Eastern Shore Family YMCA

09/29/2026

We're excited to announce that The Block Community Cafe, a teen initiative, will open at 6:30am on Monday, October 5!
Hope you can join us and start your day with a sip and a smile.

09/24/2026

Now that's dedication!
We're grateful to have you on our team, Brody!

Happy First Week Back to School, Chesapeake!

From first days of school to senior year and everything in between, the Y is proud to be part of the journey! 💙

We’re wishing all of our Chesapeake students a safe, successful, and AMAZING school year! 🎉✏️

And what better way to celebrate than with one of our own staff members, Brody—from dreaming about working at the Y in 2nd grade to making it happen as a senior! 🥹💙

Keep dreaming big, Chesapeake! The Y is cheering you on every step of the way! 💪📚

09/22/2026

Your fall plans start right here!

Our Fall 2026 Program Guide just dropped, packed with everything you need for the upcoming season. Here’s a peek at what’s inside:

🍎 Before & after school care for busy schedules
🏋️ Refreshed & expanded fitness classes
🎃 Seasonal family fun nights
⚽ Fall sports programs for all ages

Ready to plan your season? Click the link below to view the full guide online, or pick up a copy at your local YMCA branch today!
Fall Program Guide: https://loom.ly/iPr6d68

09/21/2026

Always a beautiful day on the courts at the YMCA of Portsmouth!🏓

If you drop by on a Wednesday night, you’re bound to run into teams Power Rangers and T&T, along with a whole crew of awesome players. Whether you’re looking to jump into a friendly match or you’ve never picked up a paddle in your life, this group will instantly make you feel like family and show you the ropes.

Stop by and say hi to this insanely fun community of pickleball pioneers!

09/18/2026

We love our instructors, and this one takes the cake! ❤️🎂

Meet Marissa! She started as a Y member and now brings the energy, and the creativity, as an instructor at the Greenbrier Family YMCA. From leading high-powered Boxmaster sessions to teaching family-fun cake decorating, she does it all!

We caught up with Marissa to hear her story:

What’s your Y journey?
"I started as a member in October 2025, got certified by June, and now teach Boxmaster! When Jen found out about my cake decorating background, she asked if I’d lead a special family activity class. I couldn’t say no! 🙂"

How did you get into cake decorating?
"It started as my COVID hobby! I’m not even a big sweets person, but I fell in love with the precision and creativity of piping. I love sharing this art with our members."

What cake themes are coming up?
"Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday, so the October class is going to be epic! Seeing a full house for our first class in August was amazing, and I can't wait for the next one."

Whether you are ready to pack a punch, or want to get creative with cakes, Marissa’s got just the class to make your day!

09/14/2026

We get it ❤️

09/11/2026

Today, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the first responders, service members and ordinary people who stepped forward in the days that followed.

We also hold close the families and communities who continue to carry that loss, 25 years later.

We remember.

09/10/2026

Meet Jerome!
Back in May 2025, he decided it was time to get serious about his health. He’d never really worked out before, and his wake-up call came during a swim lesson when he unexpectedly ran out of breath. Right then and there, he knew he needed a change.

Jerome teamed up with trainer Justin at the Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA, and the two of them have been crushing it—building strength, boosting endurance, and locking in healthy habits that stick.

• Down 20 pounds
• Gained solid muscle
• Big jumps in strength and stamina
• Powered by his own progress

The best part? Seeing what he’s capable of has become Jerome’s biggest motivation to keep going. His story is proof that you don't need any fitness background to get started. You just have to take that first step!

09/08/2026

Member Spotlight: Evan 🏆
On August 7th, Evan wrote his name into the local legend books by scoring a hole-in-one on the 75-yard Hole 7 at our First Tee Hampton Roads golf course. Watching our members reach milestones like this is the absolute best part of what we do.

With a coach for a brother, the competitive spirit is definitely real in this family! Evan, we're thrilled to celebrate this huge moment with you. 👏

09/05/2026

🎓Class of 2026!
Congrats to our preschool graduates at our YMCA of Portsmouth.
We hope your kindergarten year is off to a great start!

