This is not the end of the line.

Often when people ask me about programs I’m particularly proud of or that seem to be really unique at our YMCA, I have to take a moment to think through all of the dozens of great programs that touch and change lives here each day. One of the programs that is unique and different, and that I am always impressed by is called Boomerang. Boomerang was created to provide short-term suspended middle and high school students with a supervised, positive environment during their time away from school.

Boomerang is resiliency-based. Resiliency is a strength-focused concept that aims to increase a student’s protective factors. This attitude involves searching for, nurturing and reinforcing the gifts and strengths in every student. It strives to provide students with a sense of self, goals, spirituality and other factors so that these students can be the best people they can be.

Boomerang has translated this research into programming that values interpersonal connections with the students they serve. Students who come to Boomerang are offered a fresh start and an opportunity to use the time to reflect on their lives: what choices are working well and which people, both in their families and at school, are supporting them.

Simply stated, from what I’ve seen, this program takes kids who may have been left with the idea that they’ve reached the end of their road, and helps them to discover their strengths, and see that making a mistake doesn’t mean that there’s no hope. Below is a first-hand account of one teen’s experience at Boomerang.

My Experience at Boomerang

Kent

While I have been at boomerang, I learned so much. Before I was suspended from East Chapel Hill, I was smoking marijuana daily and drinking every weekend, but going to boomerang and talking with the staff made me realize how I needed to structure my life.

When you first enter the program, the staff shows you that you are not as alone as you think. Everyone who is in the program is going through the same thing as you are. So you can relate to what everyone is talking about. In the mornings there is food provided if you didn’t eat breakfast and everyone just talks and gets to know one another. The point of boomerang, as explained to me by the staff, is not to punish you but to show you what your strengths are, and how to use those strengths to further yourself in life.

There are several activities done throughout the day that show you what your strengths are. One such activity is to draw a tree. This might sound insignificant and childish, but it is structured in a way that shows what your obstacles in life are and what you can use to your advantage. While in the program you also construct a timeline of your life. This timeline is meant to show you how you ended up in boomerang and maybe how to avoid getting back into boomerang in the future.

During the duration of time your in boomerang, you will get 1 on 1 time with several staff members, who talk with you and try to help you. They ask you several questions about your family and friends. They also teach you to avoid risky situations. There is a specific schedule you follow everyday.

At the end of the day there might be a guest speaker who comes in to talk about a wide variety of things such as dating, drugs and violence. When everyone in the room participates in the activities you really find yourself in deep and engaging conversations that you learn a lot from.

I learned so much while in boomerang. It really showed me what I was doing wrong, and how to fix it in a fun and constructive way. I feel like everyone no matter what they do should spend a week in boomerang, because it teaches you how to get your life on track. I feel like if I hadn’t gone to boomerang when I did, I wouldn’t have been able to get my life together until it was too late.

For more information on the Boomerang program, visit http://www.boomerangnc.org or email Julie Wells at jwells@chcymca.org

the little things.

You've probably seen me mention the YMCA's core values a time or two in this blog or in conversation. Our four core values, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, are the building blocks for all that we do. Often I find myself thinking of these values in a grand fashion, with a hope that something we're doing here at the YMCA will miraculously change the world overnight. Now I'm not saying we shouldn't think on a grand scale. Surely some of the most successful entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders and great accomplishers have thought on a scale and scope that is bigger and grander than some of us can even begin to comprehend (me included!).

The thing that I forget about though, and by working here at the Y, am often reminded, is that you can witness really great things in the small acts, or in what can be perceived as something simple. Our Assistant Youth Director, Jeff Lloyd, is quite a well-known at our YMCA. He has for the past few years, been the director at Camp Clearwater, and can be seen with our afterschool kids on a daily basis, among other things. He's a great asset to our Y and to the community. Jeff has the unique opportunity to spend lots of time with our kids in programs here and occasionally will share a story from his experiences. Some are cute, some are hilarious, but they're all entertaining. Recently he shared this one with me:

Our Core Values are taught to our YMCA After School participants each day through a devotion time. Our counselors use quotes and stories to give the children examples of how to implement Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility in their lives. Just when I start to wonder if the kids are catching on, if they're listening to the lessons we teach, they up and surprise me. Several weeks ago, as I walked six kindergarten children to the playground so that they could get a drink of water from our cooler, I noticed that there were cups and snack wrappers on the ground, so I started picking up some trash without saying anything to the kids. I noticed that each child was drinking their cup of water when they started seeing what I was doing. As I was picking up the trash on the ground, some of the children began to talk about “Mother Nature” if she were an actual person. One child said, “Mother Nature is so disappointed in us right now, we are harming her.” They all started giving real, honest statements about “Mother Nature.” At this point, I was hooked. They had my heart. The children then began walking around and picking up trash, without me asking. I told them that I was so proud of them and that they were displaying the responsibility core value and I walked them back to their group. This brightened my day, and reminded me of why we do what we do.

Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility. For some people, these are simply words. But at the YMCA, they are the core values we teach and practice each day. Not just a way of thinking, but an integral part of who we are - as natural as opening our eyes each morning to greet the day.

To find out more about the YMCA, who we are, and what we do, visit our website or stop in for a visit.

Answers to an infamous question

This week's guest blogger is Abby Dennis, Health Enhancement Director at the Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA. On any given day Abby can be found teaching aqua aerobics, an indoor cycling class or a step aerobics class. She might even be in her office building a new fitness program or simply giving advice to a member about his or her fitness training. Stop by the fitness center and say hello to Abby, or email her at adennis@chcymca.org.

About this time of year I usually get the infamous phrase, “I work out all of the time and I’m not seeing any results. What do I do”? My first initial reaction is to always ask “Do you ever change your workout”?

For the most part, many of us are creatures of habit. We fall into our own comfort zone expecting to see changes. If you’re not toning up, trimming down or feeling any fitter, you probably need to make some changes in your exercise routine. Below are just a few examples of what could be sabotaging your workouts in the gym, at home or outside.

1. Diet: All the miles you put in on the treadmill, yoga classes you endure, and 6am Spin classes you wake up for won’t matter if you don’t put the right ingredients into your body. It comes down to eating healthy meals and drinking plenty of water. Think of it as fueling your body for the work that it is about to partake in each day. A healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner are key with healthy snacks in between.
2. You only focus on cardio to shed pounds: Adding resistance training twice a week for every major muscle group will increase metabolism which in turn allows you to burn more calories at rest. Resistance training increases bone mass and creates a longer/leaner/stronger you.
3. You speed through your reps: Your weights are either too light or they are too heavy (and you’re using momentum or gravity to help you through the movement). Regardless, your muscles aren’t being used efficiently. The second to last and last rep of each set should be challenging. If they aren’t, you need to increase slightly. Always focus on correct form. If you notice that your form is slacking, go back to a lighter weight and work up.
4. You stick to the elliptical machine for all your cardio needs: Change your routine up. It’s that simple. Swim on Monday, Tuesday take a Spin class, Wednesday go for a hike outside and Friday come to my 8am Step class. Variety is your best friend!
5. Your workouts are strictly endurance based: If you do the same thing day in and day out, STOP! Switch your cardio up with sprints, hills, high resistance, low resistance, circuit routines, etc. Anything you can do to ‘shock’ your body and mind will shake you in to ‘calorie burning’ mode.

There are a few more techniques that could make a difference, but these are the most common. Try focusing on changing just ONE and see what results you get!

Cheers,
Abby

Abby can be reached by calling 919.442.YMCA or via email at adennis@chcymca.org.

This is what we do:

I've had a few people ask me recently what the "Strong Kids Campaign" is all about. While many of our members and friends know about all of the sports, fitness and aquatics programs, fewer are aware of the great work the Y does making sure that no one is turned away from our programs based on his or her financial means. Here's a story of what we do, and how it works:

In the spring of 2008, as Summer Camp season approached, our assistant youth director, Jeff, was busy planning camps and checking camp rosters, and he noticed one name that had been on camp lists for quite a few years was conspicuously missing. "Sarah" was enrolled in the Y Afterschool program and had been a faithful summer camp attendant for a few years running. But this year, she wasn't signed up for any weeks of camp. Jeff made a few phone calls, including contacting the parents of the child, and the story he heard was heartbreaking:

Seems that within a few weeks, the child's family had dealt with more than one challenge. First, Sarah's father had been diagnosed with cancer. The subsequent medial treatments and planning had put an increased financial burden on the family and required Sarah's mom to work even more hours. That would be enough for any family to handle, but shortly after that, Sarah's grandmother was forced to move in with her when the grandmother's house was lost in a fire. Once again, increased burden for a family. Sarah's mother was left with no choice but to determine where the family could cut costs. She was trying to determine whether or not Sarah could go to camp when Jeff called.

