Teen Programs Make Their Winter Debut at Lakeland Hills YMCA

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Morris County, NJ - Lakeland Hills YMCA is thrilled to announce its Winter Session, with exciting events, activities, and sports for Teens in Grades 8-12 and well as Middle-School Students in Grades 6-8.

January begins the relaunch of the Leaders Club, a dynamic program specially designed for teenagers in grades 8 to 12. Starting on January 22 and running through May 6, this program is set to empower and nurture young leaders in our community.
Program Details:

• When: Every Monday, from January 22 to May 6
• Time: 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM
• Location: 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes

Join the Leaders Club: An Exciting Program for Teens at the YMCA! The new and improved Leaders Club has undergone a complete transformation to offer teenagers various volunteer opportunities that can fit into their busy schedules. The program's weekly leadership meetings provide a platform for guided conversations, sharing of volunteer and work experiences, and valuable feedback on volunteer work.

Our professional staff will also offer mentorship and guidance to all participants, ensuring that every teenager can thrive in their personal and leadership development journey. In addition to volunteer work, the program will incorporate fun activities that bring the Leaders Club members together. These weekly meetings will include organized games, sports, trivia, viral challenges, and more.

The YMCA is committed to providing a nurturing environment where all teens can build confidence, feel valuable to our mission, and develop essential leadership skills. By building connections within the community and making a positive impact, we aim to foster new friendships and prepare each participant for the challenges of college and the workforce.

Through real-life experiences and valuable service hours gained in this program, members can expect to be well-prepared for their future endeavors. Join the Leaders Club at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA and unlock your full potential! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity for personal growth and community engagement.

Join the Fun and Compete for Prizes in the Ultimate 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament!

For students in Grades 9-12, get ready to lace-up your sneakers, assemble your squad, and get ready for the most exhilarating 3-on-3 basketball showdown of the year! Lakeland Hills invites all basketball enthusiasts to participate in our exciting 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. It's time to showcase your skills, enjoy some thrilling basketball action, and vie for fantastic prizes!

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, February 8
• Time: 5:00 PM onwards
• Location: Full-Size Gymnasium at Lakeland Hills YMCA
• Format: 3-on-3 basketball games on a shortened full court
• Maximum Roster Size: 4 players per team
• Bracket Style: Double-elimination
• Guaranteed Games: Every team will play a minimum of 2 games

Why Should You Join?

• Test your basketball prowess against other skilled players.
• Thrilling and fast-paced 3-on-3 basketball action.
• Prizes and awards for the winning team.
• Fun and camaraderie with fellow basketball enthusiasts.

Registration Details:

• Registration Fee: Just $10 for Members; $15 for Non-Members

Don't miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable basketball experience. We look forward to seeing you on the court! Details on the Y’s website: www.lakelandhillsymca.com

Middle School Basketball League: An Exciting Sports Opportunity for Students in Grades 6-8

The Y is excited to announce the return of the Middle School Basketball League, a thrilling basketball program tailored exclusively for students in grades 6 through 8. Starting on January 2, this league offers young athletes a fun and competitive basketball experience.

Program Details:

• Who: Middle schoolers in grades 6-8
• When: Every Tuesday, from January 2 onwards
• Time: 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM
• Location: 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes

This is the perfect opportunity for middle schoolers to come together, play basketball against friends, and make new ones. The Middle School Basketball League utilizes a half-court format for weekly games, providing an environment that encourages teamwork, skill development, and sportsmanship.

The league follows a thrilling format with a running clock and culminates in an exciting tournament, allowing participants to showcase their skills and passion for the game. Whether your child is a seasoned player or just starting to explore the world of basketball, this league offers a supportive and inclusive environment for all skill levels.

"Participating in the Middle School Basketball League not only fosters a love for the sport but also helps young athletes build important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and determination," said Shannon Bujoreanu, Senior Program Director at the Y. "We're dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable basketball experience for all middle school students in our community."

Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this fantastic basketball league at Lakeland Hills. To register or learn more about the Middle School Basketball League, please visit www.lakelandhillsymca.com.

Unlock Your Gaming Potential with the Y’s Exciting Gaming Club and Esports Workshops!

The Y has announced a series of exciting gaming opportunities for youth in the community, catering to ages 8 to 17. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting, we have something for everyone!

Gaming Club Details:

• Ages 8 - 12: Thursdays 5:30-6:30 PM, Fridays 7:15-8:15 PM
• Ages 13 - 17: Thursdays 6:30-7:30 PM
• Price: Members $85 / Non-Members $130 for one 60-minute block per week
• Location: Gaming Room at Lakeland Hills YMCA
• Description: Join our in-person Gaming Club to learn essential gaming skills, including strategy development, effective communication with teammates, and honing hand-eye coordination. Our dedicated coach will boost your confidence and skills while you compete against others. Bi-weekly games will be rotated to keep the excitement fresh.

Esports Workshop: VALORANT

• Ages 13 - 18: Thursday, January 25, 5:00-6:30 PM
• Price: Members $25 / Non-Members $40
• Description: Dive into the world of VALORANT with a "masterclass" workshop conducted by a top-ranked player and coach. This workshop offers a live lesson, round table video review and discussion, and actual gameplay with live coaching. It caters to all skill levels, from Iron to Radiant, and includes quick-to-learn lessons and collaborative tasks.

Virtual Esports Coaching:

• Ages 8 – 17
• Price: Members $100 / Non-Members $150 for 4 one-hour sessions, once per week
• Description: Elevate your gaming skills with private one-on-one or small group coaching by expert coaches. Each coach will tailor training based on your experience, mechanics, and gameplay. Coaching sessions will be conducted through a private, moderated Discord channel. Games available for coaching include Overwatch 2, VALORANT, CS: GO, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rocket League, League of Legends, TFT, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Super Smash Bros. Melee. For more information, contact Andrew Lomauro at andrewl@lhymca.com.

Youth Drop-Ins:

• Ages 8 – 17
• Free for Members!
• Schedule:
• Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 5:00 - 7:00 PM – Esports
• Saturday: 9:15 – 11:00 AM – Esports

Whether you're looking to improve your gaming skills, connect with fellow gamers, or explore esports coaching, Lakeland Hills Family YMCA has the perfect opportunities for you. Join us and unlock your gaming potential today!

Lakeland Hills YMCA is a trusted community organization dedicated to promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We offer a wide range of programs and activities designed to empower individuals and strengthen communities.

For media inquiries, please contact: Kelly Horvath, Community Engagement Manager, kellyh@lhymca.com or 973.507.7016.

View the entire Winter Session Brochure as well as find information and registration details by visiting www.lakelandhillsymca.com or contact Member Services at 973.334.2820.

No one serves the community as powerfully as the Y does every day.

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