09/03/2026

LABOR DAY HOURS
On September 7, YMCA locations will be open 9am–1pm.
Outdoor pools will be open from 12pm–6pm.
Drop-in care from 9am–12:45pm.
Fitness classes will be limited, please check the schedule for any updates.
Hope to see you poolside September 7!

08/22/2026

🦪 The YMCA Camp Silver Beach Oyster Roast & Beach Bash is less than a month away!

Join us on Saturday, September 19, 3 - 7 PM, for an evening of food, fun, community, and legacy before major changes at Camp Silver Beach!

For over 25 years, Camp Silver Beach has served more than 50,000 campers —shaping young leaders, building confidence, and creating core memories. This fall, camp is undergoing renovations to ensure that future generations can have the same amazing experience.

Your ticket includes:
- Unlimited Eastern Shore oysters
- Clams & barbecue
- B**r & w**e
- Live music from The Southern Fog Band
- A breathtaking view of the Chesapeake Bay!

Every ticket purchased helps provide scholarships so all children can experience the joy, confidence, and belonging that come from a life-changing summer at YMCA Camp Silver Beach.

🎟️ Tickets: https://loom.ly/sZ-U7M0
🤝 Sponsorship opportunities: https://loom.ly/sZ-U7M0

08/10/2026

Support Water Safety at the Eastern Shore Family YMCA!

Our Safety Around the Water campaign is in full swing, and we need your help!

Every year, the Eastern Shore Family YMCA provides lifesaving water safety education and swim lessons to children and families in our community, regardless of their ability to pay. Your generosity helps ensure everyone has the opportunity to be safe and confident around the water.

Every dollar makes a difference! Whether you donate $5, $25, or more, you're helping save lives through water safety education.

💙 Want to make it even more fun? Make your donation in honor of your favorite Eastern Shore Family YMCA lifeguard! It's a wonderful way to recognize the dedicated team members who work hard every day to keep our members and guests safe.

Our goal is to raise $1,500, and with your support, we can get there!

Stop by the Eastern Shore Family YMCA to make your donation or ask one of our team members how you can help.

Together, we can make our community safer—one swimmer at a time. Thank you for your support! 💙

08/01/2026

🦪 TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW🦪

Don't miss an evening of food, fun, community, and legacy before major changes at Camp Silver Beach! The 16th Annual YMCA Camp Silver Beach Oyster Roast & Beach Bash is Saturday, September 19, 3 - 7 PM.

For over 25 years, Camp Silver Beach has served more than 50,000 campers —shaping young leaders, building confidence, and creating core memories. This fall, camp is undergoing renovations to ensure that future generations can have the same amazing experience.

Your ticket includes:
- Unlimited Eastern Shore oysters
- Clams & barbecue
- B**r & w**e
- Live music from The Southern Fog Band
- A breathtaking view of the Chesapeake Bay!

Every ticket purchased helps provide scholarships so children in our community can experience the joy, confidence, and belonging that come from a life-changing summer at YMCA Camp Silver Beach.

🎟️ Tickets: https://loom.ly/sZ-U7M0
🤝 Sponsorship opportunities: https://loom.ly/sZ-U7M0

07/21/2026

One Day. Countless Connections.
On July 22, the Eastern Shore Family YMCA is joining other Ys across the country for Campfire Across America, a one-day gathering centered on connection, belonging, and community.
Join us in the lobby from 2–4pm as we come together around the "campfire" to share stories, reflect, and be present with one another as the YMCA celebrates its 175th anniversary in America. Light snacks will be provided.
See event details here: https://www.ymcashr.org/campfire

07/01/2026

As a reminder, we will be operating on adjusted hours in observance of the Independence Day holiday on July 4th, 2026 and will be open 8am–1pm.

Fitness classes will be limited. Please see the class schedules for any updates.

Happy 4th of July!