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Neighbor News

As the weather turns cooler, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y is your place for warm connections and family fun.

Fall 2 Program Registration begins Monday, October 6 and our Annual Fall Harvest is on October 25.

(Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA)

As the weather turns cooler and the days grow shorter, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y (FSPY) is your place for warm connections and family fun. Our Fall 2 program session starts October 20 and registration begins Monday, October 6, at 9:00 am.
There is something for everyone this fall from youth gymnastics and enrichment programs to sports and swim lessons. Registration is open to active FSPY members. The FSPY’s Fall 2 Program Session runs from October 20 -December 28, 2025. View all the Y’s fall offerings and schedules online at fspymca.org/brochure.
Not a Y member, yet? You can learn more about the benefits of YMCA membership and join online at fspymca.org/join-the-Y.
In addition to the session highlights below, the Y continues to offer a range of programs and services included with full membership such as: group exercise classes for all fitness levels and interests; lap swimming and water walking lanes; family swim; adult sports programs; open gym; special events, and more. Plus, FSPY has a virtual wellness platform, Y Wellness 24/7, which members can access anytime, anywhere!
Read on to learn more about the Fall 2 program session at the Y:
Preschool and Youth Enrichments: Hands-on learning experiences help children explore new interests. Program offerings include Storybook Chefs, Tiny Taste Makers, Wiggle & Wonder Science, Art in the Open, Master Mini Chefs, Tween Chef Academy, Catch ’Em All, and Magic: The Gathering.
NEW! This fall, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is also introducing two new programs for toddlers ages walking to 3 years. Mini Tumbler & Me invites children to explore movement through the fun of gymnastics, building coordination, balance, and flexibility while learning alongside a participating adult. Mini Athlete & Me introduces little ones to a variety of sports and movements, encouraging active play and discovery with parent support. Both programs provide a fun, engaging way for families to grow and learn together.
Youth Sports: The Y has all sorts of sports! For the Fall 2 session, the FSPY is offering sports classes for ages 3-5 including Preschool Basketball, Mini Ninja Warriors, and All Star Sports. We are also offering Basketball Skills Clinics for ages 5-8 and for ages 8-11, (Ninja Warrior (ages 5-9), and a Youth Sports Sampler for ages 6-11.
Archery: The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is excited to offer introductory workshops and progressive archery classes for youth, teens, and adults this fall. Taught by USA Archery certified instructors, these programs provide a safe and supportive environment for learning fundamental archery skills while building focus, confidence, and coordination. Whether you're trying archery for the first time or ready to sharpen your aim, there's a class for every level. Equipment is provided, and all are welcome to join in the fun!
Middle School Sports: The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA is offering exciting fall programs for middle school students in grades 5–8. Our Volleyball Clinic, held on Fridays, give players the opportunity to strengthen fundamentals like serving and volleying while promoting sportsmanship and confidence. The Co-Ed Track-Cross Country team encourages endurance and teamwork through practices and local meets, with transportation provided for away events.
Youth Gymnastics: The Y offers a variety of classes for different ages and levels, starting at age 3 and up. Gymnastics classes will help your child develop balance, coordination and self-esteem, while building their gymnastics skills. Our youth classes also utilize the Beam, Bar, Floor and Vault to develop gymnastics skills.
Dance: We are offering an Introduction to Ballet/Tap for ages 3 to 5. This class will help your child develop motor skills and self-confidence in a fun introductory ballet/tap combination class. For ages 6-11, the Ballet/Tap Level 1 includes and introduction to ballet and a more in-depth presentation of basic tap dancing steps, and Ballet/Tap Level 2 for ages 7-12 will build on the skills learned in Level 1.
Swim Lessons: Our renowned swim lesson program is back for the Fall 2 session, with classes available for every age and skill level—from parent/child and preschool aquatics to teen and adult lessons. Guided by certified instructors, our progressive curriculum builds confidence, safety, and lifelong swimming skills in a supportive environment. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this essential and empowering experience in the water!
Teen Fitness: We are continuing the Y’s popular Teen Wellness program for teens ages 12-13 in grades 7-8, which teaches teens to use the equipment in our Wellness Center safely and effectively. We are also offering Teen and Family group exercise classes including Cycle and Stretch and Tone, which are included with Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA membership.
Small Group Personal Training: Adults and teens can also find new ways to stay active this fall at the Y. Pilates Circuit blends traditional and contemporary Pilates on the reformer, chair, and tower for a full-body workout, with options for drop-in or session registration. Teen Strength & Lifting gives ages 14–17 the tools to safely and effectively grow their strength and fitness beyond the basics, while Strength for Life (ages 18 & up) offers small-group lifting and training for adults looking to build confidence, balance, and energy in a supportive environment.
Kids Night Out: Parents can go out without the kids, while the kids have a blast at the Y! Held the second Friday of the month from 6:00-9:45pm, kids will enjoy a pizza dinner, popcorn, a movie and free swim. This program is open to Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA members and community member in grades K-4.
Health and Safety Classes: The Y continues to offer American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED courses, which are open to FSPY members and members of the community. Plus, American Red Cross Lifeguarding courses are available throughout the year, including this fall.
Plus, join us for our Fall Harvest on Saturday, October 25th! It’s free, open to the community, and offers fun, fall-themed activities for the whole family. Activities at the event will include trackless train rides, arts and crafts, games, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating, raffles and more. In addition, there will be a costume contest parade. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes.
For more information on the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, visit the Y’s website, fspymca.org.
About the Y
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For information on membership or programs, or to request a schedule of classes, please call the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA at (908) 889-8880 or visit www.fspymca.org. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

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