Family

Families are important here at the YMCA. We think of our fellow staffers and our members as family. As has been true throughout the history of the YMCA, today we strive daily to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Those last three phrases are definitely connected; we truly believe that. So in addition to the broad array of programs, sports leagues and classes offered to any one particular age group or groups, the Missoula Family YMCA offers an ever-growing selection of family-oriented programs.

There are pizza party playgroups, guided adventures that take families out to explore the greater Missoula area, the annual father-daughter dance and more. And this is all in addition to the exercise classes and swim times that welcome entire families to play together and workout together. (In case you were wondering, the Winter Women’s Retreat is listed here in the family section because taking care of your family means also taking care of your self.)

Detailed information on all Y programs—including family-group specific programs—is just a click away.

Families First Programs

We now have a partnership with Families First, a local, well-respected organization dedicated to strengthening our community by empowering families with parent education and learning through play. Families First will offer parenting classes at the Y. Because of the popularity of classes, space will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and we encourage pre-registering to ensure a seat. Families First staff are caring, compassionate and experienced, and are dedicated to helping all of us be the very best parents we can be. Child care will be available free of charge during each class.
- Adjusting to Middle School
  
  Learn how to help your child and yourself navigate typical middle school challenges. Classes are harder, homework increases, friendships shift and self-esteem is questioned. Your child needs you now more than ever. Come to discuss ideas for how to support your child during one of the toughest transitions of childhood.
- Building Children's Confidence and Competence: Part 1
  
  (What is Self-Esteem?)
  
  Ask parents what they most want for their children, and the answer most likely will be that the kids be happy and successful. Many parents are aware that children who have high self-esteem, who feel accepted and appreciated, tend to approach life with optimism and confidence. This two-part series helps parents answer the questions: What is self-esteem? How do children “get” it? How do parents “give” it? And, how do parents foster self-esteem without also making children self-centered? Participants will leave with answers to these questions and with strategies to initiate with their children that foster self-esteem and responsibility. Parents can attend one or both parts.
- Building Children's Confidence and Competence: Part 2
  
  (Teaching and Training with Love)
  
  Part two of our two-part series. Participants can attend one or both parts.
Play Group & Pizza

This program is for members and their children ages 2 – 5. Enjoy fun playtime in our Kid's Gym followed by lunch at the YMCA (pizza donated weekly by Domino’s). Sign up weekly at the Welcome Center. Does not meet on School’s Out! days.
Indoor Tennis for Families

(November)

Get the family together and come on down the Y to enjoy an afternoon together. Begins in November.

Day & Time:   Sun 3–5 p.m.

Location:         Blue Gym

Fee:                Free (Members Only)
Family Tae Kwon Do

(ages 6 - adult)

Traditional Tae Kwon Do and self-defense. This martial arts program helps build self-confidence, respect, flexibility, strength and balance.
Parents Night Out

Parents just need a night out—whether that’s going on a date, relaxing at home, shopping, catching a movie or spending time with other grown-ups—and the Missoula Family YMCA provides the perfect opportunity! One Friday evening each month during the school year, the Y Childcare and After School program staff will entertain and supervise your children. From 6:30 –1 0 p.m., kids will have pizza for dinner, then enjoy a variety of activities like arts and crafts, rock climbing, swimming, playing Wii and DDR, pool, air hockey, shooting hoops, playing in the Kid’s Gym and more! A healthy snack will be served later in the evening. Children from 6 weeks old through 5th grade are invited to attend. Kids in kindergarten through 5th grade should bring a swimsuit and towel if they plan to swim. Cost is $20/child, or $15/child with a Family Membership.

Schedule of Activities:

6:30-7:30 p.m / Dinner and games

7:30-8:30 p.m. / School-age kids will swim or rock climb; younger children will play in our Kid's Gym.

8:00-8:30 p.m. / Little ones will go into our Child Watch Center for activities.

8:30 p.m. / Snack time

8:45-10:00 p.m. / G-rated movie and/or quiet play time in the Child Watch Center.