It only took moments for Jeff to know what to do. He immediately contacted the appropriate directors and secured funding from our Open Doors scholarship program so that Sarah could go to camp. He contacted Sarah's mom and told her that there was no reason Sarah would need to change her summer plans, and that the Y was going to make sure she got to attend Camp Clearwater. Through the generosity of our members and the community, the YMCA was able to help Sarah and her family when they needed it most.

That's what we do. It's often said that the Y is here to be what you need when you need it. I get to watch these things happen every day right here in our building, and it's a privilege that constantly reminds me to be thankful for blessings. For more information on what the Y does, or to be a part of it, you can contact me at glee@chcymca.org.

The funding for our Open Doors scholarship program comes from donations from our members and community. Each year, those funds are used to help hundreds of kids right here in our community take part in afterschool, summer camps and programs. It also helps adults, seniors and families. To learn more or to make a contribution to the Strong Kids Campaign, visit our website.

Exercise - a Family Affair

There are a couple of families who come into the Y that I notice and sometimes stop and watch when I'm walking through the building. Whether it is their intention or not, they impress me with the way they seem to purposely play together as a family. Watching them play together, and as a result, take part in a healthier lifestyle, it strikes me that we are fortunate to be in a community with so many opportunities for families.

Whether you and I realize it or not, kids are looking to us as role models, even from the perspective of a healthy lifestyle. Liz Neporent, personal trainer and fitness consultant, talks about the importance of setting an example to our families in the way we approach fitness. "If you spend most of your time plopped on the couch and rarely exercise, you can expect more of your clan to do the same. So pack up the kids, leash the pooch and make exercise a family affair," says Neporent.

Some suggestions she makes:

• Always make exercise fun and enjoyable for everyone. Try activities that will raise heart rates, such as a game of family touch football or sack races. Even consider taking a family cycle around the neighborhood.

• Take a family stroll around the neighborhood. Empower your kids by letting a different child choose the route each time. Consider choosing a theme for each walk, like pointing out wildlife.

• Once a week, go to the park for a family affair. Play games, swing on the jungle gym and explore trails. If you go with several other families you can play team activities such as kids vs. adults to promote teamwork and make friends.
  
  Neporent's last comment got me thinking about how great a community we live in and how many (FREE!) opportunities we have to take advantage of as families. There are so many options within a short drive that I dare say it would take weeks to duplicate any trip.
  
  Here are a few of my favorites: (All titles are links to more information)
  
  
• The Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area: Located off Cole Mill Road in Durham, this park features the highest point in Orange County at 867 feet. It covers 190 acres and has nearly 3 miles of trails, including a few high bluffs that provide great views of Hillsborough during the winter when leaves don't impede the vista.
• The Trails of Carolina North: Covering over 750 acres, this land is also known as the Horace Williams Tract. It's rich in historical and archaeological significance. UNC Chapel Hill's Grounds Services Department does a great job of maintaining the land and there are miles of trails, some wide enough for groups, some designed for single track running, biking and hiking. This is also the home of the YMCAs annual Pumpkin Run.
• The Coker Arboretum: The UNC Arboretum was first developed in i1903 by Dr. William Chambers Coker as an outdoor classroom for the study of native North Carolina fauna. It covers 5 acres and is abundant in learning opportunities.
• Umstead Park: Though a bit further away, Umstead Park is a true treasure. It covers nearly 5,600 acres and offers the opportunity to disappear into wilderness. The park offers 20 miles (!) of trails and range from short strolls to extensive hikes. There's also camping, boating and educational events.
• Last but certainly, not least, there's your very own Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA! We work every day to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. We offer open family gym time, recreational swim, family strengthening programs like YGuides & Princesses and you can even volunteer to coach your kids soccer, basketball or Tball team.

Regardless of what you choose to do, go ahead and get out as a family. Play, explore, learn and have fun! There's so much to do, and so much of it is free, which in this economic climate, is an added bonus.

What's your favorite local family adventure? Share it with us here. And as always, thanks for stopping by!

Christian Conservation - thoughts on Human, Technology and what we're doing to our planet

Today's guest blogger is Nicki Smith, the Aquatics Director of the CHCYCMA:

I have never written a blog before but I am guessing it’s like a diary that everyone can read. Interesting; so, now you will get a glimpse of the battle I have in my brain as I drive the interstate home most days.

There is something out there called Christian Conservation. I am sure you have heard of it; it is becoming more popular in mainstream churches attended by younger people. Excessive consumption and disregard for our environment has left us empty and devoid of feeling toward those of God’s creatures that have no voice and cannot compete with the works of man, his bulldozer, and his lust for “things” and his pollution.

