What’s Happening at the YMCA in October & November

Posted on October 2, 2026 Updated on October 5, 2026 by Amber Fox

HappeningsWhat’s Happening at the Y in October & November

Family Fun, Fall Fitness & Reasons to Be Thankful

Make Time for Fun, Find Your Community

A family night out. A workout with a friend. A chance to try something new. This October and November, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is bringing people together through fall events, family activities, and fitness challenges.

Get into the Halloween spirit, give the kids a night of their own, or discover racquet sports at our open house. Keep the momentum going with Turkey Burn and the Run, Run Rudolph fitness challenge, then check out our Black Friday specials.

Every visit is a chance to build friendships and feel part of a community. That connection is at the heart of the Y’s mission to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

More Ways to Play: Racquet Sports at the Y

More room to rally, more chances to connect. Join us at the Sinking Spring YMCA on Friday, October 23, from 6–8 PM for our annual Racquet Sports Open House and the grand opening of our new tennis and pickleball courts.

Explore the updated indoor space with four tennis courts and ten pickleball courts, including dedicated and dual-purpose courts. Meet the racquet sports team and discover lessons, clinics, leagues, open play, and tournaments for a range of ages and experience levels.

New to the game? Returning to the court? Come see where you could find your next favorite activity and people to play alongside. Plus, get a first look at the new courts and exclusive open-house discounts.

Explore Racquet Sports & Plan Your Visit

Halloween Events at the Y:

Costumes, Pumpkins & Family Fun

The costumes deserve more than one outing. This October, make time for Halloween fun at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, with Trunk or Treat events, Dunkin’ for Pumpkins, and our Spooktacular Monster Mash Dance Party for families.

Find Halloween Event Dates & Registration Details

Trunk or Treat

Bring your little superheroes, storybook characters, and friendly monsters for a night of trick-or-treating and community connection. Gather your crew and choose a Y event to enjoy together.

Dunkin’ for Pumpkins

Trade the pumpkin patch for the pool! At the Reading YMCA, kids can pick a floating pumpkin, enjoy swimming, and decorate their pumpkin to take home.

Spooktacular Monster Mash

Give those costumes a chance to hit the dance floor. Our family dance party brings a playful twist to Halloween, with time to move, laugh, and celebrate together.

Black Friday Specials at the Y

Put experiences on your holiday wish list. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Black Friday specials offer another reason to plan for activities that help you and your family stay active, build confidence, and connect.

Thinking about your next step at the Y? Explore the offers and check the deadlines so you can make the most of the savings.

Explore Black Friday Specials

Fall Fitness Events & Challenges

Keep moving with a little seasonal fun and people who help you stay motivated. This fall, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is bringing costume-party energy, Thanksgiving workouts, and a holiday team challenge to your fitness routine.

Monster Mash Fitness Dance Party

Dance, dress up, and celebrate Halloween Y-style! Join our Zumba and Dance Fitness instructors for an evening of music, movement, and a costume contest. Bring a nonmember guest for a free smoothie. Ages 12+.

Kids’ Night Out happens at the same time, so you can plan a fun evening for the kids while you enjoy yours. Register for Kids’ Night Out by October 16.

10/23 | 6–7:30 PM Sinking Spring YMCA

Turkey Burn

Earn the right to eat that extra piece of pie! Join us for pop-up fitness classes on Black Friday and kick off the Run, Run Rudolph challenge with extra points. Bring a nonperishable donation to support Reading Y Housing and make your morning of movement count for our community, too.

11/27 | 9–11 AM Sinking Spring YMCA

Run, Run Rudolph Fitness Challenge

Team up and keep your motivation going through the holidays. Earn points by attending fitness classes or completing the fitness challenge of the week, and compete with your team for prizes. Turkey Burn starts the challenge, so get ready to hit the ground moving!

11/27–1/8 | All YMCA Branches

Find Your Fitness

Big Fun for Kids. Support for Busy Families.

Kids’ Night Out: Their Fun Night, Your Free Evening

Make dinner plans, catch up with a friend, or enjoy a quiet evening. Kids’ Night Out gives children time to have fun with friends at the Y while you take a little time for yourself. Activities vary by location and may include games, crafts, snacks, and more.

