Membership Director Bambi Poppick recently announced the new summer classes to be offered at the Mystic branch of the Ocean Community YMCA. Poppick said there will be arts and crafts classes for children ages 8 to 12 covering several media.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for children who love to use their hands and imagination,” Poppick said. She added that Intro to Watercolors for children ages 9 to 12 will give participants the chance to get wet and wild while learning how to paint watercolors.
“Color studies, still-life, and landscape will all be covered,” she said. “In the Intro to Sculpture class for ages 9 to 12, children can get their hands dirty while creating a fun and rewarding project…The Painting Skills class for teens and adults will explore fun different approaches to painting by using various techniques guided by a local professional artist. This class is for all levels of artistic abilities,” she noted.
Poppick said many of the Y’s new programs have been developed by Enrichment Director Diana Yalen.
“When it was the Mystic Community Center, [there was] more of a focus on some of these kinds of classes, so we’re excited to have the artists willing to participate,” Poppick said. “We’ve run some other painting classes that were quite popular, so we’re excited. Sometimes it takes a session or two for people to realize we’re doing these types of classes, so we’re hoping with the press releases and the posters around the building, people will know.”
Kayaking for Beginners will start July 1 and run through July 22. It will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m.
“This course covers all of the basics needed to safely and comfortably maneuver on quiet water including: safety, balance, entering and exiting the kayak, forward, reverse, and turning strokes, and self-assisted rescues,” Poppick said in a recent release. “No experience is necessary for this class. Kayaking is a fun, relaxing, low-impact activity that can be enjoyed by all.”
She later added, “We’ve had a kayaking component to our beach camp but never offered a kayaking class. We’re hoping that will go well, too.” The class will take place on Williams Beach behind the center.
In August, the YMCA will begin its College Bound/Back to School Self-Defense Class, which Poppick said is designed for college-bound students.
“Important safety information and a few simple self-defense concepts will be taught,” Poppick stated in a press release. “Learn how to walk on campus with confidence [and] drive safely in a strange city. Learn what an attacker is looking for in a victim and learn the best targets to strike an attacker, and more.”
“It’s going to incorporate martial arts but, again, going over safety information and how to be aware of what’s around you,” Poppick later explained.
Many other new and annual programs are being offered, Poppick said, and the YMCA continues to respond to what activities the community would like try.
“We’re trying to expand our program offerings,” Poppick said. “Some come from suggestion cards or just discussions from members.”
For more information and details, call the Mystic branch of the Ocean Community YMCA at 860-536-3575.