YMCA of the National Capital Region
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ymcaottawa.bsky.social
YMCA of the National Capital Region
@ymcaottawa.bsky.social
120 followers 77 following 160 posts
Igniting potential & transforming communities #ShineOn 🌟
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We had the pleasure of welcoming talented children's singer-songwriter Gerry Mitchell to our Avalon YMCA Child Care Centre for a wonderful singalong performance. Children and staff alike enjoyed listening, singing, and dancing along.

Big thank you to Gerry for this fun and memorable experience!
Gerry Mitchell holding a guitar as a group of children look at the instrument up close Gerry Mitchell playing guitar and singing for children in a child care centre Gerry Mitchell playing guitar and singing for children in a child care centre. They are dancing along.
February 9, 2026 at 2:58 PM
ymcaottawa.bsky.social
Join us at "Celebrating Our Legacies", a free community event to honour the culture and artistry of Black Canadians!

Enjoy performances, storytelling, art, a short film, and engaging discussions.

📅 Feb 19 | 5–8 p.m.
📍 Taggart Family YMCA

RSVP: www.ymcaottawa-nic.ca/event-detail...
Text: Black History Month: Celebrating Our Legacies. Join us at this free community event to celebrate the culture, talent, and artistry of Black Canadians. Thursday, February 19, 2026. 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Taggart Family Y, RBC Community Room, 180 Argyle Avenue, 2nd floor. Funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Image: A photo of three Black young adults. The Y Shine On logo is in the bottom right corner.
February 6, 2026 at 3:27 PM
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Y Neighbourhood Day Camps registration is now open! 🏘️

Kids 4Y-12Y take part in fun activities and field trips based on weekly themes like nature, sports, art, and outer space!

📍 Clarence-Rockland, Barrhaven, Downtown, Orleans, Ottawa South, Stittsville

Register: www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-ser...
Text: Y Neighbourhood Day Camps registration now open! Image: Children playing tug-of-war on a grassy field. The Y Shine On logo is in the top left corner.
February 5, 2026 at 5:12 PM
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Thanks to MPP Stephen Blais for visiting our Avalon YMCA Child Care Centre in Orléans!

We had meaningful discussions about the impact that YMCA Child Care has had on local families, and our goals to expand and meet the growing need for affordable, high-quality care.
MPP Stephen Blais shaking hands with a YMCA staff member in a child care centre. Child Care Director Cass and VP Morgan are standing alongside them. Child Care Director Cass Vallee leading a tour of a YMCA child care centre. She is accompanied by MPP Stephen Blais, CEO Trevor McAlmont, and VP Morgan Bello. CEO Trevor McAlmont speaking to three YMCA colleagues and MPP Stephen Blais around a table.
February 2, 2026 at 5:19 PM
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If your child is a hands-on learner who loves building and creating, our new March Break camp is the perfect fit! 🔧👷

Use real tools, learn from pros, and explore how buildings are made at Future Builders: Skilled Trades Camp (12Y-14Y).

📍 440 Albert St

Register: www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-ser...
Text: Future Builders: Skilled Trades Camp. Make hands-on projects with real tools and learn how buildings are made! 440 Albert Street, Ottawa. March 16 to 20, 2026. Ages: 12 years to 14 years. Image: Text on a red background with a triangle pattern. A photo of a tween girl doing a woodworking project. The Y Shine On logo is in the top left corner.
January 27, 2026 at 9:11 PM
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Ottawa temperatures are dropping as low as -29°C this weekend. 🥶

Need a place to warm up in Centretown? Visit the Taggart Family Y lobby at 180 Argyle Avenue.

We have seating, wifi, and washrooms. Low-cost meals and snacks are available from Chef Ric's.

Keep safe and bundled up! 🧣
Text: Extreme cold in Ottawa this weekend. Warm up at the Taggart Family Y (180 Argyle Ave). Image: Text on a blue background with white frost around the edges. The Y Shine On logo is at the top.
January 23, 2026 at 6:50 PM
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Crush your fitness goals with a community that lifts you up. Work out, swim, and join classes at the YMCA.

Join today and get half off your first month!

Become a Y Member: www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-ser...

Offer ends February 15, 2026.
Text: Together, it's possible. Join the YMCA and get half off your first month. Image: A man smiling while doing the warrior yoga pose. The Y logo is overlaid on the background.
January 21, 2026 at 1:38 PM
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YMCA Camp Otonabee registration is now open! 🏕️

This summer, youth 4-16 can discover the natural world with activities like archery, high ropes courses, canoeing, camp fires, and more. Choose from day, overnight, and leadership camps.

Explore programs and register: www.ymcaottawa.ca/locations/ca...
Text: YMCA Camp Otonabee registration now open! Image: Three young campers standing in a grassy, sunny field with a camp counsellor wearing a pink princess costume. The Y Shine On logo is in the top right corner.
January 15, 2026 at 4:41 PM
ymcaottawa.bsky.social
Winter-Spring PA Days are coming up on: January 23 & 30, February 13, April 27 & June 5.