Choose your October adventure:

Monster Mash

Friday, 10/23 | 6–8 PM

Sinking Spring YMCA

Spooktacular Glow Fest

Friday, 10/23 | 6–8 PM

Tri Valley YMCA

Plan ahead and check your event’s registration deadline before making your evening plans.

Winter Rec Basketball League

That first basket feels good. Having teammates cheer you on feels even better. YMCA winter recreation basketball helps kids learn the game, build confidence, and practice teamwork in a supportive setting.

From basketball basics for ages 4–6 to leagues for first through sixth graders, there’s room for beginners and returning players. Explore the options for your child’s age and location, and get ready for a winter of learning and playing together. Register by November 15.

Enchanted Memories & Magic Ball

Dress up, take a few photos, and hit the dance floor together. The Adamstown YMCA Family Dance brings children and their special grown-ups together for an evening of dinner, DJ music, and dancing.

Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other trusted adults are welcome. Make time for an evening where the only thing on your family’s to-do list is having fun together.

11/20 | 6–8 PM Adamstown YMCA

Save Your Spot for the Family Dance

School’s Out. We’ve Got You Covered.

When school takes a break, but your workday doesn’t, the Y can help. School’s Out child care gives kids a safe, engaging place to spend scheduled school closures, holiday breaks, and early dismissals.

Children enjoy active games, creative projects, and time to build friendships with support from caring Y staff. You can focus on your workday knowing they have a day of their own to enjoy.

With holiday breaks approaching, check your school calendar now and arrange the care your family needs.

Dates, hours, and locations: Vary by school district and program
Registration deadline: The Friday before care is needed. Advance registration is required.

Find School’s Out Locations, Dates & Register

Headlines, Highlights, & Spotlights

Community spotlights, news, and stories from the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. Read media features and blog posts that spotlight local impact.

Berks residents applaud county officials for funding recovery services

Jacqueline found hope and support for her recovery at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, and she joined fellow residents to thank county leaders for investing in services that help people rebuild their lives.

Click here to read the full story from the Reading Eagle.

Does My Child Need More Swim Lessons?

Does your child need more swim lessons? Learn when to continue, why repeating a level can help, and how to keep kids swimming through fall and winter at the Reading YMCA.

Click here to read the full story.

What a STAR 4 Rating Means for Families in Reading, PA

Discover why families in Reading and Berks County choose the YMCA’s STAR 4 Early Learning Center for high-quality preschool, Pre-K Counts, and kindergarten readiness.

Click here to read the full story.

The Y is more than a gym; it’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

Save	the Date
10/23	Kids' Night Out at Tri Valley Y
10/23	Kids' Night Out at Sinking Spring Y
10/23	Monster Mash Fitness Dance Party
10/23	Racquet Sports Open House & Grand Opening
10/24	Dunkin' for Pumpkins
10/26	Trunk or Treat at Adamstown Y
10/28	Trunk or Treat at Mifflin Y
10/29	Mifflin Y Seniors' Spookyween Soiree
10/30	Trunk or Treat at Richmond Program Center ELC
10/30	Senior Spooky Strength & Snacks at Richmond Program Center
11/20	Enchanted Memories & Magic Ball at Adamstown Y
11/26	Thanksgiving Hours: Closed: Adamstown YMCA, Mifflin YMCA, Reading YMCA, Tri Valley YMCA Open with modified hours: Sinking Spring YMCA \| 6-11 AM \| Group Fitness: Pop-up Classes \| No Child Watch
11/27	Turkey Burn
11/27	Run, Run Rudolph Fitness Challenge Begins
11/27	Black Friday Specials

What’s Happening at the YMCA in October & November

Swim instructor works with three children using flotation devices during a lesson in the shallow end of an indoor pool.

Does My Child Need More Swim Lessons? Understanding What Comes Next

YMCA child care staff member leading an activity with children

What a STAR 4 Rating Means for Families in Reading, PA

More Than A Place, A Purpose

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What’s Happening at the YMCA This Fall

Posted on August 6, 2026 by Amber Fox

What’s Happening at the YMCA This Fall

Back to School, Family Fun, Youth Sports & Fall Fitness

Fall Into Something New at the Y

Fall brings new routines, new goals, and plenty happening across the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. From child care and Pre-K opportunities to family movie nights, art events, youth sports registration, and seasonal fitness challenges, August and September offer something for every age.

Plus, get a sneak peek at some of the exciting events coming to the Y in October. Trust us, you’ll want to save the dates.

