Member Testimonials
I like the small weight room and try to go there when it is not too busy. I also like the stationery bikes -- wish there were more than three of them!! Also, it's great that it's adjacent to the parking deck -- wish there were more spaces!
Jane Hooven runs a tight ship and kids get to play with friends and the staff.
So far my experience has been great! I’m new to the program (January 2025) but my daughter has been having a pleasant experience. The staff seem to be very attentive and she loves doing the activities that are incorporated!
Convenience and welcoming staff
Armando was an amazing instructor! He was very patient, supportive, and very nice. Due to his great teaching skills, I feel extremely comfortable in water. The most comfortable I’ve felt in my whole life. I’m grateful for the YMCA swim program and for our instructor.
Heather at CHB is great. She leads the staff and keeps the children engaged.
Mr. Billy is a gem of a swim teacher. His knowledge and disposition are truly incredible. We would follow him to any pool around!
The best
My daughter has been a part of the YMCA school-age childcare program for five years. I love how accommodating this program is. I enjoy seeing the same counselors at multiple programs, this creates lasting relationships with the children in their care and their family. I enjoyed the array of activities that are provided throughout the year and the love that is poured into my child. My daughter was always excited at drop of and pick and this made me heart smile. I give the YMCA a ten out of ten.
Mr. Tommy has been great! It's really helpful that he explains the reason behind doing exercises and demonstrates, such as with climbing out of the pool
We absolutely love their before, and Aftercare program. All the things they offer and the way they’re separate different grade levels. They stagger them outside time, arts and crafts or in the gym. Love how they all come together at 5 o’clock and the little one can play with the big ones. We absolutely love all the counselors, but especially the Watchung YMCA supervisor Ms. Markell McCormick. She is organized, creative, caring, brings in outside people for ZUMBA and she does amazing job overall making sure the kids have fun things to do such arts and craft projects! She has a really great handle on all the counselors and the different groups and all the children. My child gets upset when I pick her up early!
Claire has been phenomenal with all the kids. The lessons have been well structured, so I see my daughter (2 1/2 y.o.) progressing every single week. And these are simply truly vital skills to learn.
Class sizes are small and everyone gets individualized support. My kids enjoy the classes and have learned so much!
As a working mom, I am so thankful for the YMCA AFTERCARE program, my kids love the program, specifically the cooking class.
I had a great experience taking swim lessons at the Y. While I had learned to swim when I was younger, it was really beneficial to get tips on my technique -- I now feel much more confident that I can get a good workout in the pool.
In addition, Gaudi (not sure on spelling!) was a knowledgeable and kind instructor, and the overall class dynamic was really positive and supportive. Highly recommended.
I love the way the help my kid to overcome challenges, ms. Markell is great and all the team
The coaches are great, they know how to work with the kids by motivating them to get them where they should be! First name removed
Good facility, great teacher, makes the kids feel comfortable and have fun while learning how to swim.
I appreciate the activities provided for the kids. Also the counselors are great at Brookdale!
Kids have a lot of fun, they are really great about managing allergies, and about communication.
I love the relationships the counselors build with the students, and the convenience of knowing that my daughter is in good hands.
Thank you for all the help you extended to my daughter during her aftercare program. We appreciate all of you.
Counselors are great at managing all of the kids.
We’ve been at the Y for kids swim lessons since 2014. Mostly at Geyer until the kids aged out. Over that time, it’s been amazing to watch the aquatics program develop, eg introducing the stage system, and grow. We like that the teachers focus on the kids at all times and encourage them to do their best. (Other programs we have tried - often was the case that instructor was on phone or chatting with friends instead of paying attention to kids.) Transitioning to the “big Y” was difficult for my shy kids, but now they’re getting used to it and really love the big pool and coaches!
Lessons are good in general, but they are great if your teacher is Tommy. Tommy really pushes the kids with timely feedback and encouragement.
We have very much enjoyed our lessons with Mr Billy! He makes the classes fun and engaging, and we feel like our boys are learning the fundamental swimming skills we wanted them to start learning at this age. He is a wonderful instructor and we hope to be in an upcoming class with him soon. Thank you!
We love Nishuane after care! The staff is so kind and upbeat, and my kid come home happy
The tennis coaches were absolutely wonderful with my daughter Dolly. I appreciate how gentle and kind they are and how they helped her focus and develop her skills. Thank you!
Lots of options and levels to choose from. Good programs for seniors
Lovely staff. My child loved it. Made friends, enjoyed the activities. Reasonably priced.