Tag: Ymca of Reading & berks county

Voted Best In Berks for Summer Camp

Posted on by Chrissy Faller

Voted Best In Berks for Summer Camp in 2025

There’s something special about summer at the Y.

It’s the friendships formed, memories made, and confidence built through a summer of new activities ranging from sports and challenges to music and art. The counselors who become role models. The incredible field trips, days splashing or swimming, weekly themes, games, laughter, and moments kids remember long after summer ends.

That’s why we are incredibly honored to share that the YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Summer Camp programs has been voted 2025 Best in Berks County by readers of Berks County Living Magazine who voted in the annual community choice awards.

This recognition means even more because it comes directly from the families, supporters, and community members who experience the impact of Y programs firsthand. Every vote reflects trust from parents, joy from campers, and belief in the YMCA mission to help every child belong, grow, and thrive.

As featured in the Best in Berks spotlight, YMCA Summer Camp offers children from kindergarten through age 12 eleven weeks of enriching activities, games, leadership opportunities, themed experiences, and memorable field trips. Campers build confidence, friendships, independence, and character in a safe, welcoming environment designed to help them succeed both during summer and beyond.

At the Y, summer camp is about far more than keeping kids busy while school is out. It’s about creating opportunities for discovery, connection, and growth. Every week gives children the chance to try something new, develop lifelong skills, and feel supported by caring staff and mentors who encourage them to be their best selves.

Our staff is deeply grateful to every family who trusts us with their campers, every staff member who pours heart and energy into creating meaningful experiences, and every community supporter who helps make these programs possible. Together, we are building summers filled with confidence, belonging, and memories that last a lifetime.

Learn More

Here’s to another unforgettable summer at the Y.

YMCA of Reading & Berks County - Recognized as Best Summer Camp in Berks County in Berks County Living Magazine

YMCA of Reading & Berks County Raises More Than $110,000 Toward Annual Support Campaign at 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

Annual event honors local leaders and organizations investing in the future of Berks County

2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County welcomed community leaders, partners, advocates, and supporters to the 2026 Breakfast of Champions for Youth on Tuesday morning at the DoubleTree by Hilton Reading, raising $110,000 so far for its annual support campaign for programs and services that strengthen youth, families, and the community across Berks County. The Y is accepting donations throughout the month online at YMCArbc.org/donate.

“This morning is a reminder of what is possible when a community comes together around a common cause,” said Ken Borkey, Jr., President & CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. “Every dollar raised and every person recognized represents an investment in belonging, opportunity, mentorship, and brighter futures for the children and families we serve.”

The annual event celebrated individuals and organizations whose leadership, service, and commitment embody the YMCA’s mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. From the national anthem performed by Schuylkill Valley School District students to the performances by Reading YMCA Early Childcare Center’s Pre-K students, the event reinforced the spirit of youth confidence and achievement.

Along the lines of celebrating youth champions, Borkey recognized the Reading Y Swim Team for its record-breaking performance at the recent National Championship. Winning first place in the 200 freestyle, Owen Eisenhofer won the first national individual championship in Reading Y’s history. More victories followed throughout the meet for 16 dedicated athletes from schools across Berks, who are united by the Reading Y swim team.

Borkey and Y Volunteer Board Member Crystal Gilmore-Harris, the event emcee, gave awards to six outstanding changemakers whose work continues to positively impact the lives of local youth and strengthen the Berks County community:

  • Richard Palmer, Sr. Wealth & Wisdom Award: Wynton Butler, Reading School District (top left)
  • James Sternbergh Faith & Guidance Award: Susan Looney, Reading Area Community College (top middle)
  • Jere Edwards Spirit of Youth Award: Doug Dahms, Wilson High School (top right)
  • Red Triangle Awards: Schlouch Incorporated, Barry and Deb Schlouch (bottom left) and Mid Penn Bank (bottom center)
  • Eugene Shirk Youth Leadership Award: Beloved Lenora Pair (bottom right)

 

Investing in Community

Throughout the morning, attendees heard powerful stories (Y Stories Video) highlighting how YMCA programs help children and families gain access to childcare, mentorship, scholarships, swim safety, summer camp experiences, educational support, and opportunities that build confidence and lifelong skills.