New Season, New Ways to Move

Fall is a great time to refresh your routine. New group fitness classes and seasonal challenges are coming to the Y, giving you more ways to stay motivated, try something different, and move alongside your Y community.

Explore Group Fitness Classes

Take on 9/11 Stair Challenge

Move with purpose during our 9/11 Stair Challenge. Honor the first responders of September 11 by climbing 110 stories on the stair climber or walking 1,980 steps, representing their climb inside the World Trade Center towers.

Help the Y Be Recognized in the Best of Berks

Best in Berks voting ends August 14, and there’s still time to show your support for the YMCA of Reading & Berks County!

Vote for the Y in:

#16 Fitness Facility
#26 Nonprofit Organization

Your vote celebrates the staff, volunteers, members, and supporters who make our Y community so special. Cast your vote today!

Back to School Starts at the Y

August is National Back to School Month, and the first day of school will be here before we know it. If your family still needs child care for the 2026–27 school year, now is the time to explore your options.

YMCA Early Learning, Pre-K Counts, Before & After and Schools Out child care gives parents dependable support while helping kids feel comfortable, confident, and ready for the year ahead.

Early Learning and Pre-K

Give your child a strong start with high-quality early learning programs designed to build confidence, creativity, and kindergarten readiness in a safe and caring environment.

Programs available at our Reading YMCA and Richmond Early Learning Centers.

Pre-K Counts is available at the Reading YMCA at no cost to eligible families. A few application days remain in August, so now is the time to check your eligibility and apply.

School Age Care

When the workday and school day do not line up, the Y helps families fill the gap.

Before & After School Care gives children a safe, active place to spend time outside of school hours. School’s Out care is available on select days and at select locations during scheduled in-service days, early dismissals, and other school closures.

Visit our Before & After School Care page for program details and upcoming open house dates.

Explore Child Care Options at the YMCA

First Fridays Are Family Movie Nights

Grab the family and start the weekend at the movies! YMCA Family Movie Nights give members a free and easy way to spend time together on the first Friday of each month.

Upcoming movies:

Friday, August 7: Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Friday, September 4: Coyote vs. Acme
Both movies begin at 6:30 PM at Reading Movies 11 & IMAX.

Seats are limited, and registration is required at least 24 hours before each movie night. RSVP early to save your family’s spots.

RSVP for Family Movie Night

Ready, Set, Play at the Y

YMCA youth sports give kids a chance to try something new, build skills, and have fun with their teammates.

Sports for Tots

Give your little athlete a fun introduction to soccer and basketball! Sports for Tots uses games and age-appropriate activities to help children ages 3–5 build coordination, confidence, and basic sports skills at the Tri Valley YMCA.

Learn More

Winter Recreation Youth Basketball League

Basketball season will be here before you know it! Registration is now open for our Winter Recreation Youth Basketball League for children ages 4 through sixth grade.

Find a Location & Register

Water Safety Is Always in Season

Swimming is a lifelong skill, and there is always more to learn. The Reading YMCA offers group and private swim lessons to help swimmers build confidence, improve their technique, and feel safer in the water.

Group Swim Lessons

Group lessons offer a supportive way for swimmers of different ages and skill levels to learn water safety and strengthen their swimming skills. Each session includes six 30-minute lessons at the Reading YMCA.

View Upcoming Group Swim Lessons

Private Swim Lessons

Private lessons provide individual attention, flexible scheduling, and instruction that moves at the swimmer’s pace. Individual and small family-group options are available for ages 6 months and older.

View Private Swim Lessons

Headlines, Highlights, & Spotlights

Community spotlights, news, and stories from the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. Read media features and blog posts that spotlight local impact.

Health to Go Vending Machine Two-Year Celebration

The Reading Health to Go vending machine celebrated two years of providing free wellness supplies and connecting our community to local resources.

Click here to read the full story from SOS Berks.

Ready for Kindergarten?

Learn how Pre-K Counts at the Reading YMCA helps children build confidence, classroom skills, and a strong foundation for kindergarten.

Click here to read the full story.

The Y is more than a gym; it’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

New Season.
New Program Guide.

