Download the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase Program Guide*

GYMNASTICS

Whether beginner or advanced, your child will be provided with a structured curriculum appropriate for his/her age and ability. Our qualified instructors emphasize safety and skill progression to help your child develop strong gymnastic skills.

Gymnastics for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Kindergarteners (ages 12 months-Kindergarten)

Your child will have fun while learning and developing movement, coordination, and basic gymnastics skills. Emphasis is placed on safety and motor development.

First Steppers (ages 1-2 years, parent participation class)

Me and My Shadow (ages 2-3 years, parent participation class)

Daddy and Me (ages 2-3 years, parent participation class)

Tiny Tumblers (age 3 years, must be toilet trained)

Gym Tots (ages 4-5 years, attending preschool)

Kindergym (ages 5-6, attending kindergarten)

Beginner (Grades 1-6)

Beginner/Intermediate Combination (Grades 1-6)

Intermediate (grades 1-6)

Intermediate/Advanced Combination (grades 1-6)

Pre-Team (Grades 2 and up, with permission of director/coach only)

Competitive Girls Team (with permission of director/coach only)

YOUTH PROGRAMS

Dance

The YMCA offers a fun, upbeat, and energetic dance program, emphasizing performance-oriented dance training and an introduction to student choreography. Each session concludes with an exhibition class for family and friends.

All That Jazz (ages 4-8)

Learn jazz techniques and fun routines with our qualified instructors.

Gimme a Beat Hip-Hop (ages 6-16)

Learn energetic hip-hop and contemporary jazz routines to today's popular music.

Ballet at the YMCA

Pre-Ballet (ages 3-4 as of Sept. 2007)

Children are introduced to the fundamentals of ballet and creative movement in this introductory class. All students are required to wear pink, short-sleeve leotard, white bobby socks, and pink ballet slippers.

Beginning Ballet (ages 5-6 as of Sept. 2007)

This beginner class trains students in ballet technique which includes posture, turnout, and short combinations. All students are required to wear black, short-sleeve leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers.

Pre-Teen/Teen Ballet for Beginners
(ages 10-17 as of Sept. 2007)

This class is for beginners with no previous training. Students will be trained in ballet technique that will prepare them for a transition into the Certificate Program. All students are required to wear a black, short-sleeve leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet slippers.

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ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE

Certificate Program

This program is selective and is suitable for those who are interested in a comprehensive training program. Older students are accepted by teacher recommendation and must take a placement class; however, younger students register by age. Students in this program train for the annual Royal Academy of Dance (England) exams. Regular attendance, promptness, and grooming are stressed. All students in the Certificate Program are trained to and are expected to participate in the annual performance in the spring.

YOUTH SPORTS

Mini T-Ball (ages 3-5)

A 45-minute instruction class to introduce boys and girls to the basics of T-Ball in a non-competitive and fun learning environment.

T-Ball Clinic (ages 6-8)

Students will enhance their T-Ball/baseball skills and practice the fundamentals of hitting, catching, and fielding in this non-competitive class.

Softball for Girls (ages 8-12)

Designed for those who want to fine-tune their skills or learn how to play softball, this clinic includes instruction on the fundamentals of hitting, catching, and fielding as well as strategy and game-like situations.

Mini Soccer (ages 3-5)

Introduces girls and boys to the basics of soccer in a non-competitive and fun learning environment. Participants must wear shin guards.

Soccer (ages 6-8)

Students will learn the fundamentals of kicking, passing, and the basics of each position in our non-competitive classes. Must wear shin guards.

Introduction to Coaching (ages 13-15)

Teens can learn coaching and teaching techniques from experienced YMCA instructors while gaining valuable class experience and earning community service credits. Sports classes include baseball, rock climbing, T-Ball, and more.

YMCA Basketball (ages 3-12)

MINI Basketball (ages 3-5)

A 45-minute instructional class to introduce boys and girls to the basics of basketball in a non-competitive, fun environment.

JUNIOR Basketball (ages 6-8)

Students will learn the fundamentals of shooting, passing, dribbling, and the basics of each position in our non-competitive classes.

SENIOR Basketball (ages 9-12)

Designed for those who would like to fine-tune their skills or learn how to play basketball, this clinic includes instruction on the fundamentals of shooting, dribbling, passing, and defense as well as strategy and game-like situations.

Rock Climbing Wall Club (ages 7 and older)

Learn how to boulder and climb the rock wall as well as participate in "trust" activities, character development and games throughout the session. Climbing specialists will guide you to new heights each week.