Funds raised through the Breakfast of Champions directly support YMCA programs and financial assistance initiatives that ensure no child or family is turned away due to inability to pay.

Thanks to the generosity of our annual support partners, table sponsors and donors, the Breakfast of Champions has already raised $110,000. This year’s Legacy Partners were:
  • Dorothy M. Haas Charitable Trust – Represented by Richard Auman and Clair Auman. (Pictured L-R: Sinking Spring YMCA Executive Director Jesse Whiteman, Richard Auman, Clair Auman, and Y President & CEO Ken Borkey, Jr.)
  • M&T Bank

 

Together, We Made This Possible

Every sponsorship helped create moments of belonging, support, confidence, and opportunity for the people we serve every day.

Thank you for investing in the future of our community through the YMCA of Reading & Berks County.

Legacy Partners

Dorothy M. Haas Charitable Trust 
M&T Bank

Visionary Partner

Precor

Mission Partners

  • Alarm Tech Systems, Inc.
  • Artsana USA, LLC Chicco
  • Customers Bank
  • East Penn
  • EHD
  • Holly Gerke
  • UGI Energy Services

Impact Partners

  • Barley Snyder Attorneys At Law
  • Blinck Studios
  • The Borkey Family
  • Burkey Construction
  • Canteen Berks
  • Cherry Bekaert
  • Fulton Bank
  • The Gulati Family Foundation
  • Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys
  • Michael & Diane Duff
  • Mid Penn Bank
  • Penske Truck Leasing Co.
  • Penn State University / Penn State Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center
  • Reading Area Community College
  • Reading Hospital – Tower Health
  • Reading Beneficial Association
  • RKL
  • Schlouch, Inc.
  • Smith | Bukowski
  • Solve IT Solutions, LLC
  • Weik Capital Management

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 167 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been a cornerstone in the community, putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Driven by its mission, the Y is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the community and empowering individuals by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive.

By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections among 2,700 Ys in 10,000 communities across the United States. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley. 

Reading Y Swim Team Makes History at YMCA National Championships​

Posted on Updated on by Chrissy Faller

Reading Y Swim Team Makes History at YMCA National Championships

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County Swim Team returned home from Greensboro, North Carolina with more than medals and records — they returned with a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the opportunity, support, and confidence to thrive.

Competing against some of the top YMCA swimmers in the country during five days of elite national competition, 16 dedicated Reading Y athletes delivered an unforgettable week of performances, achieving 10 best times in time trials and 29 best times in finals.

Beyond the numbers was something even more meaningful: growth, teamwork, resilience, and the pride of representing their community on a national stage.

A Historic Moment for the Reading Y

One of the biggest highlights came when swimmer Owen Eisenhofer captured 1st place in the 200 Free, becoming the Reading Y’s first-ever National Champion.

The very next day, the team celebrated a second National Championship victory in the 800 Free Relay, showcasing the strength, discipline, and camaraderie that define Reading Y Swimming. Relay team members Jack Martin, Charlie Rogers, Greyson DeMariano, and Owen Eisenhofer helped cement the Reading Y’s place among the nation’s best.

Reading Y Swim Team at National Championship 2026

Additional standout performances included:

  • Jack Martin placing in four national events, including 7th in the 200 Free and 10th in the 50 Free
  • Charlie Rogers earning a 12th-place finish in the 200 Free
  • Greyson DeMariano finishing 4th in the 1650 Free
  • Mia Parry placing 15th in the Individual Medley
  • Keagan Eisenhofer placing in both the 200 Breaststroke and 100 Breaststroke
  • Geno Falduts earning top-15 finishes in breaststroke events

The team also secured strong relay finishes, including 2nd place in the 400 Free Relay and 5th in the 200 Medley Relay. 