Save	the Date
Date	Event Name
8/7	Movie Night \| Spider Man: Brand New Day
8/17	Art with Allison \| Collage Kids Class
9/4	Movie Night \| Coyote Vs. Acme
9/7	Labor Day Hours: Closed: Adamstown YMCA, Mifflin YMCA, Reading YMCA, Tri Valley YMCA Open with modified hours: Sinking Spring YMCA \| 6-11 AM \| Group Fitness: Pop-up Classes \| No Child Watch
9/19	Art with Allison \| Ladies Night Out

More Than A Place, A Purpose

Sneak Peak at October

October is bringing even more family fun and reasons to visit the Y. Here’s a first look at what’s coming:

Take a look, save the dates, and start planning your October at the Y.

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What’s Happening at the YMCA This June & July

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Amber Fox

What’s Happening at the YMCA This June & July

Summer Camp, Swim Lessons, Family Fitness & More

Summer Starts at the Y

Summer is heating up at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, and there’s something happening for every age, stage, and schedule. From summer camp and swim lessons to water safety, Les Mills launches, senior events, youth programs, and family fun, June and July are full of ways to stay active, connected, and part of the Y community.

Whether you’re looking for a safe place for your child to grow, a new class to try, a way to stay moving, or a reason to get the whole family out of the house, the Y is ready for you this summer.

Together, We’re Building a Stronger Y for All

At the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, legacy is built by the people who choose to show up for their community.

This year’s Breakfast of Champions for Youth was a powerful reminder that a legacy is not only what we leave behind. It is what we choose to build right now.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, guests, volunteers, and friends of the Y, the 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth has raised more than $115,000 so far for our Annual Support Campaign. Special thanks to our extraordinary Annual Support Legacy Partners in 2026: Dorothy M. Haas Charitable Fund and M&T Bank.

The incredible community support helps the Y continue showing up for children, families, teens, seniors, and neighbors across Berks County. It helps open doors to camp, child care, wellness programs, connection, mentorship, and support when people need it most.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s event meaningful, but the work continues. When you give to the Y, you help create a stronger, healthier, more connected community.

That is what it means to Live Your Y. Leave Your Legacy.

Want to see more from this year’s event? Read the full Breakfast of Champions for Youth recap and see how our community is turning generosity into lasting impact.

Read the Recap | Donate Today

LesMills Luau Launch Week at Sinking Spring Y

Get ready to bring the energy because LesMills Luau Launch Week is coming to the Sinking Spring YMCA! From July 20–27, members can catch brand-new LesMills releases, fresh music, new moves, and tropical launch-week fun during regularly scheduled LesMills classes.

Grab your Hawaiian shirt, jump into a class, and try something new. Each class brings a little extra island-style energy, so stop in when you can and celebrate launch week with your Y community.

Free for members and $13 for non-members – bring a friend!

There’s Still Time to Join the Fun at the Best Summer Camp in Berks

Summer camp is almost here, and there’s still time for kids to jump into a season full of fun, friendship, adventure, and confidence at the Y’s award-winning summer camp.

YMCA Summer Day Camp serves children from 5-12 years-old with full and half-day program options across Berks County. Camp runs June 8 through August 21. Campers will experience themed weeks, field trips, pool or water days, STEAM activities, outdoor games, creative projects, and plenty of screen-free time to just be a kid.

Every week gives campers something new to look forward to. Families can choose the weeks that work best for their summer schedule, but spots can fill quickly, so now is the time to register.

Summer Is Coming: Build Water Confidence with Swim Lessons at the Reading Y

Summer is around the corner, and we all know what that means: pool days, splash pads, vacations, and kids begging to be in the water every chance they get.

Swim lessons at the Reading YMCA help children build confidence, learn important water safety skills, and feel more comfortable in and around the pool. Whether your child is just getting started or ready to keep growing their skills, lessons are a great way to help them enjoy summer safely.

Give your child the chance to feel stronger, safer, and more confident in the water this season.

Sign Up for Swim Lessons Today

Plan Ahead for the 2026–27 School Year

School may feel far away, but fall schedules fill up fast. Start planning now for your family to explore YMCA early learning, Pre-K Counts, and before and after school care options for the 2026–27 school year.

Pre-K & Early Learning

Give your child a strong start with YMCA early learning and Pre-K Counts programs. Our child care programs help children build confidence, routines, social skills, and school readiness in a safe, caring environment.

Before & After School Care

Make the school year easier with school age child care that gives kids a safe place to learn, play, and connect before and after the school day. Space can fill quickly, so families should plan ahead.

