Youth and Family Programs

For those wanting to extend their singing experience, join our Glee Club! Learn fun songs while you improve your vocal technique (breathing, voice projection, diction, and range extension) plus be introduced to basic music concepts. Classes are for children ages 6 - 12 and are 1 hour long.

Learn about the different families of instruments in the orchestra; and listen, identify, and explore the dirrerent sounds. Campers receive hands-on experience and make their own instruments. Classes are for children age 4 to 8, and are 1 hour long for one week.

Learn to play guitar while having fun in a small group setting! Students are taught the fundamentals of music theory, basic technique for the instrument, note reading, ear training, and musicianship. Students must provide their own guitar for class and home practice. Classes are for children ages 8 - 12, and are 45 minutes long.

Learn to play piano in a small group setting. Students are taught the fundementals of music theory, basic technique for the instrument, note reading, ear training, and musicianship. Children should have access to piano at home for practice. Classes are for children ages 6 to 10 and are 45 minutes long.

Lessons will focus on introducing the basic fundamentals and strategies of tennis. Class will work on developing hand-eye coordination, flexibility and endurance through drills and play. Beginner or intermediate classes for ages 7 to 16.

An introduction to classical ballet. Leotards, tights, and ballet slippers are recommended.
Beginner: ages 4 - 6
Ballet I: ages 6 and up (or younger with experience and instructor permission)

The Youth Zone is a place for children ages 8 and up to hang out while their parents work out at the Y. Kids can drop in to this counselor monitored area and play chess, Legos, arts/crafts, Dance Dance Revolution, air hockey, pool, and other activities the counselor may have going. Children under 7 may attend with a parent. Hours are: Mon./Wed. 5-8 PM, Tues./Thurs. 5-7 PM, and Fri. 4-6 PM.

This Red Cross course covers responsibilities of the sitter, characteristics of children, selection of games and toys, accident prevention, basic care, and first aid skills. Ages 11-14. Lunch will be provided.

The Preschool Program, which is licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, offers a number of activities in the classroom and gym. Classroom activities include circle time, learning and craft activities, structured free play and snack time. Gross motor skills are developed through swimming lessons and gym activities. We offer 3 year old and 4 year old programs. Registration for the 2010-2011 school year is currently underway, and by appointment only.

Preschool registration fee $50 (non-refundable).

2010 - 2011 RATES

The YMCA of Portsmouth offers Before and After School childcare beginning at 6:30 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m. Transportation is provided to and from Churchland Academy, Churchland Elementary, Churchland Primary, John Tyler, Northern Shores, Creekside, Western Branch Primary, Western Branch Intermediate. Other Schools may be serviced also, depending on interest. Grades K-6 are served in Portsmouth Schools, K-5 in Suffolk Schools, and 1-5 in Chesapeake schools.

Financial Assistance is available.

Registration fee $50 (non-refundable)

2010 - 2011 RATES

The YMCA offers one-week sports/specialty camps during the summer in half-day programs. Camp hours can be extended for children who would like to participate in a full-day program with the afternoons spent enjoying gym games, arts and crafts and free swim on Friday. The cost for extended care is $50 per session. Children must bring a lunch, drink, and 2 snacks for the full-day program. Campers enrolled in the full-day program may be dropped off as early as 7:00 a.m. and picked up no later than 6:00 p.m.


For complete descriptions of YMCA Sports Camps please refer to the 2009 Sports Camps guide on the Downloads Page.

Summer Day Camp with the YMCA is an experience that builds a lifetime of memories for your children. Traditional camping activities such as canoeing, fishing, crabbing and hiking are mixed with sports, field games, and environmental education during the morning session. Afternoon sessions are held at the Portsmouth YMCA where campers participate in arts and crafts, gym games, and YMCA swim lessons. Throughout all of our activities, heavy emphasis is placed on YMCA Character Development.

Camp activities begin at 8:30 A.M. and end at 4:30 P.M. Supervised extended care is provided to allow parents to drop off campers as early as 7:00 A.M. and pick them up as late as 6:00 P.M. Enrollment is limited. Registration is handled on a first-come, first serve basis. Financial Assistance is available.

There is one $50 non-refundable registration fee per family for day camp due at the time of registration. You may reserve sessions of day camp at registration by paying a non-refundable $25 per child, per session deposit. The remainder of the Day Camp fee will be due by the following dates:

May 5 Sessions 1-5 balance due

June 10 Sessions 6-10 balance due

If the balance is not paid by the deadline, then the space will be filled.
No refunds will be given


Register today and join the summer fun!

Children ages 4 to 6 meet at the Portsmouth YMCA for swimming lessons, gym games, songs, and crafts. The YMCA provides children with a mid-morning snack. Campers need to bring knapsack, bathing suit, towel, wear tennis shoes, and label all belongings. Each session incorporates a different theme for campers. All children receive YMCA memorabilia.

There are eight 1-week sessions beginning June 21st and ending August 20th. (No Kinder Camp held Jul. 5 - 9) Camp is held Monday - Friday from 8:45 A.M. to 12:15 P.M.

A non-refundable reservation fee of $25 per child per session will be due at the times of registration. The remainder of the Kinder Camp fee will be due by the following dates:

May 5 sessions 1 - 4

June 10 sessions 5 - 8

Half-day program only.