Member Testimonials

For the new building, it would be better if we can have more adult open play sports in the evening during swimming team time. Parents can play sports together while waiting.

Such as: volleyball, table tennis, pickle ball, basketball and more.

Members can sign up ahead online or over the phone.

Also, please improve our website and payment system online.

People are friendly, the gym is kept clean, it is a comfortable environment with classes and training available.

hope that every child can be treated fairly and given equal attention. Some children are naturally more outgoing, while others are quieter or more introverted. For those quieter children, it can sometimes be harder for them to speak up or express their feelings.

It would mean a lot if teachers could take a little extra time to patiently listen to these children and encourage them to share their thoughts. Feeling heard and supported can make a big difference in their confidence and overall experience in the program.

Kara is wonderful!!!!

The staff love kids and the crafts, activity designed attractive. Of they can have more out door free play will be a adds on. Thanks.

Convenience that it is at Riker Hill and Kids dont need to be bused.

The staff at st.cloud afterschool are all very professional, kind and wonderful with the children.

as first time parents, Peanut Shell has transformed our experience providing us with the reassurance that our child is not only cared for but loved by the community it provides. it is truly comforting to know that our daughter is happy with her teacher and classmates, and knowing that they are providing an enriching environment for her to meet her milestones within the first year.

Peace of mind that my child is safe and can go from school to after care without the need for a bus .

THE friendliest and most caring staff! Best water fitness with Christine the Great!

Personal trainer; Class instructor

Friendly staff - members are polite & friendly - excellent group exercise programs

Friendly and helpful staff.

I love the people, the classes and the instructors!

My kid loves it, staff is great…

The variety of classes.

It’s been a great experience for our daughter. She has grown and developed so much since starting at peanut shell.

We couldn’t be happier with the care our daughter receives at this childcare center. What truly stands out is how personal and thoughtful the experience is. Not only do her teachers know her by name, but all staff members do, and they remember important details about our family, like special dates and vacations. That level of attention makes us feel truly known and appreciated.

The director and assistant director are also very hands-on and involved in the day-to-day operations. They are present, engaged, and clearly aware of what is happening throughout the center. You can see that they care deeply about both the children and the families they serve.

This is more than just a childcare center. It is a warm, welcoming environment where people genuinely care, and we are grateful to be part of it.

My daughter told me that she loves going to afterschool. I am glad to know that, she has the opportunity to do more activities and complete homework and socializing more.

My son gets a chance to particpate in various activites and make friends.

My children are happy always Want to stay. The staff is amazing with my kids and they are usually happy when I arrive to pick them up.

Love it! Staff is amazing

The staff is very friendly! The pool is very clean and well maintained. The women’s locker room is always being cleaned when I am there! Love the sauna and steam rooms! Only negative, need more showers and benches to sit on when dressing although space is limited.

Decent clean environments

This YMCA has a very welcoming community. The fitness classes are professional and are great in helping me achieve my fitness goals. Staff is very approachable, knowledgeable, and eager to help. There is a broad range of opportunities to meet your individual needs. Help and support is always available. Left my old gym and never looked back. I’ve been a member over two years.

I like the classes and every instructor and staff member that we come in contact with is very friendly.

Our swim instructor, Kara. She’s personable, professional and knowledgeable. She took my daughter from being afraid of water to jumping in on the deep end within a few months.

I like the warm and friendly atmosphere from staff at the front desk when I enter the Y. This extends to other staff members as well. I have found the staff to be very responsive to questions and will follow-up if any issues or concerns arise. I love the water aerobics classes as well as yoga and balance and stability classes. The instructors are experienced professionals who provide excellent and fun classes. The Y stimulates both my body and mind, a sense of community and my physical well-being.

The West Essex Y is my "home away from home"!!

My 4-year-old daughter has taken swim lessons at three other locations and never really wanted to go. Mr. Unique and Miss Erika are the only instructors she’s had who she truly looks forward to seeing. Thanks to them, she’s more confident in the water and is finally making real improvements. We couldn’t be happier.

Coach James has been a wonderful force in creating a cohesive team that our kids want to participate in, and they've learned to work hard and have fun. Our family is thankful to have him at the head of the swim team.