Celebrate your birthday with the Y this year and give your kids the gift of memories that could last a lifetime! We offer birthday party reservations as an exclusive benefit to our members! Our birthday parties come with exclusive use of our activity pool or rock wall for you and your closest 10 friends. Anyone 5 and under in the group must have an adult (count towards your total) in the water with them. Anyone ages 6 to 9 must have an adult on the pool deck with them.

You will also have access to one of our party rooms for cake, presents and activities afterwards. See our registration page for available reservations for your 2026 birthday party!

Please reach out to [email protected] for specific birthday questions!

Celebrate your birthday with the Y this year and give your kids the gift of positive experiences memories that could last a lifetime! Our birthdays come with use of our activity pool for you and your closest 20 friends, and an opportunity to utilize our big kid room for cake, presents, and activities afterwards. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to experience one of our Youth Experience Programs of choice by one of our fabulous passionate staff.

Come one, come all! Join us for this amazing opportunity in partnership with Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll and have your kids learn to ride! This is a truly accessible program where we provide helmets and a bicycle for the day. Kids will learn to balance, pedal, and gain confidence on two wheels. The class will take place outdoors so dress for the weather! this class is for youth who can not yet balance and pedal a bike.

If you have any questions please reach out to [email protected].

Come one, come all!Join us for this amazing opportunity in partnership with Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll and have your kids learn to ride a bicycle! This is a truly accessible program where we provide helmets and a bicycle for the day at a very low cost. Kids will learn to balance, pedal, and gain confidence on two wheels. The class will take place outdoors so dress for the weather! this class is for youth who can not yet balance and pedal a bike.

If you have any questions please reach out to [email protected].

Teen Forest Therapy Program

A free opportunity for teens ages 12–18

Discover Awe. Build Curiosity. Grow Positive Change.

We’re launching a new Teen Forest Therapy Program designed to help young people slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore how awe and wonder can spark curiosity about life—leading to positive choices, healthier behaviors, and stronger emotional well-being.

 Program Details

• Who: Teens ages 12–18
• When: 2 days a week | 3:00–4:00 PM
• Length: 4 weeks
• Where: Shelton Family YMCA (adjacent to forested land)

 What to Expect Each Session

• Community circle & check-in
• Guided forest therapy (slow wander in nature)
• Nature-based activities & reflection
• Group discussion & connection
• Food provided

 Each Participant Receives

• Backpack
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal journal

Did You Know? The Science Behind Awe & Nature

• Awe lowers stress: Research shows experiences of awe are linked to lower stress levels and fewer physical complaints like headaches, fatigue, and sleep trouble.
• Awe supports mental health: Studies have found that intentionally cultivating awe can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression while increasing overall well-being.
• Nature calms the nervous system: Time in nature helps shift the body out of “fight-or-flight” mode, lowering stress hormones and supporting emotional regulation.
• Awe builds perspective & resilience: Feeling awe helps teens step back from daily pressures, build curiosity about life, and develop resilience during stress.
• Nature sparks curiosity & connection: Studies show that feeling connected to nature increases curiosity, gratitude, and positive social behaviors.

Why Forest Therapy

Nature has a powerful way of calming the nervous system, increasing curiosity, and strengthening emotional resilience. This program explores how intentional time in nature can:

• Support emotional healing
• Encourage positive behavior change
• Build confidence and curiosity about life
• Create a sense of belonging and support

Community Partners

This program is supported by local partners including:

• Shelton School District
• Family Education & Support Services
• WIC
• Rotary Club
• Lions Club
• Additional Mason County organizations

Program Size & Leadership

• Session 1: Up to 25 students

As participation grows, teen leadership opportunities will be added.

Interested in Participating?

contact Claudia Suastegui 360-918-3237 or [email protected]

All youth who have had a conversation with staff regarding repeated behavior inconsistent with values.

Kids Thrive: YMCA Fitness & Safety Orientation

Goal: Build kids’ confidence and teach them to care for themselves safely at the YMCA.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Content:

• Instruction on etiquette and correct equipment usage
• Information on benefits and risks of physical fitness

Outcome:

• Certificate of Achievement upon completion

Handouts include:

• Etiquette on the fitness floor
• Benefits/ risks of exercise
• Sets/reps/duration
• Muscle knowledge
• My Plate Nutrition information