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WELCOME TO THE YMCA OF THE VIRGINIA PENINSULAS FAMILY

There couldn’t be a more exciting time to be a member of the Y, and we thank you for choosing us.

We have designed this guide to help you understand who we are, what our policies are, what your membership can do for you, and to give you a reference to the courteous service you should expect as a YMCA member.

The Y is a diverse organization of men, women, and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas instills the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith through all of our programs and activities. We hope these values are part of why you chose to become a member and ask that if you know someone who would like to join but thinks they can’t afford membership, please let them know about financial assistance. It provides scholarships so that everyone has the opportunity to belong regardless of their ability to pay the full price.

POLICIES

For safety reasons, upon joining, members will have a photograph taken and receive a key tag scan card. The card must be presented each time you enter the building for access to the facility. Lost key tags should be reported to the Welcome Center. The replacement cost for a lost key tag is $3. Key tags are to be used by the assigned member-only; your membership privileges are at risk if you allow others to use your key tag. You may be asked to present photo identification at any time to verify your membership.

You may also utilize the barcode feature on the yConnect app on your phone to scan in.

Most classes offered at the YMCA are included with your membership; however, some classes have additional fees that require payment at the time of registration. Cash, check, or card are accepted at all locations.

The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas will convert payments made by personal check into one-time electronic funds transfer payment (EFT). If you do not wish for your check to be converted, please inform the Welcome Center staff at the point of sale or registration.

Regarding automatic and one-time EFT (paper check) payments, in the event of a returned payment from your financial institution, the YMCA will attempt collection by way of up to two additional drafts within 30 days of original payment. Also, a $30 return payment fee will be collected at that time. Other card drafting errors may result in a $10 fee.

Credit Care of Bank Drafts– Monthly dues are automatically withdrawn from your credit card or checking/savings account each month. Outstanding balances must be reconciled upon rejoining. Please notify the Y before the expiration of your credit card on file. Thirty (30) days of written notice is required for bank draft or credit card changes.

Annual and Semi-Annual Payments– Purchase a membership for six months or one year; the total payment is the sum of months purchased. Payment will be due on the 1st of each month.

Program Session Cancellation – If a program session is canceled by the YMCA, a full refund or credit (member’s choice) will be offered. Credit will be given to participants who cancel their registration before the start date of the session or program. No credits can be given after the program begins.

Medical Cancellation – If a participant withdraws from a program due to a medical reason, a refund or credit for the unused portion of the program will be offered.

Bad Weather Policy – Classes canceled due to bad weather or unforeseen circumstances that will be made up if the schedule allows. If the session/lesson is not able to be made up, a program credit will be given to be used for another class of choice. These policies exclude child care and day camp programs.

Holiday Closures – The YMCA may close or operate under different hours on holidays. Please check with your local YMCA for more information on how this affects programs.

As a member of the Y, you do not have to sign a membership contract and you may end your membership at any time with 10-days written notice. Members wishing to terminate should do so in person to complete the termination form and surrender membership cards. If you are terminating due to a health concern, we can suspend your membership (see Request for Membership Hold below). If you are terminating due to financial reasons, please ask to speak with our Member Services Director about financial assistance. All terminations take 10 days to take effect. Members who are being a credit card or bank-drafted have 60 days past their last draft day to notify the Y of any discrepancy.

All members who have let their membership lapse more than 30 days or who have been terminated for more than 30 days will have to pay the join fee if they wish to restart their membership.

The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas is unable to issue refunds or credits for non-usage of the facility. Memberships are non-transferable.

We offer membership holds to our members who, due to medical needs, financial reasons, or other unforeseen circumstances, are not able to use their membership. When on hold, we invite you to use the Y five times. We will stop your credit card or bank draft for 1-3 months in one calendar year, but you will not have to cancel your membership. There is a 10-day notice needed to stop a bank or credit card draft. Membership will automatically resume after the hold ends.

