YMCA Offering Community Week Free Trial The Greater Scranton YMCA is calling on individuals and families across the community to experience what it means to truly belong. The Y is a place where people come together to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit. From group fitness classes to youth sports, from swim lessons to volunteer opportunities, the Y offers something for everyone. But what makes it truly special is the sense of connection that forms when people from all walks of life share space and purpose. “At the Greater Scranton YMCA, we see every day how friendships form, confidence grows, and communities thrive,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “It’s not just about what you do here, it’s about who you do it with.” Membership at the Y means joining a movement that’s been strengthening our community for more than 165 years. Whether you’re looking to get active, give back, or simply find your people, there’s a place for you here. This December, the community and those interested are invited to try the Y free for 7 days! Experience everything the Y has to offer with no commitment, just connection. Visit https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/ or stop by the Y, located at 706 North Blakely St. in Dunmore, to start the free trial today.
YMCA Announces 2025 Jingle Bell Jog The Greater Scranton YMCA invites runners, walkers, families, and holiday enthusiasts to join the fun at the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog, taking place on Saturday, December 13, with a 9:00 a.m. start time at the Y. The 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Jog features a 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk, offering something for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Runners and walkers are encouraged to embrace the holiday spirit by wearing their favorite festive attire. The first 50 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. Proceeds from the event benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, which helps ensure that everyone, regardless of age, background, or income, has access to the Y. “We are excited for the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog to bring our community together in a fun and festive way,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “During this season of giving, the Greater Scranton YMCA is so proud to provide financial assistance to children, adults, and families from our community and this will event will support our efforts.” Participants can register online at https://runsignup.com/scrantonymcajinglebelljog or at the Y, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. The cost for participants over the age of 12 is $25 and there is no charge for participants 12-years-old and under. Same day registration is available for $35. Day of race check-in and packet pick-up will be open from 8:00-8:45 a.m. and an awards ceremony will take place at approximately 10:00 a.m. For more information, please contact Jennifer Dolphin, Race Coordinator, at dolphinjennifer7@gmail.com.
YMCA Announces 2025 Jingle Bell Jog The Greater Scranton YMCA invites runners, walkers, families, and holiday enthusiasts to join the fun at the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog, taking place on Saturday, December 13, with a 9:00 a.m. start time at the Y. The 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Jog features a 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk, offering something for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Runners and walkers are encouraged to embrace the holiday spirit by wearing their favorite festive attire. The first 50 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. Proceeds from the event benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, which helps ensure that everyone, regardless of age, background, or income, has access to the Y. “We are excited for the 2025 Jingle Bell Jog to bring our community together in a fun and festive way,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “During this season of giving, the Greater Scranton YMCA is so proud to provide financial assistance to children, adults, and families from our community and this will event will support our efforts.” Participants can register online at https://runsignup.com/scrantonymcajinglebelljog or at the Y, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. The cost for participants over the age of 12 is $25 and there is no charge for participants 12-years-old and under. Same day registration is available for $35. Day of race check-in and packet pick-up will be open from 8:00-8:45 a.m. and an awards ceremony will take place at approximately 10:00 a.m. For more information, please contact Jennifer Dolphin, Race Coordinator, at dolphinjennifer7@gmail.com.
Greater Scranton YMCA Awarded BK5K Youth Grant On October 9, 2025, the Greater Scranton YMCA received a grant award of $2,000 from the BK5K Youth Fund of the Winona Community Foundation. Funds will support the continued development of youth programs at the Y. From left: Marcelo DeSousa, Regional Operations Manager, Fastenal; Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA; Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, Greater Scranton YMCA; Whitney McDonald, SHUB Help Desk Manager, Fastenal
Greater Scranton YMCA Halloween Costume Drive Underway The Y is collecting new and gently used Halloween costumes for local families The Greater Scranton YMCA’s 2025 Halloween Costume Drive is underway, providing families in the community with the opportunity to donate and receive costumes for the upcoming holiday. The Y is accepting new and gently used costumes of all sizes and for all ages. Donated costumes can be dropped-off at the Y’s Welcome Center, located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore, through Monday, October 6th. Costume pick-up days will be held from October 7–9, giving families in need the chance to find fun, festive costumes free of charge. “Here at the Y, we believe all children deserve the chance to experience a magical Halloween season,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Through donating new or gently used costumes, community members can help make this Halloween special and memorable for local families and children in need.” The Greater Scranton YMCA is encouraging the community to participate by donating costumes in good condition. Every contribution ensures that more children will have the opportunity to experience Halloween with confidence and excitement. For more information about the Halloween Costume Drive, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Hosting Inaugural Trunk or Treat The Greater Scranton YMCA is excited to announce its Inaugural Trunk or Treat, offering families a safe, fun, and festive way to celebrate Halloween. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 22nd from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Greater Scranton YMCA, 706 North Blakely Street, Dunmore. The event is free and open to the community. Community members and local businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate by decorating a trunk and handing out candy. Interested partners can contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org. Trunks can begin being set-up at 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is so proud to offer our community a safe way to celebrate the season,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We can’t wait to see the creative ways families and community partners decorate their trunks and look forward to the memories this new tradition will create.” For more information about the Trunk or Treat, contact Tressa or visit the Greater Scranton YMCA online at https://www.greaterscrantonymca.org/.