Family Movie Nights are back at the Y

Family Movie Nights are back, giving families an easy, fun way to spend time together this summer.

June and July movies include

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu on Friday, June 5
Toy Story 5 on Friday, July 3.

Both movies begin at 6:30 PM at Reading Movies 11 & IMAX.

Seats are limited and registration is required at least 24 hours before each movie night. RSVP today to save your spot.

Headlines, Highlights, and Spotlights

Read our community spotlights, news, blogs, and stories that have been highlighted by media or recognized for local impact.

Ken Borkey Jr. Named President & CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has welcomed Ken Borkey Jr. as President & CEO. A longtime Y leader with nearly 15 years of service, Ken brings deep knowledge of our programs, staff, members, and community partnerships as he helps guide the Y into its next chapter.

Read the full announcement.

Reading Y Swim Team Makes History at YMCA National Championships

Sixteen Reading Y athletes represented Berks County on a national stage, earning historic wins and showing what hard work, teamwork, and Y community support can make possible.

Read the full story.

Mission Moments: Cazden’s Y

Cazden’s story is a powerful reminder that the Y is more than a place to swim, play, or work out. It is a place where families find support, connection, and community when they need it most.

Read Cazden’s Y story.

The Y is more than a gym; it’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

Holiday Hours on July 4

Closed: Adamstown Y, Mifflin Y, Reading Y & Tri Valley Y

Open w/ Modified Hours: Sinking Spring Y open 7 AM – Noon | Group Fitness Pop-up Classes, No Child Watch

Save	the Date
6/2	Mifflin YMCA Senior Flip Flop Frenzy
6/17	Art Class w/ Allison
7/20 - 7/27	LesMills Luau Week at Sinking Spring YMCA
7/22	Art Class w/ Allison

What’s Happening at the YMCA in October & November

Does My Child Need More Swim Lessons? Understanding What Comes Next

What a STAR 4 Rating Means for Families in Reading, PA

Y Mission Moment Stories:

Watch three unique stories of individuals who found hope, resilience and renewed purpose at our YMCA.

Sign up for our Newsletter

What’s Happening at the YMCA This February & March: Egg Hunts, Fitness Challenges, and Family Fun in Berks County

Posted on February 11, 2026 Updated on February 13, 2026 by Amber Fox

What’s Happening At The YMCA This February & March:

Egg Hunts, Fitness Challenges, and Family Fun in Berks

Spring Energy Starts at the Y

As winter winds down, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County is gearing up for an exciting season ahead. February and March bring Easter egg hunts, seasonal fitness challenges, and family-friendly events across all branches. From youth programs to group fitness launches, there is something for every age and interest. Explore what’s happening and make your plans to join us this spring.

Spring Forward. Sweat Strong.

Spring is the perfect time to reset your routine and challenge yourself in new ways. This season, we’re bringing the energy with a high-impact Les Mills launch and a month-long fitness challenge designed to keep you moving.

Egg Hunt Hustle Fitness Challenge

Hop into fitness from 3/7 through 4/7 with Egg Hunt Hustle, a YMCA-wide fitness challenge that rewards consistency and community. Earn Easter eggs for staying active and increase your chances to win one of five Easter baskets, plus weekly branch prizes.

$10 to participate | Registration deadline 3/7

Les Mills: Egg Hunt Explosion

Join us at Sinking Spring YMCA for the Les Mills Spring Launch and power through brand-new releases of your favorite classes. Fresh music, new choreography, and two mornings of nonstop sweat kick off Egg Hunt Hustle in full beast mode energy.

Saturday 3/7 | 8–11 AM
Sunday 3/8 | 8–11 AM

Free for members | $10 for non-members

Spring Events

Easter Egg Hunts at the YMCA

Get ready to hop into spring with egg hunts happening at the YMCA! From traditional community hunts to themed challenges, we’ve got events for every age and interest. Visit our Egg Hunts hub for dates, details, and registration links.

Explore all Egg Hunt events and register.

Healthy Kids Day

Healthy Kids Day is back with even more ways for families to move and have fun together. Enjoy free activities, games, local vendors, community partners, and don’t miss the Kid’s Color Run for an unforgettable burst of energy and color.

Click here for full event details and register for the Kid’s Color Run.

