Enrichment Programs

NOURISH THE FUTURE WITH Y TOTS

The Bloomington-Normal YMCA is proud to offer a safe, educational and nurturing environment for preschool children ages 18 months through 5 years. We strive to provide stimulating activities that foster learning as well as curiosity, creativity, and compassion for others. Learn more about our Y Tots Programs below!

 

 

Y Tots Sensory Play

Y Tots Sensory Play is a program that focuses on allowing your child to experience the world through sensory play! Give your child a chance to engage in fun activities to help with their development, including finger painting, foam art and more! 

 

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Y Tots Sports

Y Tots Sports is a sports program for kiddos ages 3-5 that introduces them to sports like basketball, soccer and more! 

 

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Y Tots & Talk

Y Tots & Talk offers the perfect balance of quality time with your child and time just for you within a supportive YMCA community.  Welcoming ages 12mos - 36mos.

 

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Questions?
Paige Thompson, Director of Youth Development
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MAKE FRIENDS, BUILD COMMUNITY, HAVE FUN!

Y Clubs gives kiddos the opportunity to meet other children within their community and facilitate a connection between them and their peers! Y Clubs welcomes kiddos in grades 3-5!

 

 

Y Clubs ESports For All

Y Clubs ESports For All allows kiddos to compete through video games, requiring strategy, collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills in order to achieve success, all while giving them the opportunity to engage in a non-traditional sports program! 

 

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Y Clubs Art

Designed for kiddos in grades K-5, Y Clubs Art is an art program that gives kids the chance to flex their creative muscle through hands-on projects that spark their imagination.

 

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Y Clubs LEGO

Join us for a fun and hands-on LEGO program where kids explore STEM concepts through building and creativity! Each session includes guided challenges that encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and imagination using LEGO bricks and accessories. Perfect for young engineers who love to build and learn through play!

 

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Questions?
Paige Thompson, Director of Youth Development
Looking to Engage your Teen?
Click the link below to discover our Y TEENS programming.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS & CONNECT OVER SHARED INTERESTS

Y Teens will give your child the opportunity to bond with their peers over mutual hobbies! Whether they're joining us in the Teen/Intergen room to compete with Y Teens Esports, or looking to make their next masterpiece with Y Art, they'll be developing new skills and growing in mind, body and spirit!

 

 

Y Teens ESports For All

Y Teens Esports For All allows youth in grades 6th - 9th to practice their gaming skills in an environment of support and friendly competition! Level up your game by joining us in the Teen/Intergen room!

 

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Questions?
Paige Thompson, Director of Youth Development
Looking to Engage your Child?
Click the link below to discover our Y CLUBS programming.

Big fun. One day. Endless creativity.

Our One Day Wonders series is the perfect way to try something new, make friends, and create something awesome—all in a single day! Each themed experience is designed for hands-on fun, creativity, and confidence-building in a safe and supportive YMCA environment.

 

Programs are offered multiple times throughout the summer, so you can mix, match, and come back for more!

 

 

Slime Time

Stretch it, squish it, and customize it! In Slime Lab, participants will mix up their own slime creations with fun colors, textures, and add-ins. It’s sensory fun with a creative twist.  Multiple offerings this summer!

 

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Swiftie Studio

Calling all Swifties! Spend the day celebrating music, creativity, and self-expression. Participants will make friendship bracelets, design album-inspired art, and enjoy music-themed games and activities. We’ll wrap up with a mini performance and dance party! Drop-off friendly! Multiple offerings this summer!

 

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Bead Buddies

Design it. String it. Wear it. Share it! This hands-on session lets participants create custom bracelets using colorful beads, letters, and charms. Whether making gifts for friends or keepsakes for themselves, creativity takes center stage. Drop-off friendly! Multiple offerings this summer!

 

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Peace, Love, Tie Dye!

Get ready to swirl, scrunch, and splash into color! In this vibrant session, participants will design and dye their own wearable masterpiece. We’ll explore fun patterns and techniques while embracing creativity and a little bit of mess! Drop-off friendly! Multiple offerings this summer!