My husband and I watched the BBC’s documentary Planet Earth a couple of months ago. It is amazing, the landscapes, climates and animal diversity that has been God’s creation for millennia captured on film for us to view. The unfortunate conclusion after watching such a documentary series seems to be that the hands of man pollute the beauty and purity of the earth. How sad that some of the creatures we watched on this video, in time, will disappear forever from the planet and our children will only be able to see digital imagery of what once was. Perhaps we need to go back and read the Old Testament: The very land itself becomes polluted by the sins of its inhabitants (Jer. 3:1-3), and its beauties are destroyed by human pride (Is. 2:12-17). There is a Christian responsibility for nature that has been forgotten that we as a people, with our intelligence and resources need to reclaim.

Forget the polar bears not being able to swim from ice shelf to ice shelf and drowning; forget the primates of Africa, our closest relatives, becoming extinct; I hope to one day see these creatures of strength and resiliency for myself but for now let’s come back to my drive home every night; this is the season that the DMV and other agencies remind drivers to watch out for deer. I know that many regard deer as vermin, like rats, and I know they like to eat everything out of the garden; but I also know that they were here first. How can they compete with hulking mass traveling down an asphalt roadway at 65 miles per hour? Sometimes I wish we could just press pause on the recording of life and take a look around to what we have done to our earth.

So, when I drive the interstate at night, the lights of the vehicles brightly, weaving and winding on the path, like snake on course to please its desires. I look on the grassy banks and see groups of deer grazing, then a little while later a corpse. Does anyone stop and think about the spirit of this creature, that God made, where does it go? As a society we keep pets on our terms. In nature, we corrupt and spoil the land so creature and plant cannot survive. What would happen if we as a people redirected our frantic forward movement to technological advancement was redirected preserving our planet? Perhaps in the future the thread of the idea of Christian conservation will continue to develop within the body we call church, true harmony to pass on to generations to come.

a cure for the common control freak

I'm that type of person who always gets worried when projects I start at work have to be put in others hands.  For whatever reason, I suppose I'm a bit of a control freak and would just as soon deal with things on my own because I know I can depend on me.  In my years of experiences before working for the YMCA, I think I must have gotten "burnt" on more than one occasion, which lead me to take this stance.  Or not.  Who knows.  

The refreshing thing since joining the YMCA is that I'm discovering some interesting things about how things can work and should work when the right people come together.  This week is National America on the Move Week and YMCAs across the country are trying to walking 10 billion steps.  The idea is that if we can encourage each other to walk 2,000 extra steps a day and eat 100 less calories a day we can start to move people toward an "energy balance" and make a dent in the obesity epidemic in our country. 

At our YMCA, we have a goal of 6 million steps.  We've planned a great week and the events have started, including some special classes like Zumba and fun programs for kids at our afterschool program, seminars for families and other great stuff for our members.  Our members have responded to the challenge with great excitement.  We have nearly 200 people signed up, which is more than I can ever recall being involved in a fitness challenge at our Y.  

So the deal is, I'm in an airport in Birmingham, just finishing up a conference as I write this.  I'm hundreds of miles away, completely not in control of the event.  I've left it in the hands of our Membership Director, our Health Enhancement Director, and our Youth Director, each of whom have only been in their positions for a matter of weeks.  Here's the cool part - it's going GREAT!  As of this morning, our YMCA had walked 3.8 million steps.  Our introductory fitness classes had great attendance.  Our seminars had really good attendance numbers.  The Afterschool Program has contributed almost 1 million steps.  The Health Enhancement Director just sent this great email out to the staff that was so well stated and encouraging, it made me so proud I wanted to cry (corny).  

It's so refreshing and invigorating to be working in a place where so many of my co-workers passionately believe in our mission.  It's eye-opening to know that I'm not alone working to achieve the goals we have in place.  You see, what I've realized is this - all those other times, I was in the wrong place.  The times I was let down, it wasn't a clear representation of what all people were like, only those around me at that moment.  In other words, when you can put together the right people, with the right set of beliefs and convictions, and similar drives and dedication, and they really are all working for the same reasons towards the same mission, what I've discovered you CAN trust them.  And that's what it's all about really.  We all want to surround ourselves with people we can trust, no matter what the setting.  It feels so right to be a part of the YMCA as a staff member, and it's my hope that our members can trust that we're trying to do the right things for our community each day.  I want you to be able to trust us too.

Special thanks to Darcy, Abby and Ryan.  You guys are rocking the YMCA world.  Great job!!  Thanks everything!  Till next time....

-G

"Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community."

--Anthony D'Angelo