Breakfast of Champions for Youth

Join us for the Breakfast of Champions for Youth, a morning dedicated to celebrating the power of community and the potential of every child. This inspiring event highlights the impact of YMCA programs and honors the champions who make it possible. Together, we invest in brighter futures for youth across Berks County. Register now to attend or learn how your organization can get involved.

Summer Camp Unplugged

Voted Berks’ Best for Summer Fun

Summer Camp Unplugged is where summer actually feels like summer. No constant screens. No boredom. Just sunshine, friendships, field trips, swimming, creative projects, and memories your kids will talk about all year long.

Voted Best in Berks, our camps give kids the chance to explore, build confidence, and try new things in a safe, supportive environment. Every day brings something new, whether it’s outdoor adventures, team challenges, themed weeks, or just good old-fashioned fun.

Register now and give your child a summer they’ll never forget.

Headlines, Highlights, & Spotlights

Community spotlights, news, and stories from the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. Read media features and blog posts that spotlight local impact.

Click here to read the full story from Berk’s Weekly.

The YMCA recognizes excellence and milestones of 2025

In honor of its heritage and 167-year legacy, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County celebrated excellence, leadership, and long-standing dedication to the community at its 167th Annual Meeting.

Click here to read the full story from PA Spotlight.

Meet a Reading woman who advocates for quality childcare

Ashley Shannon Price has spent 33 years pouring her heart into the families of Berks County, and now she’s being recognized for it. As childcare director at the Reading YMCA, she helps children grow, learn, and thrive every single day. Read her inspiring story and see how one dedicated leader is shaping the future of our community.

Click here to read the full story from Berk’s Weekly.

Sinking Spring Y awarded Y-USA grant to expand the racquet sports wing

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been awarded a Y-USA grant to expand pickleball and renovate the racquet sports wing at the Sinking Spring Y. The investment will add new hybrid courts, upgraded equipment, and improved spaces to meet growing demand from players of all ages, helping strengthening community connections and creating more opportunities to play, learn, and stay active.

The Y is more than a gym; it’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

Save	the Date
2/21	Family Dance @ Tri Valley Y
2/27	Family Dance @ Sinking Spring Y
3/3	Day of Giving
3/7-8	LesMills Spring Launch
3/20	Egg Hunt @ Adamstown Y
3/20	Egg Hunt @ Reading Y
3/28	Egg Hunt @ Mifflin Y
3/28	Egg Hunt @ Sinking Spring Y
3/28	Egg Hunt @ Richmond Early Learning Center

What’s Happening at the YMCA in October & November

Does My Child Need More Swim Lessons? Understanding What Comes Next

What a STAR 4 Rating Means for Families in Reading, PA

More Than A Place, A Purpose

Sign up for our Newsletter

From 1857 to Today: Honoring 167 Years of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

Posted on June 13, 2025 Updated on June 10, 2025 by Amber Fox

Celebrating 167 Years of Impact: The Reading YMCA Legacy Lives On

Happy Birthday to us! On June 22, 1857, the Reading YMCA opened its doors with one mission: to strengthen our community through a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Today, 167 years later, we’re still at it, and stronger than ever.

Reading YMCA early 1900s

From our humble beginnings in a borrowed meeting room to now operating five vibrant branches and two early learning centers in Berks County, the YMCA of Reading and Berks County has become a cornerstone of community support, wellness, youth development, and social responsibility.

To thank you, our members, staff, and supporters, we’re throwing a weeklong celebration for Membership Appreciation Week, June 17–22! You’ve helped shape this legacy, and now we want to celebrate YOU.

A Rich History of Service and Strength

Since 1857, the Reading YMCA has weathered wars, economic shifts, and social changes, but our commitment has never wavered. From early literacy programs and boarding rooms for young men in the 1800s, to launching job readiness programs and summer camps in the 1900s, to providing critical childcare, housing, and fitness services today, we’ve adapted to meet the community’s needs every step of the way. Each generation brings new energy and passion, but our mission stays the same: building a stronger, healthier community, together.

“The Y has always been more than a gym; it’s a home. A safe place. A community of people who lift each other up.”

- YMCA Member, Reading Branch

The Reading YMCA created a USO 1943

Then, Now, Always: What the YMCA Offers Today

The Y you know today is packed with programs and opportunities for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re chasing a new fitness goal, searching for affordable childcare, looking for youth sports, or wanting to volunteer, there’s a place for you here.