More Than Swimming

At the YMCA, success is never measured by medals alone. These athletes represent years of early mornings, long practices, encouragement from coaches and families, and a commitment to pushing themselves further than they thought possible. They also represent what the Y works to build every day: belonging, discipline, confidence, and opportunity.

For many swimmers, the pool becomes more than a place to compete. It becomes a second home — a community where young people learn how to overcome challenges, support one another, and discover their potential both in and out of the water. The impact reaches far beyond the lanes.

Building Stronger Futures Through the Y

Programs like competitive swimming at the YMCA help shape future leaders by teaching lifelong skills including teamwork, accountability, perseverance, and self-confidence. Whether a child dreams of competing nationally or simply wants to feel like they belong somewhere, the Y creates opportunities that change lives.

This year’s national championship performances are a celebration not only of athletic achievement, but of the coaches, families, supporters, and community members who help make those opportunities possible. And for the Reading Y Swim Team, the future is only getting brighter.

This is what belonging, discipline, and opportunity look like.

National Nonprofit Day

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

This is what your YMCA does for you, and why your gift matters

When a neighbor needs child care so they can keep a job, when a teen needs a safe place after school, when a senior needs community to fight loneliness, nonprofits show up. Today we celebrate National Nonprofit Day, which makes it the perfect moment to talk plainly about why nonprofits matter in Berks County and how your gift to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County turns into real help for real people.

YMCA teacher and preschooler coloring a picture together in a cheerful classroom as part of affordable early learning in Berks County.

Why this day is on the calendar?

National Nonprofit Day is observed every year on August 17 to spotlight the impact of organizations that serve the public good. The date nods to an early federal policy that recognized the value of charitable work and helped set the stage for modern nonprofit service. Advocates have championed this observance to raise awareness, thank volunteers and donors, and encourage communities to give, serve, and speak up for the causes they love. It is a reminder to invest in the places and people that make home feel like home.

Why nonprofits matter here at home

Nonprofits are built for community problem-solving. We step into the gaps that for-profit markets do not fill and public funding cannot fully cover. At the Y, that looks like financial assistance in child care so parents can work, youth development so kids grow with confidence, social services that steady families in crisis, and health and wellness that keep people moving and connected.

Every program the Y runs exists because a neighbor needed it. Every one of those programs is sustained by a mix of earned revenue and philanthropy. Our Annual Giving Campaign is the engine that makes sure a child is never turned away for inability to pay, that a family in transition still has support, and that community health is not just a slogan.

What your YMCA does in Berks County

Here is a snapshot of how support becomes impact right here at home:

  • Child care and early learning. Working parents rely on our Early Learning Centers and Before and After School programs to keep kids safe, learning, and loved. Scholarships from Annual Giving close the gap for families who need help.

  • Youth programs and summer camp. From camp activities to robotics tables, kids test courage, creativity, and leadership. One great day at camp can change the whole arc of a summer.

  • Safety around water and the swim team. The pool is a classroom for confidence and life-saving skills. It is also where local athletes shine. Our swim team’s strong performance at recent state and national championships shows what happens when coaching meets grit.

  • Healthy living for all ages. Group fitness, personal training, Les Mills GRIT, and wellness coaching help adults build habits that last. The membership scholarship fund keeps the doors open to neighbors who need the Y most.

  • Social services and stability. When life gets tough, our Social Services team closes the gap with free Parenting Pathways classes for  parents/guardians/role models; housing programs for men, women, and women with children; and practical care and support. Community initiatives like the member-led garden show what happens when people are given space and support to rebuild.

A YMCA swim instructor teaching a child to swim at the Reading YMCA

Real people. Real change.

