Community Corner
North Suburban YMCA Hosts Youth Explorer Expo
Over 100 families participated in the first Youth Expo at the Y in Northbrook
Northbrook, IL — On Sunday, January 12th, the North Suburban YMCA held its Inaugural Youth Explorer Expo, a new community event designed to offer families a fun-filled day of adventure and hands-on exploration. Despite snowy weather conditions, over 100 families participated in a variety of activities, showcasing the Y’s commitment to engaging the local community through interactive experiences.
The event featured an array of activities including family swim, open volleyball, arts and crafts, games, and sports activities. The expo also offered an obstacle course bounce house, face painting, and opportunities to connect with local businesses in the youth industry.
Congressman Brad Schneider, an avid supporter of the NSYMCA, also came out with his team and interacted with the families to show support of community engagement opportunities.
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“We are thrilled to see so many families come out to experience a day filled with swimming, sports, art, STEM activities, and so much more,” said Kathy Fielding, CEO of the North Suburban YMCA. “This event is a new addition to our Y’s event line-up, and it’s exciting to see it come to life,” continues Fielding. “At the YMCA, we strive to offer free events that are welcoming to all, allowing children and families to experiment with different programs and discover their passions.”
Free and open to the public, the event’s highlights included a creative passport game complete with raffle prizes that encouraged exploration throughout the YMCA facility. two-hour open family swim session in the Y’s famous indoor pool. Also featured was a robot arena hosted by the Electric Eagles Robotics team from Excellerate Learning Studio, where they showcased their robot models and gave children the opportunity to touch and operate them. All attendees had the chance to also try YMCA’s programs such as visual arts, volleyball, basketball, performing arts, S.T.E.A.M. and more.
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“This event was such a fun way to welcome the community to such a wonderful place,” Aneliese Baker, an event guest and Mother of two boys from Deerfield. “It provided great exposure to all the Y programs and to the local businesses in our community. I took swim lessons at this Y years ago and haven’t been back, and it still feels like home being here,” continues Baker.
Free Events like the Y’s Youth Explorer Expo are just one of many on the 2025 calendar. The next North Suburban YMCA event free and open to all ages, is the Annual Cultural Fair hosted by The Village of Northbrook’s Community Commission’s on February 23 from 2:30 pm -5:00 pm.
The Cultural Fair features live entertainment, food samples, crafts and displays representing the diverse heritage of local residents. Attendees can expect artistic displays, musical acts, dance demonstrations, education/information tables, henna artists, a karate demonstration, and samples of food from different cultures. For more information CLICK HERE
More NSYMCA event in 2025 include:
March 9 – Fleece for Furry Friends*
Sept 18 – SeniorPalooza Health and Fun Fair*
Oct 19 – Trunk or Treat Fair*
Dec 6 – Holiday Giveback*
*(Free and open to the public)
Sponsors of the Youth Explorer Event include Allstate, Illinois and Bone and Joint Institute, Wintrust Community Banks, Bambini Method, Bond Orthodontics, Excellerate Learning Studio, and Noggin Builders. Other vendors included Jovie Sitter Services, EverSmiles Orthodontics, School of Rock Glenview, and more.
“Without local business support, events like this are not possible so we are very thankful to our vendors and sponsors,” adds Kathy Fielding, CEO of the North Suburban YMCA.
If you are a business looking to participate or sponsor a NSYMCA event, please email Kim Nyren, Director of Community Investment and Events at knyren@nsymca.org
About North Suburban YMCA
The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.
The North Suburban YMCA offers a multitude of youth programs including performing arts, visual arts, summer camp, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, fitness programs, special needs programs, swim, after school care and more.