Greater Scranton YMCA to Host Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run Race proceeds will benefit the Y’s Financial Assistance Program The Greater Scranton YMCA will host a Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk on Sunday, August 24th, 2025. Event proceeds will support the Y’s Annual Support Campaign, which provides scholarship funding to individuals and families in need, allowing them to benefit from all the Y has to offer. Registration is open. The cost for participants over the age of 12 is $25. Participants 12- years-old and younger are free. Race day registration is available for $35.00. Day of race check-in and packet pick-up will open at 8:00 a.m. Following the race, the Y is inviting participants to stay for a post-race Luau, including live music, refreshments, and a medal ceremony. “The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to award financial assistance to individuals and families in need, allowing them to benefit from all our Y has to offer” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “It’s because of the generosity of our donors and the support of our community that we are able to make such an impact. The Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk will serve as a celebration of community—bringing us together for a day of fun and support for those in need.” For more information and to register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Dunmore/TheGreaterScrantonYMCAHawaiianHulaHustle. For questions about the Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk, contact Brandon Whipple, Senior Program Director, at bwhipple@gsymca.org.
Make The Greater Scranton YMCA Your Family Fun Destination This Summer Get ready for an unforgettable summer at the Greater Scranton YMCA. With a diverse range of exciting programs and activities, the Y is the ultimate destination for families seeking fun, fitness and connection this summer. Whether you’re searching for activities to keep your children active and engaged during the summer months or looking for a place to enjoy the warm weather together, the Y has you covered. There is still one week left to redeem a free one-week trial to the Y this June. Free trial memberships are available to individuals and families and grants community members access to all the Y has to offer, including the wellness center, gyms, pools, land & water group exercise classes, and more. Trial memberships are available to non-members and must be redeemed at the Y’s facility. Click to learn about additional program opportunities available at the Y this season: Summer Day Camp – The 2025 Summer Day Camp season is officially underway. Click to review to the parent handbook and more camp information. Pool Time – The Y features two pools within its facility. Click to review the pool schedules, as well as additional aquatics programming. Employment Opportunities – Full-time and part-time employment opportunities are available across various departments. Special Events – This summer, the Greater Scranton YMCA is hosting a Summer Clothing Drive, Hawaiian Hula Hustle 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk, and a Fall Craft Fair. Additionally, the Y is the beneficiary of the 6th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament & Dinner Celebration, which is being held on Friday, September 19th at Glen Oak County Club. Youth Programs – The Greater Scranton YMCA offers various youth programs that rotate each month. Programs are free for family members. “Join us at the Greater Scranton YMCA this summer as we embark on a season of laughter, learning and cherished memories,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. We welcome everyone in our community to come and discover what the Y has to offer!”
The Greater Scranton YMCA Receives Grant for STEM Lab Creation From left to right: Tressa Capoccia, Rich Surridge, Leo McGowan, Meghan Carnevale The Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $25,000 grant from the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund. The grant will support the creation of a STEM Lab at the Y’s facility, which is located at 706 North Blakely Street in Dunmore. Through the creation of a STEM Lab, the Y will provide students enrolled in the School-Age Program, Summer Day Camp Program, and additional programming to be developed with the opportunity to learn, collaborate with peers, and practice problem-solving skills. The lab will give the Y an opportunity to engage children in learning experiences that integrate science, technology, engineering, and math while also fostering creativity. “We are so grateful to the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund for their support of our YMCA and of children’s education,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “We are excited to begin work on the creation of the STEM Lab and look forward to providing the growing number of children in our care with access to opportunities they may otherwise not have after the school day ends and over the summer months.” For more information about child care programs at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Director of Education, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.
Greater Scranton YMCA Helps Combat Child Hunger with Summer Food Program As summer approaches, many families look forward to vacations and outdoor activities, but for others, putting food on the table is a daily struggle. The latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveals that 47.4 million people, including 13.8 million children, faced food insecurity last year—a rise of 3.2 million from the year before. As the summer season arrives, it’s crucial to remember that access to nutritious meals is not guaranteed for all, highlighting the need for stronger support programs. According to the USDA, over 30 million kids receive free or reduced-cost meals thanks to the National School Lunch Program. However, once the school year ends, only 15 in 100 eligible kids have access to free, healthy meals and snacks over summer break, leaving many children to go without during the summer months. The Y is working to fill that gap and will help keep children healthy and well-nourished this summer, ensuring that kids reach their full potential. Children enrolled in Early Childhood Education Programs, including daycare, preschool and summer day camp, will receive both food and fun through nutritious meals and snacks, while also enjoying recreational and learning activities aimed at keeping bodies and minds active. Y sites across the country, including the Greater Scranton YMCA, will offer the Summer Food Program. While daycare and preschool operate year-round, the Summer Day Camp Program runs from June 9th through August 22nd. Thanks to the Summer Food Service Program and our sponsor, the Scranton School District, campers will receive a healthy lunch daily. This summer, the Greater Scranton YMCA is estimating to feed 225 children in Summer Day Camp and 250 in daycare and preschool here in our community. To learn more about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Day Camp, Early Childhood Education and Food Program, contact Tressa Capoccia at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit www.greaterscrantonymca.org. “Hunger has a lasting impact on the development of children,” says Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Giving kids access to nutrition-filled meals allows kids to focus, learn and become empowered to reach their full potential. The Y’s Summer Food Program helps make sure kids can enjoy healthy and delicious meals and snacks all summer long.” During the Greater Scranton YMCA’s 2023-2024 fiscal year, 69,490 meals and snacks were served to children enrolled in summer camp, after school and early childhood education programs. This year marks the program’s thirteenth year and the Y’s ongoing commitment to helping kids achieve their full potential by nurturing their physical, mental and social- emotional development. During the school year, the Greater Scranton YMCA also serves healthy snacks in its afterschool program to provide kids with nourishment and academic enrichment.