Members are encouraged to bring guests to the Y. There is an annual limit of two visits per guest. An adult member (age 18 or older) must accompany all guests; a photo ID is required, and all guests must complete a waiver. Guests may be limited during certain programs, based on member volume. Members should check with the center for details on these limitations.

As a valued YMCA member, you have the flexibility to visit and use most other YMCAs throughout the country at no extra charge through our Nationwide program. Simply present your YMCA membership card and photo ID at participating YMCAs and enjoy complimentary access. Please call the YMCA you’re planning to visit in advance to find out information regarding their guest policy.

We do our best to keep you safe but if an accident, injury, or unusual incident does occur, please report it to the director or supervisor on duty or the member services staff immediately. The Y recommends all members and participants consult a physician before starting an exercise program. The Y assumes no responsibility for injuries incurred while participating in YMCA activities; it is expected that all members who use YMCA facilities carry their medical insurance.

Youths 8-15 may use the Wellness Center after completing a Youth & Teens Wellness Orientation.

Youth ages 8-11 and accompanying adults must wear an orange wristband while in the facility. They must always remain within arms reach of the adult in the Wellness Center. 

Youth ages 12-15 must wear a green wristband while in the facility and may be unaccompanied.

Please safeguard your belongings while on the YMCA premises. The Y is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Please keep valuables on your person or lock them in a locker. You must furnish your own lock, and please remember to remove it daily.

SCHOLARSHIP

Everyone is welcome at the Y. We provide membership and program services to everyone desiring to participate regardless of race, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, disability, or income. If you need financial assistance, please ask for an application and talk with a Member Services representative. Funds are provided for those in need within our available resources.

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

As a Y member, you know the value of your membership and the many programs we offer. A large part of what makes the Y such a community asset is that we believe everyone should have the opportunity to belong and participate in our programs, even if they are not able to pay the full price. We count on you and other friends of the Y to help by contributing to our Annual Campaign or to participate in an event that raises funds for the campaign; ask how you can participate.

The YMCA’s financial assistance pro­gram is also supported through contributions made to the United Way. Please consider designating your United Way contribution directly to the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas (#7030).

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming involved with the Annual Campaign, please contact your center executive. Our financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia Office of Consumer Affairs.

BENEFITS AND GUIDELINES

  • SMART START helps new members become familiar with the equipment and proper workout techniques and helps you start at the level most suited to your present condition.
  • Wellness assessments evaluate your overall health indicators and help you tailor a routine around the results. To schedule a Wellness Center Orientation or wellness assessment, please see a Wellness Center staff member

For all YMCA members, the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith are to be modeled at all times.

Age Requirements

  • Youth ages 8-11 and their accompanying adult must wear an orange wristband while in the facility. They must remain within arm’s reach of the adult at all times in the Wellness Center and must complete a Youth & Teen Wellness Orientation.
    •  Parents and guardians should be mindful of proper equipment use and encourage proper and safe techniques.
    • Members 8-11 years old are welcome to participate in Group Exercises classes with a supervising adult. o Failure to follow Wellness Center Guidelines may result in wristband and exercise privileges being revoked.
  • Youth ages 12-15 must wear a green wristband while in the facility and may be unaccompanied after completing a Youth & Teen Wellness Orientation.
    • Though parental supervision is not required for this age group, failure to abide by our Wellness Center rules and Membership Code of Conduct may require a parent or guardian to be present.
    • Members 12-15 years old are welcome to participate in all Group Exercises classes. o Failure to follow Wellness Center Guidelines may result in wristband and exercise privileges being revoked.

