Back to School, Back to Belonging:
How the Santa Monica Family YMCA Supports Families During the School Year
August marks National Back to School Month, a time of fresh starts, sharpened pencils, and new adventures for kids and families alike. At the Santa Monica Family YMCA, we know that the return to school is about more than classrooms and homework – it’s about helping families feel connected, supported, and ready to thrive all year long.
Why Back to School Matters at the Y
For over 99 years, the Santa Monica Family YMCA has been more than just a place to work out. We’re a hub where kids find mentors, parents find community, and everyone belongs. As kids head back to class, our programs and services help families stay strong and supported through every homework assignment, practice, and big test ahead.
Programs That Make a Difference
Whether it’s safe, enriching afterschool care, swim lessons, youth sports, or family activities, we offer a range of programs designed to help students grow inside and outside the classroom. Here’s how we help families ease into the school year:
• Afterschool Enrichment: The Santa Monica Family YMCA provides an enriching experience and caring environment fostering positive development and growth for your child. YMCA programs are ideal for developing social skills, making friends, learning about oneself, and acquiring respect for others. Children enjoy fun group activities, homework help, and experiential learning, helping them develop social skills and strong character. Afterschool Enrichment is offered Monday – Friday to SMMUSD students. For more information, click here!
• Youth Sports: The YMCA offers Junior Lakers Youth Basketball and Youth Volleyball Clinics for youth 5 – 15. Youth Sports provides kids with the opportunity to develop their fundamental skills, be included on a team, and develop their confidence. To learn more about our Youth Sports programs, click here!
• Swim Lessons & Water Safety: Swimming is not only a healthy activity that exercises the entire body – it is also a skill that can both save lives and enrich them. The Y strives to help individuals of all ages learn how to swim, so they can stay safe around water and learn the skills needed to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for healthy living. In our coastal community, teaching youth life-saving swimming skills is even more critical. Check out the Aquatics Programs offered at The Y this fall, including Swim Lessons for all ages and Swim Club here!
• Youth & Family Programs: This Fall, we have a wide variety of Youth & Family Programs designed to keep kids and families engaged, create opportunities for bonding, and help expose youth to new hobbies. Whether you are adding enrichment programs to your kids’ extracurricular schedule or you are looking for a way to get them involved in new activities, we are here to serve your family. Check out our exciting and diverse range of youth programs here!
A Place for Parents, Too
Back to School isn’t just about kids. We know parents need a moment for themselves, too. While your child is learning and playing, you can enjoy a workout, connect with other parents, or just grab a coffee and relax in our welcoming spaces. Our Child Watch & Kids Club programs are designed to take care of your children for up to 2-hours while you have time to yourself, working out or connecting with a friend at the Y. We also offer Parents Night Out once a month, where you can drop your little ones off at the Y for 3-hours and enjoy a night on the town. Learn more here!
Programs That Make a Difference
Ready to make this school year the best yet? Enrollment for our fall programs is open now, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Learn more and sign up at ymcasm.org!
This year, we will be sharing ninety-nine stories of impact this year through our Anchored in Community celebration, lifting up stories of our community members as we celebrate the Santa Monica Family YMCA’s 99th year of consistent service. Collected from our volunteers, members, program participants, to our community partners, we will be sharing stories that remind us what is possible when you anchor yourself in community, something you can always find at the Y. If you are interested in sharing your YMCA story and being a part of the 99 Stories of Community series, please fill out this form!
We invite you to follow along as we share these stories of impact, belonging, and purpose. Thank you for being a part of our community!
