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Questions and Answers
Q: Is the YMCA still a Christian based organization?
A. Unequivocally Yes!!! Especially, the Athens YMCA. The YMCA is open to all - however, the Athens YMCA promotes Christianity and Christian values in its programs and membership. The YMCA displays the 10 commandments, pictures of Jesus, signage with scripture and offers a weekly men's bible study that is attended on average by 40 men each week and meets at 7:00 a.m. on Thursdays. The YMCA's after school programs are also Christian based, staff finish all daily youth programs with 15 minutes of "Chapel" each day.
Q: Does the YMCA have a "Child Watch" service while I utilize the YMCA's facilities?
A. Yes, the YMCA recently renovated our child watch/nursery area to include expanded space, a secure infant area that is visible to parents from the hallway, food court area, bathroom,and a check-in area, etc. Parents may leave their children in the child watch area for up to 2½ hours per visit while they utilize the facilities. This is a free service to YMCA members.
Q: What is the guest policy for the YMCA?
A. The YMCA does not allow daily guest who are non-members who reside in the YMCA's service area. The YMCA will gladly give a facility tour to prospective members and review membership or program information.
The exception to the above, is members from other YMCA's who have a valid/current membership card from another YMCA. In this case, the YMCA will allow members to visit for up to 4 (four) times per month at no charge. Visits after the monthly 4 are charged at $5.00 per visit.
In addition to the above, YMCA members may bring friends or family who may be visiting from out of the YMCA's service area (Clarke, Oconee, Madison, Jackson, Oglethorpe, Wilkes, Greene, Morgan, Taliferro, and Barrow counties) with them to the YMCA for up to one week.
Q: Why is the quarterly fee higher than the monthly bank draft fee?
A. The YMCA's quarterly fee is roughly 15% higher than the monthly bank draft due to the higher percentage of cancellations. Most YMCA's only offer two forms of payment methods - bank draft or annual.
The Athens YMCA knows that not everybody has a checking account, and/or the ability to pre-pay an annual membership. Therefore, the YMCA offers a quarterly and a six month membership.
Q: At what age does a senior couple membership start?
A. 60 years old and up - both individuals must be 60 years old and up to qualify.
Q: What programs can my family participate in together at the YMCA?
A. Family programming is a area the Athens YMCA is focusing on - we offer family fitness on Saturdays and Sundays where 11, 12 & 13 years olds can work out in the fitness center with their mom or dad.
The YMCA recently set up a number of games (ping pong, foosball, air hockey) in the youth room for family enjoyment.
The YMCA's outdoor pool is open during the Summer on Saturdays and Sundays for family time.
The YMCA also offers our "Father/Son", "Mother/Daughter" campouts in July at our residence camp in Tallulah Falls for outdoor, quality time together.
Q: Does the YMCA offer anything for my 6 month old infant?
A. Yes, the YMCA offers "Parent/Child" swim lessons, Kindermusik that helps develop the intellectual and physical components of your child. At age 3, the YMCA also offers "Mighty Mite" soccer for 3 and 4 years olds.
Q: How do I join?
A. Simple, just fill out an Athens YMCA membership form and bring into the YMCA's front office. The membership process takes about 10 minutes, and you can utilize the YMCA's facilities the same day. Download a form by clicking the "forms and downloads" icon found on the bottom left of our web pages.
Q: Why do I have to pay a "Building Fund Fee" if I want to become a member?
A. The building fund fee is your investment in the YMCA. The YMCA utilizes the accumulated building fund fees towards facility improvements, equipment purchase, etc.
Q: Can I freeze my membership?
A. Yes, the Athens YMCA allows "bank draft" members to freeze their bank draft for a minimum of 3 months, and a maximum of 6 months. This policy is very effective for when a member might be on extended vacation up north, a temporary illness, etc.
Q: How does the YMCA build and pay for its facilities?
A. The Athens YMCA is debt free, (we have no mortgage on any assets the YMCA owns) independent YMCA association. The current building was built in 1966-67 with a "capital campaign" that was organized by the community and the local board of directors. Individuals and business believed in the YMCA enough to give significant dollars towards its construction.
Q: Can I sign up for a membership or programs online?
A. No - currently, the YMCA does not have the ability built into its web site to handle this very important web based transaction. Down the road, the Athens YMCA hopes to offer this option.
You can download a membership application though...
Q: Who owns the YMCA?
A. Indirectly, the community does. Directly, the Athens YMCA is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation that is overseen by a volunteer board of directors, and managed by paid staff.
Q. I thought the YMCA was just for young men or boys?
A. Historically yes. Today though, the average YMCA's membership mirrors the make-up of the community it serves. Interestingly, today over 51% of all full time staff for YMCA's are female.
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