Flag Football Club (ages 7-10)

Each class is divided into instruction and play. Rules of the sport, strategy, fundamentals, and proper stretching will be reviewed in this fun, non-competitive environment. Class will take place outside, rain or shine.

Fall Soccer Leagues (ages 4-9)

The YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase/Ayrlawn soccer program is the ideal way to learn new skills and enhance teamwork and sportsmanship while improving fitness. Enter with your already-formed team or individually to gain added game experience.

Youth Tennis

We offer classes for all levels from ages four and up. Through games, drills, and other fun activities, students improve hand-eye coordination and tennis skills. Experienced students will advance through stroke instruction, game simulations, and competition.

YOUTH AND FAMILY ENRICHMENT

Art Class for Kids (grades 3-5)

Young artists will receive instruction in pottery, clay, printmaking, painting, and drawing.

Beginner Guitar (ages 8-adult)

Here's your chance to learn how to play the guitar. Participants will learn correct finger positioning by learning basic chords as well as how to play several songs using strumming and finger picking techniques. Bring a fully strung guitar to class.

Piano Lessons
(for children and adults, beginner and intermediate)

Learn the basics of piano -- from Beethoven to the blues -- in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. All ages are welcome. Day and time will be arranged with the instructor. These are one-on-one, 30-minute lessons that will take place in the YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center lounge.

Friday Night Kids' Club
(ages K-11, pre-teen nights ages 12-15)

This program offers an exciting alternative for your child while you take the evening off. Under the watchful eyes of our counselors, kids will have a blast playing games, creating art projects, watching movies, eating pizza, and more.

Friday Night Kids' Club Counselor-in-Training (ages 12-16)

Held in conjunction with Friday Night Kids' Club, this program allows participants the opportunity to assist the director in leading activities such as sports, games, and arts and crafts projects.

YMCA BIRTHDAY PARTIES

The YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase/Ayrlawn offers fun and active parties for celebrating your child's birthday! All parties are held at the YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center except the "Splish Splash Pool Party" which is held at the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase.

Clown'n Around Party! (ages 2-8)

Lovable, laughable, huggable Chipper the Clown will dazzle for one hour by doing magic tricks, making animal balloons, giving "tattoos," and face painting followed by 30 minutes of parent-coordinated party time.

Fantasy Storytime Party (ages 3-9)

Choose your favorite story and we will read it and create a game, an activity, and a craft project based on the story. Party consists of 60 minutes of story-time fun and 30 minutes of parent-coordinated party time.

Rock Wall Birthday Bash! (ages 7 and up)

Participants will receive instruction in climbing safety and technique. All gear is provided. Party consists of 90 minutes of climbing and 30 minutes of parent-coordinated party time.

Tumbling Fun Gymnastics Party! (ages 5 and up)

Get ready for fun, movement, and exercise! We provide the facility, staff, and fun while you provide food, drinks, and the birthday child!

Sports and Games Party! (ages 4 and up)

Have you heard of the new games Flag Tag or Everybody's It? Or how about the old favorites of soccer or kickball? This party is chock full of action, movement, and fun. We even play a game that you've invented! Party consists of 60 minutes of games and 30 minutes of parent-coordinated party time.

Arts and Crafts Party! (ages 6 and up)

Focusing on one of three available themes, our party leader will direct the children in creating a colorful keepsake to remember your child's special day. Party includes 45 minutes of craft fun and 45 minutes of parent-coordinated party time.

ADULT PROGRAMS

Dance

Adult Ballet for Beginners (ages 18 and older)

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MARTIAL ARTS

Tae Kwon Do (ages 5-adult)

Great family activity! As a form of self-defense, this martial art form is unsurpassed. It promotes self-confidence, fitness, and self-control through a strong emphasis on discipline. Adults welcome in any class.

Karate (ages 5-adult)

Karate is a physical art of protection developed in Okinawa and China. The teaching of Karate is based on a respect for life and a desire for world peace. Character building, physical fitness, and the development of a peaceful mind are some of the benefits of this martial art.

ADULT ENRICHMENT

Fun Bridge

No need to register! All levels of play are welcome, as well as single players and newcomers. Call (301) 530-8500 for more information.

Blood Pressure Screening

The YMCA offers free blood pressure screening every Tuesday from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. in the lobby.

YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

YMCA Youth & Family Services, a service of the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, is a community service program. Our prevention and early intervention programs serve youth and families who live or attend school in the greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Potomac and Cabin John communities. For more information on the services we provide click here.

VOLUNTEER

YMCA Ayrlawn Program Center
5650 Oakmont Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20817
Telephone: (301) 530-8500     Fax (301) 530-6493