East Cleveland Leader

Y Program Is Wide, Varied

While the YMCA is basically a young men's organization, the past 30 years has seen a strong emphasis on programs for boys. Today the Y triangle has become a symbol of fun, training and leadership for many boys.

The Y seeks to apply its purpose of developing Christian personality by providing opportunities for boys to become healthy, well-balanced and responsible citizens, to learn how to live together and work for the common good; and to grow in their understanding and love of God and in loyalty to Jesus.

The red Y triangle exhibits the three-sided nature of man-spirit, mind and body. Thus, the Y, through its program, seeks to develop each side of a boy's nature.

The Y does this by having activity with boys, not for them. Programs are set by members; boys decide they want a particular activity; boys share in the planning of the activity itself; boys have fun as they play together; boys develop leadership from good adviser's example and the practice itself.

Generally, boys the world over like the same activities. Through experience, the Y has learned what are good and what will produce real results of leadership.

The basic and best all-around boys program activities are called the Four Fronts. These are known generally as parts of modern group work. In this process, the same group of boys, the same age, work and play together in various activities so each gains acceptability and recognition.

Specifically, these are Indian Guides for boys ages 6 to 9; Gra-Y clubs for boys ages 9 to 12; Jr. Hi-Y for boys ages 13 to 15 and Hi-Y for boys 15 to 18. In everyday language, these are called service clubs.

Camping is a big section of a good Y program. Most widely known is the overnite camp where boys spend a period away from home. A newcomer to the camping field is day camp where boys are picked up daily and returned home each evening.

Included here, too, are the many weekend camp trips and trips by bus to parks, factories, museums, etc. Special and lesser known are adventure camps for older boys, such as North Woods Y Camp, and farm camps.

An active program in East Cleveland is the Spring grade school age softball League and the Fall Flag-football League.

Part of the Y purpose is to develop special interests in its members. Some of the best known are classes or clubs in photography, stamp collecting, handicraft, ceramics, public affairs, pen pals and pet training. Recently youth canteens have become widely known.

To meet the needs of the community we serve, many neighbor clubs will be organized. These are generally already "organized gangs" of boys who have some sort of purpose, but lack the leadership and facilities to complete their program. These clubs will be welcomed into the Y with the intent of directing their purpose into the Y's purpose-developing Christian character.

Perhaps the most common program associated with the Y is boy's physical education classes in pool and gym. While it is not the entire Y program, it is the core that brings many boys to the Y.

Through this activity and interest, other paths are opened for a youngster to grow. In both the pool and the gymnasium, boys are taught skills, are learning to enjoy themselves, are growing healthier, and are taught to share and co-operate.

Until the new building is expanded to include a pool and a gymnasium, these classes will continue to be held at Shaw High School.

Every day the activities of the Y boys' program returns dividends in older boys and young men who serve others both in the Y and in the community. Learning and playing are so linked together as to be one. As a result of its 100 years of experience, the Y has the "know-how" to continually attract boys so they will become the leaders of tomorrow.

Murle Cowls, Manager, Cleveland Trust Co., Windermere Branch-"The Windermere Branch of Cleveland Trust Co. is happy to share in the joyous occasion of the dedication of the new YMCA building. Best wishes for continued service to the youth of our community."