

I have been amazed and impressed at how organized and coordinated the Y Summer Day Camp program has been running.

As the health and economic toll of the COVID-19 crisis began to hit our area, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges stepped in to increase food access for people struggling with job loss and other hardships during the pandemic. By teaming with local businesses and agencies, the Metro YMCAs have been able to distribute approximately 158,000 pounds of food, providing relief for more than 7,000 families since April.

As families shift their summer plans amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges offers virtual program options to keep kids active and engaged all summer long. 

South Orange and Maplewood Middle Schools are collaborating with the South Mountain YMCA to inspire students to share their voice while raising money for the Community Coalition on Race.

Following Governor Murphy’s announcement that New Jersey could begin reopening child care on June 15 and summer camp on July 6, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is set to reopen safely and welcome children back to our child care and summer camp programs.  

The East Orange YMCA has been selected for the 2020 Best of East Orange Award in the Youth Organization category by the East Orange Award Program.

The Greater Bergen County YMCA, a branch of the Metro YMCA of the Oranges, has been providing long-term low cost housing for men for over 90 years. 

 For the first time in history, the South Mountain YMCA hosted a Duck Race that called itself virtual despite real rubber ducks, a rushing river, and colorful commentary.

While our physical doors may be closed, the YMCA has remained open to serve members of the community facing hardships during the COVID-19 crisis. Those people in the community include Y members, their neighbors, and even Y staff.

The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges will hold a Father's Day Weekend Virtual 5K and Family Fun Run, an opportunity for people of all ages to get outside, get active, and engage with their community while also staying safe and practicing social distancing. Run individually, with family, or on a team.