Download the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase Program Guide*

GYMNASTICS

Whether beginner or advanced, your child will be provided with a structured curriculum appropriate for his/her age and ability. Our qualified instructors emphasize safety and skill progression to help your child develop strong gymnastic skills.

Gymnastics for Toddlers through Teens

Your child will have fun while learning and developing movement, coordination, and basic gymnastics skills. Emphasis is placed on safety and motor development.

First Steppers (ages 1-2 years, parent participation class)

Me and My Shadow (ages 2-3 years, parent participation class)

Tiny Tumblers (age 3 years, must be toilet trained)

Gym Tots (ages 4-5 years, attending preschool)

Kindergym (ages 5-6, attending kindergarten)

Beginner (Grades 1-6)

Beginner/Intermediate Combination (Grades 1-6)

Intermediate (grades 1-6)

Advanced (grades 1-6)

Pre-Team (Grades 2 and up, with permission of director/coach only)

Competitive Girls Team (with permission of director/coach only)

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Ballet at the YMCA

Pre-Ballet (ages 3-4 as of Sept. 2007)

Children are introduced to the fundamentals of ballet and creative movement in this introductory class. All students are required to wear pink, short-sleeve leotard, white bobby socks, and pink ballet slippers.

Beginning Ballet (ages 5-6 as of Sept. 2007)

This beginner class trains students in ballet technique which includes posture, turnout, and short combinations. All students are required to wear black, short-sleeve leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers.

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ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE

Certificate Program

This program is selective and is suitable for those who are interested in a comprehensive training program. Older students are accepted by teacher recommendation; however, younger students register by age. Students in this program train for the annual Royal Academy of Dance (England) exams. Regular attendance, promptness, and grooming are stressed. All students in the Certificate Program are trained to and are expected to participate in the annual performance in the spring.

YOUTH SPORTS

T-Ball

Rookies T-Ball (ages 3-4)

A 30-minute instruction class to introduce boys and girls to the basics of T-Ball in a non-competitive and fun learning environment.

T-Ball Clinic (ages 5-7)

Students will enhance their T-Ball/baseball skills and practice the fundamentals of hitting, catching, and fielding in this non-competitive class.

Softball

Softball for Girls (ages 8-12)

Designed for those who want to fine-tune their skills or learn how to play softball, this clinic includes instruction on the fundamentals of hitting, catching, and fielding as well as strategy and game-like situations.

YMCA Soccer (ages 3-9)

Rookies Soccer (ages 3-4)

Introduces girls and boys to the basics of soccer in a non-competitive learning environment.

Winners Soccer (ages 5-7)

Students will learn the fundamentals of kicking, passing and the basics of positions in a non-competive class.

Soccer League (ages 4-9)

The YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase/Ayrlawn soccer program is the ideal way to learn new skills and enhance teamwork and sportsmanship while improving fitness. Enter with your already formed team or individually to gain added game experience. Leagues are held in the spring and fall.

YMCA Basketball (ages 3-12)

Rookies Basketball (ages 4-5)

A 30-minute instructional class to introduce boys and girls to the basics of basketball in a non-competitive, fun environment.

Winner's Basketball (ages 6-8)

Students will learn the fundamentals of shooting, passing, dribbling, and the basics of each position in our non-competitive classes.

Champion's Basketball (ages 9-12)

Designed for those who would like to fine-tune their skills or learn how to play basketball, this clinic includes instruction on the fundamentals of shooting, dribbling, passing, and defense as well as strategy and game-like situations.

Rock Climbing Wall Club (ages 7 and older)

Learn how to boulder and climb the rock wall as well as participate in "trust" activities, character development and games throughout the session. Climbing specialists will guide you to new heights each week.

Flag Football Club (ages 7-10)

Each class is divided into instruction and play. Rules of the sport, strategy, fundamentals, and proper stretching will be reviewed in this fun, non-competitive environment. Class will take place outside, rain or shine.

Youth Tennis

We offer classes for all levels from ages four and up. Through games, drills, and other fun activities, students improve hand-eye coordination and tennis skills. Experienced students will advance through stroke instruction, game simulations, and competition.

Introduction to Coaching (ages 13-15)

Teens can learn coaching and teaching techniques from experienced YMCA instructors while gaining valuable class experience and earning community service credits. Sports classes include baseball, rock climbing, T-Ball, and more.

YOUTH AND FAMILY ENRICHMENT

Beginner Guitar (ages 8-adult)

Here's your chance to learn how to play the guitar. Participants will learn correct finger positioning by learning basic chords as well as how to play several songs using strumming and finger picking techniques. Bring a fully strung acoustic guitar to class.

Piano Lessons (for children and adults, beginner and intermediate)

Learn the basics of piano -- from Beethoven to the blues -- in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. All ages are welcome. Day and time will be arranged with the director. These are one-on-one, 30-minute lessons that will take place in the YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center lounge.

Outdoor Explorer (ages 3-5)

There is a great big world outside our windows! Come and explore the world around us, using our five senses to experience nature.

Scrapbooking (ages 6-12)

Hone your scrapbooking skills while creating fun and exciting pages to display your favorite pastimes.

Chess (ages 6-12)

Play the age-old mental game.  Learn the basics of chess while also learning new techniques and strategies.