Spend them at the Y for enriching, fun-filled days! Choose from the Taggart Family Y, Clarence-Rockland Y, or YMCA Camp Otonabee.

Learn more and register: www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-ser...
Text: Upcoming PA Days. January 23, January 30, February 13, April 27, June 5. Image: A young girl playing with colourful building blocks. The Y Shine On logo is in the top left corner.
January 9, 2026 at 8:58 PM
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Do you work in the residential construction sector? 🛠️

Upgrade your skills with the Residential Building Science Field Pro Training course on January 30 at 440 Albert Street, Ottawa. Gain expert insights to help you build durable, energy-efficient homes.

Register: www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-ser...
Text: Residential Building Science Field Pro Training. January 30, 2026. 440 Albert Street. Want to take your expertise to the next level? Upskill with hands-on training at no cost. Three men in construction vests working at a table. The Y Shine On logo is in the top left. Building Knowledge and Employment Ontario logos are along the bottom.
January 8, 2026 at 3:51 PM
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Start this year on the right foot with the YMCA Youth Educational Supports Program (YESP).

YESP supports youth in Grades 11, 12 and first year post-secondary through mentorship, life skills, tutoring, and mental health supports.

To learn more, contact [email protected] or 613-237-1320, ext 5148.
Text: Level up your life with the YMCA Youth Educational Supports Program. Funded by the Government of Canada Support for Student Learning Program. Image: A support worker sitting with a high school student in a classroom. There are two red arrows above the text, and the Y logo is overlayed on the background.
January 7, 2026 at 4:52 PM
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Tackle your fitness goals together. Work out, swim, and join classes with a YMCA household membership. Join today and get half off your first month!

Become a Y Member: www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-ser...

Offer ends January 31, 2026.
Text: Together, it's possible. Join the YMCA and get half off your first month. Image: Two women laughing together at the gym. The Y logo is overlayed on the background.
January 2, 2026 at 3:21 PM
ymcaottawa.bsky.social
Mark your calendars! YMCA Camp Otonabee registration opens on January 15, 2026 🏕️

Build skills and take part in outdoor activities like shelter building, high ropes, and canoeing. Choose from day camps, overnight camps, and leadership camps.

Explore programs: www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-ser...
Text: YMCA Camp Otonabee registration opens on January 15. Image: Two camp counsellors and two young campers standing on a beach. They are posing with their arms spelling "YMCA". The Y Shine On logo is at the top.
December 30, 2025 at 2:39 PM
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Right now, more children and families are waiting for their chance to shine. 💫

Your gift to the YMCA can remove financial barriers and create moments that change lives — a first swim lesson, a new friendship, a parent’s sigh of relief.

Donate today: www.ymcaottawa.ca/our-charity/...
Text: Give a gift that changes lives. Image: A child wrapped up in a towel, embraced by his mother. The Y Shine On logo is in the bottom right corner, and red star icons are in the top right.
December 29, 2025 at 1:29 PM
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As we head into the winter holidays, please note our upcoming holiday hours. ❄️

Dec 22-Jan 4: Pool closure (Taggart only)
Dec 24-26: Closed
Dec 27-28: Open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Dec 29-30: Open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Dec 31-Jan 1: Closed
Jan 2: Open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Jan 3-4: Closed for maintenance
Text: Holiday Hours. December 22-January 4: Pool closure for maintenance (Taggart Family Y only). December 24-26: Closed. December 27-28: Open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. December 29-30: Open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. December 31-January 1: Closed. January 2: Open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. January 3-4: Closed for maintenance. Image: White text on a red background with snowflakes. The Y Shine On logo is at the top.
December 22, 2025 at 6:10 PM
ymcaottawa.bsky.social
Upskill your crew with the Residential Building Science Field Pro Training course on January 30 at the YMCA (440 Albert St)! 🛠️

This free, one-day course offers expert insights and hands-on training so your team can build more durable, energy-efficient homes.

www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-ser...
Text: Residential Building Science Field Pro Training. January 30, 2026. 440 Albert Street. Support your team's professional growth with technical skills training at no cost. Image: A woman smiling and crossing her arms. She is wearing personal protective equipment. The Y Shine On logo is in the top left. Building Knowledge and Employment Ontario logos are along the bottom.
December 18, 2025 at 3:43 PM
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At the Clarence-Rockland YMCA, our team led a holiday drive in support of the Centre d'Aide Rockland / Rockland Help Centre.

