For more information contact:
Stacey McEvoy –Communications Manager
973.822-9622 ext. 2241
Email: smcevoy@madisonymca.org
For Immediate Release through the end of the school year

Calling All 7^th Graders: Free Membership_at the Madison Area YMCA

(Madison, NJ) October 22, 2015 – The Madison Area YMCA is calling all 7^th grade students who live or attend school in the Madison Area YMCA’s service area for its free 7^th Grade Initiative membership.

The Madison Area YMCA joins Ys around the state in offering the 7^th Grade Initiative that includes free membership and free or reduced rates for teen programs. The 7^th Grade Initiative provides an opportunity to participate in fun activities and events that promote healthy lifestyles, teamwork and leadership skills. The membership includes an orientation to the Fitness Center, a Holiday Dodgeball Tournament and End-of-Year Barbeque.

7^th Grade Initiative members also receive a 5% discount at Satellite Comics & Games in Chatham when the membership card is presented at checkout. Other restrictions may apply.

Madison Area YMCA service areas include Madison, Chatham, Convent Station, East Hanover, Florham Park, Gillette, Green Village, Harding Township, Millington, New Vernon and Stirling.

The Boszhardt Family Teen Center, located at the Family Center of the Madison Area YMCA on Kings Road, offers supervised space for teens and preteens to do homework and visit with friends on comfortable couches. Teens also have access to computers, a vintage pinball machine, Wii, X-Box 360, Air hockey and Foosball.

Teen Scene is an amazing place to be on Friday nights from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Supervised by the Y’s teen staff, 6^th – 8^th graders can take part in activities including movies, full use of the Boszhardt Family Teen Center, swimming and games. A parent waiver is required for participation. 

Teen Leaders Club is a national teen program that promotes the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The club brings together teens for peer leadership training, community service projects and other activities such as trips, rallies and special events. Teen Leaders Club develops solid character in each individual and creates a supportive community environment, inclusive of all people.

To register for the 7^th Grade Initiative, a parent or guardian must be present to complete registration. Students must show proof that they are in 7^th Grade with either a 7^th grade class schedule or school ID. Parents must show proof of residency or school enrollment in the service area (driver’s license, household bill or report card with school address). 7^th Grade Initiative members are required to take a tour of the facility and must complete two fitness orientations.

Parents of 7^th Grade Initiative members may receive a free pass on Fridays to use the facility during Teen Scene hours from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Parents must present a state/government-issued photo ID at the Welcome Center to enter the facility.

The 7^th Grade Initiative runs now through Thursday, June 30. Registration for the program is ongoing throughout the year. For more information, contact Association Program Manager Katie Koontz at 973-822-9622 x2243.

The Madison Area YMCA is a cause-driven charitable not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Financial assistance is available to those who are unable to afford membership and programming so that all may be enriched by the Y.

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