 

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Board Game Blast

Roll the dice and let the fun begin! This session is all about friendly competition, teamwork, and strategy. Participants will play a variety of classic and new board games while building social skills and sportsmanship.  Drop-off friendly! Multiple offerings this summer!

 

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Paint & Plant

Get creative and grow something beautiful! Participants will paint and decorate their own flower pot, then plant a flower to take home and care for. It’s creativity and nature combined.  Drop-off friendly!  Multiple offerings this summer!

 

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Little Veggie Explorers

Little Veggie Explorers is a fun, hands-on program where kids discover the power of vegetables through games, tastings, and simple lessons. They’ll also become junior chefs, helping prepare tasty veggie dishes while learning basic kitchen skills and healthy habits.  Welcoming ages 6 - 12 with a parent/guardian.

 

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Questions?
Paige Thompson, Director of Youth Development
Register Now

MAKE YOUR OWN KIND OF MUSIC

Whether you're a beginner or looking to further your skills on the keys, our private piano lessons will get you in the groove.

 

PERPETUAL PIANO LESSONS

Participants have the option to be billed/sign up monthly for Piano Lessons on a quarterly basis! Each quarter will span about 3-4 months of piano lessons. Participants can sign up for all sessions at once, or just one or two sessions at a time.

 

Piano lessons are for individuals ages 4 and up. Lessons are available one time per week in 30 minute sessions.

 

Once you have registered, you will receive your Piano Instructor's email contact.  If you have any questions, you may contact your instructor or email youthdevelopment@bnymca.org.

 

Winter/Spring 2026 Session
  • January 26 - February 22

  • February 23 - March 22

  • March 30 - April 26

Registration opens December 8th, 2025!

Summer 2026 Session
  • June 8 - July 5
  • July 6 - August 2

 

Registration is TBD.

Monthly Pricing: $85/mo YMCA Members  |  $175/mo Nonmembers

 

Lessons with Ms. Abby:

Mondays @ 4 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.

Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

 

Lessons with Mr. Jake

Mondays from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

 

Do I need a piano at home?

Practice at home is encouraged, but definitely not required.  If you are able to practice at home, 10-20 minutes a day will be more than enough to ensure student progress.

What books do I need and where do I get them?

Books and materials are provided by the YMCA during your lesson time. However, these books cannot be taken home.  If you're interested in purchasing books to be used at home, our most commonly used series is Piano Adventures by Nancy and Randall Faber. 

Do you teach adults?

Absolutely! Adults of any age are welcome to register.

What’s the youngest age student you will teach?

We teach students as young as 4 years old.

When are participants billed for perpetual sessions?

Participants will be billed on the 25th of the month for each consecutive session that participants are registered.

What is the cancellation/rescheduling policy for Piano Lessons?

Cancellation for Sessions
If the Participant needs to cancel their session registration for any reason, request for program cancellation must be submitted via a written request to the Youth Development department at youthdevelopment@bnymca.org before the Thursday prior to the session start-date in order to avoid the remaining charges for the upcoming monthly program. Cancellations received on or after the Thursday prior to the start of the session, but before the start of the program session, will be given a system credit for the program cost excluding the deposit.

Cancellations for a full session after the start date of the program will not receive a refund for the cost of the program.

Rescheduling a Lesson
Participants that would like to cancel and reschedule a single lesson are required to notify the instructor via email or the YMCA's Youth Development Department via email at youthdevelopment@bnymca.org 24 hours in advance. The YMCA and instructors are not required to reschedule or provide a refund for any missed lessons without a notification of at least 24 hours before the start time of the lesson. The YMCA and Instructors are able to reschedule missed lessons at their discretion.

The Instructors and the YMCA are able to cancel and reschedule any individual lessons or monthly sessions as they see necessary. Prior notification will be provided to participants and/or guardians of participants as soon as the YMCA is able to communicate any necessary cancellations. As long as an opportunity to reschedule a canceled lesson is provided, there will be no refund offered for any missed portion of the session.

 

Questions
Paige Thompson, Director of Youth Development
Register