Reading YMCA Welcome Center Desk 1879-1895

Here’s just a snapshot of what your YMCA offers:

State-of-the-art fitness centers
Preschool & early learning programs
Before & after school care
Swim lessons & water safety
Summer day camps & playground programs
Housing programs
Tennis and pickleball courts
Supportive community events and wellness workshops

We are proud to serve over 40,000 people every year in Berks County. Each one of you is part of our legacy.

Growing Into the Future: Our Next Chapter Starts With You

Our story isn’t just about the past, it’s about where we’re headed next. As we prepare for the future, we’re committed to:

Expanding affordable access to all families
Strengthening youth mentorship programs
Enhancing our facilities and equipment
Growing partnerships with local businesses and donors
Supporting community wellness and mental health

Every time you show up, whether to work out, volunteer, donate, or enroll your child in a program, you are shaping our story. You are helping us carry 167 years of impact forward.

Be a Part of Our Legacy

If you haven’t stopped by in a while, now’s the perfect time. Visit us during Membership Appreciation Week, take a tour, and discover how the YMCA continues to be a pillar of wellness, inclusion, and opportunity in Berks County and beyond.

Whether you’re a longtime member or brand new, you belong at the Y, because the Y belongs to this community.

Thank you,

To our founding members, our current families, and every volunteer, donor, and staff member who’s walked through our doors, thank you. This birthday isn’t just about looking back, it’s about celebrating what we’ve built together, and what we’ll keep building for generations to come.

The Olympic-size indoor Pool opened in 1971. At the time, it was the largest Y pool in the US.

Make Time for Fun, Find Your Community

More Ways to Play: Racquet Sports at the Y

Halloween Events at the Y:

Costumes, Pumpkins & Family Fun

Trunk or Treat

Dunkin’ for Pumpkins

Spooktacular Monster Mash

Black Friday Specials at the Y

Fall Fitness Events & Challenges

Monster Mash Fitness Dance Party

Turkey Burn

Run, Run Rudolph Fitness Challenge

Big Fun for Kids. Support for Busy Families.

Kids’ Night Out: Their Fun Night, Your Free Evening

Winter Rec Basketball League

Enchanted Memories & Magic Ball

School’s Out. We’ve Got You Covered.

Headlines, Highlights, & Spotlights

Berks residents applaud county officials for funding recovery services

Does My Child Need More Swim Lessons?

What a STAR 4 Rating Means for Families in Reading, PA

The Y is more than a gym; it’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

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More Than A Place, A Purpose

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What’s Happening at the YMCA This Fall

Back to School, Family Fun, Youth Sports & Fall Fitness

Fall Into Something New at the Y

New Season, New Ways to Move

Take on 9/11 Stair Challenge

Help the Y Be Recognized in the Best of Berks

Back to School Starts at the Y

Early Learning and Pre-K

School Age Care

First Fridays Are Family Movie Nights

Ready, Set, Play at the Y

Sports for Tots

Winter Recreation Youth Basketball League

Water Safety Is Always in Season

Group Swim Lessons

Private Swim Lessons

Headlines, Highlights, & Spotlights

Health to Go Vending Machine Two-Year Celebration

Ready for Kindergarten?

The Y is more than a gym; it’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

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More Than A Place, A Purpose

Sneak Peak at October

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What’s Happening at the YMCA This June & July

Summer Camp, Swim Lessons, Family Fitness & More

Summer Starts at the Y

Together, We’re Building a Stronger Y for All

LesMills Luau Launch Week at Sinking Spring Y

There’s Still Time to Join the Fun at the Best Summer Camp in Berks

Summer Is Coming: Build Water Confidence with Swim Lessons at the Reading Y

Plan Ahead for the 2026–27 School Year

Pre-K & Early Learning

Before & After School Care

Family Movie Nights are back at the Y

Headlines, Highlights, and Spotlights

Ken Borkey Jr. Named President & CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

Reading Y Swim Team Makes History at YMCA National Championships

Mission Moments: Cazden’s Y

The Y is more than a gym; it’s your place to connect, grow, and belong. Stay close, stay active, and stay part of something bigger.

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Holiday Hours on July 4

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Spring Energy Starts at the Y

Spring Forward. Sweat Strong.

Egg Hunt Hustle Fitness Challenge

Les Mills: Egg Hunt Explosion

Spring Events

Easter Egg Hunts at the YMCA

Healthy Kids Day