Safety and Responsibility

  • Wear appropriate workout attire, including tops and closed-toe shoes at all times.
    • The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas reserves the right to define appropriate attire based on the discretion of our staff.
  • Avoid walking backward on equipment and using chalk. 
    • Liquid chalk and other safe and non-powder types of grip solutions may be utilized.
  • Avoid dropping weight plates, barbells, or dumbbells on the wellness floor.
    • The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas reserves the right to define appropriate weight-dropping based on the discretion of our staff.
  • Use safety stops, collars, and other spotters when possible.
    • Safety is paramount at the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas. Please refrain from lifting weight that exceeds your capabilities and ask for assistance when needed.
  • Only use Personal Trainers employed by the YMCA.
    • The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas reserves the right to define what personal training among members and guests may look like based on the discretion of our staff.
    • Engaging in any type of prescribed exercises from individuals who do no not reside within the same household and are not employed by the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas may be considered Personal Training.

Courtesy and Etiquette

  • Wipe down benches and equipment after use to preserve cleanliness.
    • Our equipment is cleaned daily by our members and staff. We ask that our members help us keep a clean, safe, and healthy environment at all times.
  • Stand between sets to allow others to “work in” between your sets.
    • Respecting other members and allowing them to pass through during a set of breaks allows everyone to have the best experience possible.
    • Please refrain from reserving equipment and placing personal belongings on machines over a period of time.
  • Use a closed container for your beverages and avoid eating in the wellness center.
    • Beverages brought in containers to the YMCA should not contain alcohol.
    • Protein bars and all other types of snacks should only be consumed in the lobby and not in our Wellness Centers, gyms, or locker rooms.
  • Avoid the use of offensive language.
    • The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas reserves the right to define what foul language sounds like based on the discretion of our staff.
  • Be courteous to others and mindful of the use of phones and other technology.
    • Videos and pictures taken at our YMCA should not contain any other individuals who have not given consent to be recorded or have their photo taken.
    • We ask our members to be mindful of the content that is viewed on their devices while at the YMCA. The YMCA reserves the right to define what inappropriate content looks like based on the discretion of our staff.
  • Return all equipment to the proper location after use. 
    • Putting weights away along with any other equipment utilized during a workout is an expectation for all of our members.
  • Please refrain from playing music or talking on the phone without the use of headphones.
    • For safety and courtesy purposes, no audio should emit from a personal device unless it’s through personal headphones.

Saunas and steam rooms are available at select centers and are available for use by any YMCA member ages 18 or older. Whirlpools, where available, are for use by YMCA members ages 15 or older. Bathing suits or shorts are required to be worn in these areas. Sauna suits or rubber suits are not allowed. Please see the posted regulations for the use of these at each location.

The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas offers swimming lessons for children and adults as well as aquatic exercise programs for adults. Lifeguard certification classes are also scheduled at regular times; please call for more information. In YMCA facilities with pools and aquatic areas, swimsuits are restricted to the pool and aquatic areas only.

  • Youth ages 11 and older may use the pool without adult supervision unless he/she does not pass the swim test. If these youth do not pass the swim test, the youth must have direct adult/guardian (who is at least 16 years of age) supervision.
  • Youth 10 and younger must have direct adult/guardian (who is at least 16 years of age) supervision, regardless of whether he/she passes the swim test or not.

    Please refer to our schedule or yConnect app for pool schedules, times, and more.

Courtesy and Etiquette

  • Avoid the use of offensive language. The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas reserves the right to define what foul language sounds like based on the discretion of our staff.
  • Be courteous to others and mindful of using phones and other technology. Videos and pictures taken at our YMCA should not contain any other individuals who have not given consent to be recorded or have their photo taken. We ask our members to be mindful of the content viewed on their devices while at the YMCA. The YMCA reserves the right to define what inappropriate content looks like based on the discretion of our staff.
  • Return all equipment to the proper location after use. Putting equipment utilized during a workout is an expectation for all our members.
  • Please refrain from playing music or talking on the phone without using headphones. No audio should be emitted from a personal device for safety and courtesy purposes unless it’s through personal headphones.