They collected non-perishable foods, toys, and winter clothing for local individuals and families in need. Thank you to everyone who donated! Your kindness goes a long way. ❤️
An open bin covered in holiday wrapping paper. It is filled with various items such as clothing and toys. An open bin covered in holiday wrapping paper. There are various items inside. On the outside, there are two pieces of paper with information about the Rockland Help Centre fundraiser.
December 16, 2025 at 2:24 PM
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Looking for a summer job? Find opportunities at the YMCA Summer Camp Hiring Fair! 🏕️

📅 Saturday, January 3, 2026
⏰ 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
📍 Taggart Family YMCA (180 Argyle Ave) – RBC Community Room, 2nd floor

Explore roles and apply in advance: www.ymcaottawa.ca/join-our-team

#OttawaJobs
Text: YMCA Summer Camp Hiring Fair. Taggart Family YMCA. Saturday, January 3. 9 AM to 2 PM. Image: A camp counsellor making crafts at an outdoor table with young campers. The Y Shine On logo is in the top left corner.
December 12, 2025 at 3:19 PM
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#StaffAppreciation Week was a big celebration of our incredible Health, Fitness and Aquatics staff! Y Members and team supervisors alike put their gratitude on full display.

Thanks to our staff for inspiring, teaching, and supporting our community every single day. Keep shining bright! 🌟
Three lifeguards standing together in red swim attire with the Y logo. Behind them is a wall with the words "Thank you for being awesome" strung in paper letters. In front of them is a cart with snacks and decorated paper bags. A group of five Y members posing in a workout studio with exercise balls and drum sticks. Behind them is a mirror with the words "Thank you!" printed on pink paper. Two lifeguards wearing red swim attire with the Y logo, and another person wearing a purple shirt that reads "J'aime mon Y". Behind them is a wall with the words "Thank you for being awesome" strung in paper letters. In front of them is a cart with snacks and decorated paper bags. Two Y team members each holding a decorated paper bag. Between them is a cart with snacks and decorated paper bags. On the wall behind them, a large, colourful poster reads "Thank you for all you do. We appreciate you."
December 11, 2025 at 2:57 PM
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The YMCA Home Builders Training Program joined EkoBuilt’s ribbon-cutting for their new prefabricated passive home in Dunrobin!

Events like this show how education, industry, community partners, and government can come together to strengthen Canada’s future construction workforce.
A large group of people standing in front of a newly constructed home. Many of them are wearing yellow hard hats. There is a green ribbon strung in front of them. MP Bruce Fanjoy speaking to a group of people in a newly constructed home. A group of six people standing together in front of a newly constructed home Paul Kealey and MP Bruce Fanjoy about to cut the green ribbon in front of a newly constructed home. There is a crowd of people standing around them.
December 10, 2025 at 4:28 PM
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Join us for Community Day, this Saturday, December 13! Get a FREE day pass at the Clarence-Rockland YMCA or the Taggart Family YMCA.

We’re offering a jam-packed day of special activities in addition to our regular classes at no cost. Explore schedules: www.ymcaottawa.ca/programs-and...
Text: "Community Day at the YMCA! Saturday, December 13. Doors open to all." Image: A group of five people sitting together on a gymnasium floor with basketballs. The Y logo is overlaid on the background.
December 9, 2025 at 6:35 PM
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Over 120 YMCA residents joined us for a Winter Clothing Fair. Thanks to the donations from our community, all clothing was free. 🧺❤️

After everyone got the chance to pick one item per category, folks were welcome to take as much as they liked. There were many full bags and big smiles!
Two Y team members standing in a room full of tables covered in various clothing items. A room full of tables covered in various clothing items A bench covered in pairs of shoes A room full of tables covered in various clothing items
December 9, 2025 at 3:17 PM
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“My mom told me someone paid for me to go to camp. Can you please tell them thank you?”

That’s what one YMCA camper said after learning that someone like you made their week possible. 🌟

Please give today and open that same door for another child.

❤️ www.ymcaottawa.ca/our-charity/...
Text in quotations: "Please tell them thank you." Image: A girl holding a craft at an outdoor camp setting. There are red heart icons in the top right corner and the Y Shine On logo in the bottom right corner.
December 8, 2025 at 2:28 PM
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We got the chance to attend UNICEF Canada's 7th annual Youth Advocacy Summit!

This day is all about amplifying youth voices, connecting them with decision-makers and organizations, and championing the rights of every child.

Thank you to YMCA Canada for inviting us!
Y team members Randi, Ben, Shay, and Ana standing in front of a blue wall with the Unicef Canada logo printed across it several times. They are holding prop cutouts shaped like megaphones and speech bubbles, with the Unicef Canada logo printed on them. Shay sitting at a round table and smiling. Behind him is a speaker at a lectern. Shay, Randi, and Ben standing together and smiling in front of a window. Ana smiling and sitting with a group of people at a round table.
December 3, 2025 at 5:31 PM
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It's #GivingTuesday! Today, your gift can spark more than change; it can ignite moments that help people feel safe, included, and empowered. When you give, you help someone feel like they belong.

Be the spark that helps your community shine.

Give now: www.ymcaottawa.ca/our-charity/...
Text: December 2. Giving Tuesday. Image: Two young adults laughing together in an outdoor setting. The Y Shine On logo is in the top left corner.
December 2, 2025 at 1:53 PM