Stories move us because they remind us who we are together. Here are a few moments from our community you can explore in more detail on our site.

  • Amy’s journey began in crisis. After struggling with addiction and surviving an abusive marriage, Amy was welcomed into the housing program at the YMCA of Reading & Berks County. In retrospect, it was Amy’s first real step toward a better life. Each stage of her life has involved the Y and has been as positive for Amy as her impact is for those around her.  
  • When Ariyah started school, she would cry uncontrollably, cling to her mom, and sometimes even try to run back out of the classroom. Now, after programming at the Y, she’s comfortable and confident, and can hug her mom and say goodbye. Her mom said the transformation has been incredible.
  • With Jeff’s medical condition, reaching toward the floor was too painful. After coming to the Y for movement exercises (and socializing with his new friends), he found that his physical limitations were decreasing. After not being able to touch his toes for years, he’d knocked something down and without thinking about it, reactively bent down and picked it up. It wasn’t until he stood back up that he thought, “What did I just do?!”

These are not one-time wins. They are the day-in and day-out outcomes your support creates.

Where your gift goes?

Transparency matters. Here is the short version of how giving fuels impact:

  • Scholarships lower the cost of child care, programs, and memberships for families who qualify. All children deserve the YMCA resources. Thanks to donations, they have access.

  • Program support keeps classes staffed, supplies stocked, and facilities safe and clean.

  • Community outreach brings programs to neighborhoods that need them most.

  • Emergency assistance helps families bridge short-term crises without losing hard-won stability.

If you have ever wondered whether a gift makes a difference, the answer at the Y is yes, every single time.

Why give today?

National Nonprofit Day is about more than awareness. It is about action. When you give to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, you are investing in the health, safety, and potential of your neighbors. You are saying that every child deserves a strong start, every teen deserves a mentor, every adult deserves a community, and every senior deserves to be seen. You are saying you believe in the power of connection and making it happen.

Your gift to our Annual Giving Campaign stays local. It is stewarded carefully. It is matched to real needs. It gets to work immediately.

Three simple ways to help right now

  1. Give today. Make a one-time gift or set up a monthly donation that fits your budget. Small monthly gifts add up to big change.

  2. Tell your story. Share why you support the Y on social media and tag #ymcarbc. Your voice encourages the next donor.

  3. Bring a friend. Invite someone to tour a program, try a class, or volunteer at an event. Seeing impact up close makes all the difference.

A note of gratitude

If you have already given, volunteered, or cheered us on, thank you. Your generosity fuels kids who raise their hands in class because they finally feel confident. It fuels parents who can breathe a little easier on the night shift. It fuels seniors who find purpose and friends again. It fuels athletes who discover what they are capable of. It fuels gardens and graduations and the kind of ordinary magic that makes a community strong.

Ready to be part of the story?

Giving is not about fixing everything at once. It is about moving one life forward today. That is what nonprofits do best. That is what the Y does every day in Berks County. Join us.

Give to the Annual Giving Campaign
Find your Y: Explore our Programs
Read Community Stories

Reading YMCA’s Swim Team Makes a Splash at 2025 National Championships

Posted on Updated on by Chrissy Faller
Swimming Championship, YMCA Nationals Logo

 

The swim team of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County proudly finished 23rd out of 95 teams at the 2025 YMCA National Long Course Championships held July 28 – August 3, 2025 in Ocala, Florida.

This strong team performance highlighted the dedication and talent of our swimmers on a national stage.

Representing the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, several standout athletes delivered impressive results.

Ava Knopsnyder scored a team-high 34 points, placing 9th in the 200 Free, 14th in the 400 Free, and 10th in the 200 IM. Jack Martin also made a strong showing, scoring 11 points and finishing 11th in the 50 Free.