Needlework (ages 6-12)

Improve your knitting, cross stitching, and sewing skills while enjoying time with your classmates.

Friday Night Kids' Club (ages 6-11)

This program offers an exciting alternative for your child while you take the evening off. Under the watchful eyes of our counselors, kids will have a blast playing games, creating art projects, watching movies, eating pizza, and more.

Friday Night Kids' Club Counselor-in-Training (ages 12-16)

Held in conjunction with Friday Night Kids' Club, this program allows participants the opportunity to assist the director in leading activities such as sports, games, and arts and crafts projects.

YMCA BIRTHDAY PARTIES

The YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase/Ayrlawn offers fun and active parties for celebrating your childs birthday! A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your spot and it is recommended to book at least 4 weeks in advance. All fees must be paid, in full, seven days prior to the party date. Call our Birthday Party Coordinator at 301-530-8500 for reservations and availability.

NOTE: All parties are held at YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center except the Splish Splash Pool Party, and the Field Rental which is held at YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase. All parties are held on Saturdays and Sundays, year round. Fees include up to 16 children, unless otherwise noted. Questions? Call 301-530-3725

"DO IT YOURSELF" PARTY PACKAGE (ages 2-12)

Includes use of a private room for one-and-a-half hours, a YMCA T-shirt for the birthday child, and a staff person to help you set up and take down your party.

CLOWN'N AROUND PARTY! (ages 2-8)

A lovable, laughable, huggable clown will dazzle for one hour doing fun and gripping magic tricks complete with audience participation and making exciting balloon sculptures! The remainder of the time will be filled with cake, ice cream and celebration. Also includes a YMCA T-shirt for the birthday child.

SPLISH SPLASH POOL PARTY (ages 6+)

Plan your next party using the YMCAs indoor pool! We provide the pool and party room while you provide the food and activities! Fees include up to 25 children. Parties are held on Saturday evenings from 4-9:30 p.m. Call 301-530-3725, ext 2818 for reservations.

FIELD RENTAL (ages 6+)

Rent use of the YMCAs field for your sporting event or practices. Rentals are on Saturdays and Sundays from 4pm-Sundown. Call for details in regard to number of participants and types of allowable events.

LEAVE IT TO US PARTY PACKAGE

Includes use of a private room for one-and-a-half hours, a YMCA T-shirt for the birthday child, a staff person to lead the themed activities, cake, ice cream, juice and basic paper products, and a staff person to help you set up and clean up after your party. Choose from the popular themes below.

FANTASY STORYTIME PARTY! (ages 3-9)

Choose your favorite book and we will explore it by reading it together and then playing games, activities and making a craft based upon it.

ROCK WALL BIRTHDAY BASH! (ages 7-11)

Participants will receive introduction in climbing safety and technique. Then they will boulder and climb the rock wall as well as participate in trust activities and games.

Special Note: Party is 2 hours: 11/2 hours of rock wall time and 30 minutes of celebration. Fees are for up to 10 children. Add an additional 5 children for $50. All Participants must sign a waiver.

TUMBLING FUN GYMNASTIC PARTY! (ages 5-9)

Get ready for fun and movement, jumping and tumbling. Children will enjoy gymnastic fun and a wonderful birthday celebration!

SPORTS & GAMES PARTY! (ages 4-10)

Have you heard of the new games Flag Tag or Everybodys It? How about Dragon Tails or Captain Yellowball? Then there are always the good old favorites -- soccer and kickball. This party is chock full of action, movement and fun. We will even play games that youve invented!

ARTS & CRAFTS PARTY! (ages 4-12)

Does your child bubble over with creativity? When you choose your theme, our party leader will direct the children in creating a colorful keepsake to remember your childs special day.

NEW! CLASSIC BIRTHDAY PARTY! (ages 3-7)

From relays and games to Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Donkey and a piata, the Y will put together a class party with classic fun.

NEW! OOEY GOOEY SCIENCE! (ages 4-9)

If your child is into science, then this is the party for him or her! Our party leader will direct your young scientist in some ooey gooey experimentations.

MARTIAL ARTS

Tae Kwon Do (ages 5-adult)

Great family activity! As a form of self-defense, this martial art form is unsurpassed. It promotes self-confidence, fitness, and self-control through a strong emphasis on discipline. Adults welcome in any class.

Karate (ages 5-adult)

Karate is a physical art of protection developed in Okinawa and China. The teaching of Karate is based on a respect for life and a desire for world peace. Character building, physical fitness, and the development of a peaceful mind are some of the benefits of this martial art.

ADULT ENRICHMENT

Fun Bridge

No need to register! All levels of play are welcome, as well as single players and newcomers. Call (301) 530-8500 for more information.

Blood Pressure Screening

The YMCA offers free blood pressure screening every Tuesday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the lobby.

YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

YMCA Youth & Family Services, a branch of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, is a community outreach program center. Our prevention and early intervention programs serve youth and families who live or attend school in the greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Potomac, Silver Spring and Cabin John communities. For more information on the services we provide click here.

VOLUNTEER

YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center
5650 Oakmont Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20817
Telephone: (301) 530-8500     Fax (301) 530-6493