YMCA expanding Adaptive Programs for children and adults

A YMCA camp counselor and child spend time together at Camp Bumblebee, an Adaptive Day Camp that features a higher staff ratio to meet the needs of children with developmental delays and disabilities. Camp Bumblebee will be offered at three Chester County locations in the Summer of 2024. At a time when social isolation is a growing problem, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) has announced the expansion...

YMCA commends staff for use of CPR in emergency; highlights need for training

YMCA of Greater Brandywine staff perform life-saving CPR drills at the organization’s annual Lifeguard Competition. Last month, a group of friends was traveling on U.S. Route 322 when they noticed a disabled vehicle on the side of the road. The friends were surprised to see a woman performing CPR on an infant – and were even more surprised to see that no other cars had stopped to help. Although...

YMCA announces opening of pickleball center in Downingtown

Players hit the courts at the newly-opened YMCA Pickleball Center at Downingtown. YMCA Pickleball Center at Downingtown, operated by the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), opened its doors earlier this month. The brand-new facility featuring nine indoor courts is already making history as the first YMCA facility in the country devoted to pickleball. “We are thrilled to bring this type of facility –...

YMCA to bring back teen programs this fall

Area students in Harrisburg as part of the Youth and Government program. The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) will bring back key programs focused on teens and preteens this fall, helping young people to connect, engage and get involved in their communities. “We know that our youth are struggling, even if they’re unable to voice it. Adolescence is a challenging time in a person’s life, and...

YWMC to establish gymnastics training center at Oscar Lasko branch

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is expanding its gymnastics training center located in the Oscar Lasko YMCA branch in downtown West Chester. The expansion will support the rapidly growing program at the YMCA and will include a custom, full-sized spring floor, a 10-foot tumbling track with raised safety area, two full vault lanes, a permanent preschool set up, additional equipment such as balance...

YMCA to unveil new pickleball courts

The new pickleball courts at the YMCA of West Chester. WEST CHESTER — The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is set to unveil its new indoor pickleball courts at the West Chester Area YMCA, 605 Airport Road, West Chester, on Monday, April 26 at noon during its “First Serve Pickleball Court Opening Ceremony.”  Pickleball, which is currently the fastest growing sport in the...

Chesco YMCA’s holding diaper drive this month

WEST CHESTER – The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), a nonprofit association of eight YMCA branches (Brandywine YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA, Octorara YMCA Program Center, Oscar Lasko YMCA & Childcare Center, Upper Main Line YMCA, West Chester Area YMCA) in Chester County, is hosting a diaper drive this month in partnership with Chester County Women’s...

AT&T, YMCA team up to bring WiFi Internet to Avon Grove students

WEST GROVE — With schools closed in Pennsylvania due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some students in the Jennersville area without internet access have had to get resourceful when it comes to completing assignments. Volunteers from the Jennersville YMCA, along with other local Chester County organizations, will be delivering mobile hotspots – courtesy of AT&T – to these students on Tuesday, May...

YMCA Gymcats wrap up successful season

The YMCA Gymcats at a recent championship The YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s gymnastics team, the Gymcats, who train at the Oscar Lasko YMCA in West Chester, capped off a strong competitive year with a lot of success at the League, State and National Championships. “This has been one of the best seasons,” says Megan Hartman, Head Gymnastics Coach for the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. “All our levels...

WMCA offers support to government workers impacted by shutdown

WEST CHESTER — As the federal government shutdown continues, the seven branches of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine are extending support to those impacted. Any federal government employee who is not being paid due to the government shutdown is welcome to use the YMCA’s facilities free of charge during this time. If the individual is already a member of the YMCA of Greater Brandywine, their next...