Reading Y Swim Team at 2025 YMCA National Long Course Championships. Reading YMCA Swimmers Pictured (L-R):  Logan Sensenig, Ava Knopsnyder, Alexis Nonnemacher, Jack Martin, and Abigail Kissling

Reading YMCA Swimmers Pictured (L-R): Logan Sensenig, Ava Knopsnyder, Alexis Nonnemacher, Jack Martin, and Abigail Kissling

As the season concludes, we are thrilled to celebrate three of these five swimmers who will continue their academic and athletic journeys at the collegiate level this fall:

    • Abigail Kissling

    • Ava Knopsnyder, University of Nevada at Las Vegas

    • Jack Martin

    • Alexis Nonnemacher, West Chester University

    • Logan Sensenig, Mount Saint Mary’s University 

The YMCA of Reading & Berks County congratulates all our athletes for their hard work and commitment and looks forward to supporting them as they continue to pursue excellence in and out of the pool.

For more information about the YMCA National Long Course Championships, visit YMCA Swimming & Diving Nationals.

 

Reading YMCA Swim Team | YMCA of Reading & Berks County
Reading YMCA Swim Team in the pool warming up

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 167 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been a cornerstone in the community, putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Driven by its founding mission, the Y is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the community and empowering individuals by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections among 2,700 Ys in 10,000 communities across the United States. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley.

Residents Revive the Reading YMCA Greenhouse

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

From Overgrown to Growing Strong:

Residents Revive the Reading YMCA Greenhouse

Residents from Reading YMCA organize and prep the YMCA greenhouse for planting.
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A few years ago, our greenhouse began as a collaboration between Childcare and Housing. Over time, the space grew quiet, and the beds sat unattended, needing a refresh.

This summer, our Social Services clients and residents changed that story.

Participants from Hacia, Men’s Bridge House, and our SRO programs rolled up their sleeves to clear debris, organize supplies, and restore the greenhouse. Shelves are tidy, tools are in place, and the beds are ready for planting. What started as a simple clean-up became a proud moment of teamwork and ownership.

There are no outside partners on this project. It is homegrown, led by the people who live here and use these spaces every day. Their work brings fresh purpose to a resource that serves health, learning, and community.

Next up is planting. The group is planning easy starter crops and simple care routines so the garden can grow through the season.

About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County

For 167 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has been a cornerstone in the community, putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Driven by its founding mission, the Y is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the community and empowering individuals by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections among 2,700 Ys in 10,000 communities across the United States. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring and Tri Valley.

Mission Moments: Ariyah’s Y

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

At the Y, Ariyah found the security and the support that gave her game-changing confidence.

Her mom found peace of mind and watched her daughter thrive. 

Ariyah confident in school with the help of the YMCA

When Ariyah made the big leap from Pre-K to Kindergarten, her mom thought she had prepared for everything: the labeled backpack, the sparkly shoes, the proud “first day of school” picture. The only thing she wasn’t ready for was Ariyah sobbing at drop-off and refusing to let go, every single morning.

“She would cry uncontrollably, cling to me, and sometimes even try to run back out of the classroom,” her mother, Perla Santiago, remembers. “It was heartbreaking to watch her feel so overwhelmed and scared.”

For weeks, this was their morning routine: chaos, tears, and heartbreak. Kindergarten wasn’t just a new classroom—it was a big, unfamiliar world, and Ariyah felt lost in it. For her mom, it was just as painful to watch her little girl struggle so much with the transition. “As a mother, it left me feeling helpless. She wouldn’t talk about what was bothering her, and I wasn’t sure how to make things better,” Perla reflects.

Then came the YMCA of Reading & Berks County’s Before & After School Program, which turned out to be the lifeline both Ariyah and her mom needed.

Y Care staff saw more than just a nervous Kindergartener. They saw a child in need of reassurance. Rather than trying to rush her through the transition, Y staff took the time to really get to know her and to understand what she needed to feel safe and secure.

“They approached Ariyah with so much patience, care, and understanding,” her mom shares. “They paid attention to the little things—what made her feel calm, what sparked her interest, and how to gently encourage her to engage.”