A wide variety of wellness classes are included as part of your YMCA membership at no additional charge. Individuals at all fitness levels are welcome to participate; members 8-11 years old are welcome to participate in Group Exercise classes with a supervising adult after completing a Youth & Teen Wellness Orientation. Members 12-15 are welcome to participate in all Group Exercise classes unaccompanied after completing a Youth & Teen Wellness Orientation. Members 8-15 must wear their YMCA wristband given at the Youth & Teen Wellness Orientation in order to participate in classes. Registration is not necessary, and classes may be attended on a drop-in basis. Complete class schedule listings are available at the Welcome Center and online. YMCA members receive preferred pricing for most programs that require an additional fee for participation.

A variety of activities are held in gymnasiums at select branches. See our website for a schedule of activities. No black-soled or hard-soled shoes may be worn on gym floors. Shirts are required at all times. Athletic Shoes must be worn when participating in activities in the gymnasium. 

Select centers have racquetball courts, reservations are recommended. No black-soled or hard-soled shoes may be worn in the racquetball courts.

  • Preschool
  • Swim lessons
  • Summer and overnight camps
  • Sports programs
  • Youth programs
  • Parent/child programs
  • Teen programs
  • Adult programs
  • Specialty wellness classes
  • Before and After School Child Care

The Y has a rich tradition of volunteerism. Volunteers help make us who we are; they are the strength and stability of the YMCA. Our Board of Directors, program leaders, and fundraisers all make a difference through their voluntary service. Without their countless hours and dedication, we could not provide the vital programs and services that nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

As an organization serving a diverse population, we also strive to have a diverse volunteer base. If you are interested in becoming a Y volunteer and being part of continuing the efforts of the Y, please contact your center for a volunteer application or click here.

The Y touches people around the globe. In addition to the more than 2,600 YMCA centers in the United States, there are Ys in over 120 countries around the world serving more than 45 million people.

The enrichment of lives through diversity and awareness of other cultures and ideas promotes the mission of the YMCA. The YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas is active internationally by participating in the exchange of information and staff with YMCAs in other countries.

Your YMCA membership satisfaction is guaranteed. If you’re not satisfied with the quality of our services, please contact the Membership Experience Director at your center.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Following our values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith as a guide, the Y’s Code of Conduct ensures that all who enter our facility enjoy a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment. We ask individuals to act in a manner that upholds these values at all times when they are in our facility or participating in Y programs.

The safety and protection of Y members and guests is a paramount concern of the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas; therefore, we reserve the right to deny access or membership to any person registered for sex offenses against children.

The Y is a family-oriented organization; please refrain from the following:

  • Using offensive language, and exposing inappropriate tattoos. Please wear exercise-appropriate clothing at all times. Swimsuits should be worn only in aquatic areas and locker rooms. Shoes, shorts or pants and tops are required in other areas of the facility.
  • Making physical contact with another person in an angry or threatening way
  • Engaging in sexual activity or inappropriate contact with another person
  • Harassing or intimidating by words, gestures, body language, or any other menacing behavior
  • Stealing or other behavior that results in the loss or destruction of property
  • Carrying or concealing any weapon, device, or object which may be used as a weapon
  • Abusing or defacing the YMCA building or its equipment
  • Being under the influence of, using, or possessing drugs or alcohol on YMCA property or in YMCA vehicles
  • Smoking and vaping. All YMCA facilities and grounds are smoke-free and vape-free environments
  • Displaying threatening, inappropriate, or offensive conduct
  • Posting unapproved materials. Ask the Member Services Director for permission to post flyers in the YMCA facility or on the surrounding property
  • Use of cameras and cell phones is not allowed in the locker room or bathroom areas
  • Conducting or participating in paid personal training or other instructional sessions with an instructor not employed by the Y

Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their comfort and safety. If any person exhibits behavior that threatens another person’s comfort or safety, the behavior should be reported to a staff person. Please do not hesitate to notify a staff person if assistance is needed. To be able to carry out these policies, we ask that members and guests identify themselves to staff when asked.

The Y investigates all reported incidents. Suspension or termination of YMCA membership privileges may result if a violation of this Code of Conduct has occurred.