The Hopkinsville Family YMCA is entering one of its busiest seasons of the year, combining expanded summer programming, active hiring efforts and a pair of upcoming health seminars focused on children and families.
YMCA staff say the goal is to provide a safe, engaging environment for youth while also offering resources for parents as school lets out and summer approaches.
Associate Director Kristen Lilly, a senior staff member who oversees aquatics operations, said the organization is currently working to fill several seasonal positions ahead of the summer rush.
“We’ve got a lot of hiring going on,” Lilly said. “Summer’s coming, so I am looking for lifeguards… if you’re certified or want to get certified, we’re hiring for summer camp, and we have a lot of signups going on.”
The hiring push comes as registration is underway for a wide range of youth programs, including sports leagues, camps and swim lessons. According to the YMCA, summer camp registration opened in March for members and April for non-members, with sessions running from early June through early August.
Lilly said families are already responding.
“We have our junior NBA league, our baseball, t-ball league signups going on now, our summer camp, swim lessons, you name it, we have it going on right now,” she said. “When school’s out… you’ve got to find somewhere for them to stay and be safe… just a lot of things going on to keep your kids active.”
The YMCA offers a broad range of programming beyond sports, including specialty camps and youth development activities designed to support physical activity, social interaction and skill-building.
Facilities at the Hopkinsville location include a fitness center, pool, gymnasium and youth activity spaces, supporting its mission of promoting healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Seasonal amenities are also on the horizon, with Lilly noting the outdoor pool is expected to open around Memorial Day weekend, weather permitting.
In addition to recreation, the YMCA is expanding its role as a community health resource with an upcoming Health and Wellness Seminar centered on pediatric care.
The event, scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, will feature two local medical professionals: pediatrician Dr. Jan H. Floyd of Jennie Stuart Health and dentist Kalleb A. Greene.
“It’s going to be pediatric, so we’re so excited about that,” Lilly said. “We’ve got a local dentist and a local pediatric doctor coming in… to keep them healthy from their teeth to just their bodies.”
Topics will include healthy lifestyle choices, disease prevention in children and dental health practices such as brushing, nutrition and early care.
Two identical sessions will be offered—at noon and 5:30 p.m.—to accommodate different schedules.
“That way everybody has a chance to come in and hear them speak,” Lilly said. “We always have a great turnout on our seminars like that.”
The seminars are free and open to the public, though organizers ask attendees to register in advance to ensure adequate seating.
“They’re free to the community… but we do kind of need to know if they’re going to attend so we can have enough chairs for everybody,” Lilly said.
Registration can be completed at the YMCA front desk, and additional information about programs, employment and events is available through the organization’s website and social media platforms.
With summer approaching, Lilly said the YMCA’s focus remains on providing opportunities that keep children active, engaged and supported both physically and socially.
“Just a lot of things going on,” she said, “to keep your kids active so they’re not sitting at home on those video games.”
