92nd Street Y451

Universally revered as the Y to beat all Y's, the 92nd Street Y has so many classes and services it would take years to list them all. Best of all, there's no membership; virtually everything is available on an a-la-carte basis. (A few Y programs offer membership options, but those programs are open to everyone.)

Programs for parents and children include family swim and swim classes, Toddler/Parent Get-Togethers, on-site babysitting at $11/hour, art or music study for kids, and a terrific array of lectures (including a series on Parenting) and performances (including concerts for families).

A nationwide model, the Y Parenting Center serves as a resource for New York families and caregivers of all kinds, including single moms and dads, step-parents, adopting parents, and others. It offers information, support, and a variety of activities and programs for parents and children. A new initiative called 92nd Street Y Wonderplay: Early Childhood Learning provides an umbrella for all the programs that the Y offers for children ages five and under (and their parents), and can be found on the Y's website.

Classes for little and big kids at the 92nd Street Y include Art: sculpture and pottery, printmaking, cartooning, metalwork and jewelry, painting, drawing, and mixed media; Dance: modern, tap, jazz, ballet, flamenco, swing, and creative - plus five kids' dance troupes (ballet, modern, tap, jazz-funk, and lindy-hop); Music: composition, theory, guitar, piano, voice, violin, viola, cello, bass, trumpet, oboe, clarinet, flute, saxophone, bassoon, and percussion; Sports and Fitness: gymnastics, yoga, kickboxing, tennis, and team sports (soccer, volleyball, basketball, football, softball, and hockey), as well as beginner basketball lessons and non-competitive sports classes (for those who aren't yet ready for team play). Classes are open to kids from the ages of three to 16.

School vacation camps are offered for kids ages five to 13, and are generally open from 8:30am to 5:30pm during public school holidays.

The Y offers 12 summer camp programs, both day camps and sleepaways, for kids ranging in age from three to 18. Most of the programs take place at the Y's Rockland County campgrounds; day campers are picked up from various points in Manhattan and travel the short 40-minute distance in air-conditioned buses with counselor escorts on board and singing and games along the way. Call 212.415.5573 for more information.

The 92nd Street Y's Afterschool Program offers over 15 community service programs for middle and high school kids. Students can mentor younger children, help homeless New Yorkers affected by AIDS/HIV, cook for and feed the hungry, and lead other kids in sports or art activities. Many activities are open to all participants, while some, including tutoring and visits with senior citizens, are intended for high school students.

Most programs run Monday through Friday with an 8-week trimester commitment required, and credit awarded at the end of the trimester. A one-Sunday-a-month program is also available. For more information call the Teen Center at 212.415.5604 or email teens@92y.org.

The Noar Afterschool Center offers kids in grades K-6 a variety of enrichment options - including classes in gymnastics, swimming, dance, music, art, and cooking - to which they are accompanied by counselors. When children are not participating in a class, they are able to relax and play games with friends and counselors in the Playgroup room, which serves as their "home base."

Programs are organized by grade level, snacks are supplied, and children may attend anywhere from one to five days a week. Children also have the option of taking any of the many classes for children offered by the Y. Private music lessons can also be arranged.

For an additional fee, the Y offers a transportation service that escorts children to the Y from several area schools, either by van or by staff "walkers" (depending on the distance). For more information about Noar, call 212.415.5624.

A plethora of party possibilities preside at the 92nd Street Y. You provide the food, decorations and goodies; the Y provides staff, equipment, invitations, party favors, tables, and chairs. All parties run for two hours and prices include 1/2 hour prep time in the party room before the guests arrive. Possibilities include:
Gymnastic Parties can be put together for kids between the ages of two and 12 for up to 18 guests. Two instructors are included. The price increases, of course, as you add guests to the list, for 25-36 children (four instructors are included in that price). You also get to use the very cool GymMaze play structure, with a spiral slide, ball pool, spider net, and more. Call 212.415.5710, ext 1.

Sports Parties are recommended for kids between the ages of five and 12, or kids ages 13 to 18, for up to 21 guests (two instructors), and (at a higher fee) for up to 35 guests (three instructors). The kids get exclusive use of the 2,500 square-foot gymnasium, and can play basketball, soccer, floor hockey or other games. Call 212.415.5710, ext 2.

Pool Parties are perfect for kids between the ages of six and 12, or teens, for up to 15 guests (one instructor/one lifeguard) or for up to 30 guests (two instructors/one lifeguard). The kids get exclusive use of part of the pool, and can either have a free swim or the Y can organize games and activities. Call 212.415.5718, ex 4.

Super Soccer Stars parties are available, too. Call 212.877.7171 for pricing, or visit www.supersoccerstars.com.

And finally, Y Village Parties take place in Rockland County at one of the 92nd Street Y's campsites, for up to 12 children, or, at a higher rate, as many as 35 children. The Y offers cake, drinks and various activities, including rock climbing, ceramics, and karaoke. For an additional fee, the Y will arrange transportation from the city. Call 845.357.0532.

You can see how it all makes us dizzy.

Call for information, prices, and schedules, and be sure to check out the Y's beautiful, informative website.