While some environments push kids to “get over it,” the YMCA staff walked beside Ariyah, step by loving step. They partnered with her mom, keeping her in the loop every day. They reminded her that growth doesn’t happen on a strict schedule—it happens with support, consistency, and heart.

And slowly, everything began to change. The tears stopped. The fear eased.

The same child who once ran out of classrooms now walks into the Y with her head held high and a confident smile. “She gives me a hug and says goodbye with confidence,” her mom beams. “The transformation has been incredible.”

"She gives me a hug and says goodbye with confidence. The transformation has been incredible."

Perla Santiago, Ariyah's mom

At the Y, Ariyah didn’t just gain comfort, she gained confidence. She discovered that she was brave. That she could trust new people. That the world wasn’t so scary after all. And her mom? She finally could trade those tearful drop-offs for peace of mind, knowing that her daughter was being cared for and engaged, not just supervised.

For the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, this is what community looks like. This is what donors make possible. Your support doesn’t just keep the lights on or fund a program, it creates a safe space where kids like Ariyah can thrive and where parents like her mom can exhale.

Because of Y supporters, a little girl found her courage and a mom found her hope.

And because of the YMCA, their mornings now begin not with fear, but with smiles.Instead of just making it through the day, Ariyah can be fully engaged in learning and making moments with friends.

Want to be part of stories like Ariyah’s?

Help us continue providing safe, nurturing spaces for every child who walks through our doors. Donate today and be the reason another child smiles tomorrow.

Deviled Eggs Got a Glow-Up — Meet the Avocado-Filled Upgrade Your Snack-Game Needs

Posted on Updated on by Amber Fox

You know those moments when your kids ask for a snack 17 seconds after you cleaned the kitchen? These avocado-filled eggs are your new secret weapon. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and a little spicy sass, they’re like deviled eggs — but better, classier, and less likely to stain your couch. Plus, our in-house nutritionist Shawn Borup, aka the Y food whisperer, ensured they’re as nourishing as they are snack-worthy.

Avocado deviled eggs topped with chives and cayenne on a white plate, Healthy avocado-filled eggs with Greek yogurt and jalapeños, YMCA high-protein snack idea with avocado and eggs

Ingredients:

  • 6 hard-boiled eggs
  • 1 cup avocado, diced
  • 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ¼–½ tsp Himalayan salt
  • Cayenne pepper to taste
  • ¼ tbsp black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp finely chopped jalapeños
  • 1 tbsp green onion
  • Chopped chives (for garnish)

For an extra fresh bite (and bonus mom points), Shawn recommends using organic eggs and avocados when possible — your taste buds and your body will thank you.

Directions:

  1. Cut the eggs in half and pop those yolks into a bowl with the avocado.

  2. Mash until smooth (or until your arm workout feels complete).

  3. Stir in yogurt, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.

  4. Add jalapeños and green onion — feel free to adjust heat depending on whether you’re feeding tiny humans or spice lovers.

  5. Spoon into egg whites. Garnish with chives and a little cayenne if you’re feelin’ fancy.

Pro Tips:

  • Fresh local eggs are where it’s at. You could grab a generic dozen at the store, but why not get to know your local farmer and live your best farm-to-fridge life? Plus, your brunch will taste smugly superior.

  • Swap mayo for plain Greek yogurt. It’s creamy, tangy, and doesn’t come with a side of “What’s even in this?” vibes. Bonus points: protein boost, and you can still call it deviled without summoning the food guilt demons.

  • Smash ’em on toast. Avocado toast just got an upgrade, honey. Or skip the bread, throw one of these bad boys next to a green smoothie, and pretend you’re the kind of person who meal preps on Sundays instead of just crying in the Aldi parking lot.

  • Great for meal prepping snacks, perfect for that after-school snack! Your kids may not even notice it’s healthy (your secret’s safe with us)