Parents Night Out is regularly scheduled on the third Friday, September through May. Parents may register online or at the YMCA Welcome Center. Cost is $20/child, or $15/child with a Family Membership.

For more information, contact Karen Hamilton at khamilton@ymcamissoula.org or call 721-YMCA (9622).
Parent/Child Swim Lessons

(ages 6 mos – 2 yrs)

This nationally recognized YMCA program for infants, toddlers and their parents, teaches water adjustment for each developmental level.
Preschoolers Rock

(ages 4 – 5)

Calling all rockin’ preschoolers! Y Music is ready to teach fundamentals and have fun jamming with your 4- and 5-year-olds. Caregivers are welcome but not required to attend. Grown-ups who come to class should be ready to make music with their little ones!
Young Parents

(24 and under)

If you’re a young parent, age 24 or under, here’s a great opportunity for you to hang out with your peers engaging in fun activities like rock climbing, art, volunteering, parenting classes and much more.
Father-Daughter Sweetheart Dance

Each February, the Missoula Family YMCA holds its Father-Daughter Sweetheart Dance. This evening is a special opportunity for dads to bring their daughters to our semiformal dance, where each young lady is treated like a princess. Daughters receive a corsage at the door, punch and cookies are served, formal pictures are available for purchase (and ready to take home at the end of the evening), raffles are held and a DJ provides music for dads and daughters to dance the night away.

Decorated just like a high school gym during prom, the Father-Daughter Sweetheart Dance is held at the Missoula Family YMCA in the Kid’s Gym. The 2010 dance will be Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. The dance starts at 7 p.m. but pictures are available starting at 6 p.m.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Kelli Hess at khess@ymcamissoula.org or call 721-YMCA (9622).
Riverbank Run / 1-Mile Fun Run • 5K • 10K • Trifecta

(April)

The YMCA Riverbank Run is going strong in its 38th year. From its humble beginnings with less than 300 participants to its current stature as the largest foot race in Missoula, this flat, fast 1-Mile, 5K or 10K course will knock your socks off. We are proud of this event’s top ranking with Runner’s World magazine, but we’re most proud of the fact that your registration fees help us empower kids, create opportunities for families, and encourage them to make a difference, too.

Entry Fee & Registration

Registration begins March 2010. You can register online or in person at the YMCA's Welcome Center.

Race Schedule

* 7 – 8 a.m. Race day registration at the starting line

* 8:45 a.m. Call to the starting line * 9 a.m. 10K start

* 10:30 a.m. 5K start * 11:25 a.m. Trifecta 1-mile segment start

* 11:35 a.m. 1-Mile Fun Run

The Start (Higgins & Broadway)

Plan to arrive early and carpool if possible. Buses will travel to and from the southwest corner of the Southgate Mall parking lot, the start and the finish line. Faster runners please gather in the front. Please make way for more competitive participants.

Baby Joggers, Strollers & Assisted Wheelchairs

Everyone is encouraged to participate in the Riverbank Run. Because of safety related problems with strollers and wheelchairs in the past, all strollers and assisted wheelchairs, regardless of athletic ability, must line up at the back of the starting field. Helmets are strongly encouraged, especially for infants and toddlers.

Host Hotel

The YMCA is proud to list the Quality Inn and the Econo Lodge as their official hotels. We hope you will visit these hotels and our other sponsors to meet your personal or business needs. Make your reservation at 877-424-6423.

Water Stations

Water stations will be located throughout the 5K and 10K routes, and the finish area. Medical assistance will be available for minor medical needs throughout the course. Safety For safety and courtesy, please do not bring radio headsets, dogs, bicycles, skateboards or rollerblades to the event. Runners are reminded to please watch for cars on the road at all times. Volunteers will help direct you at major intersections. Please run on the right side of the street, using the parking lane, unless marked otherwise.

Runner's Edge Trifecta

The Trifecta is an opportunity for runners to participate in all three race events. Results will be calculated by totaling participant finish times. Special awards for the Trifecta will be provided by the Runner’s Edge for 1st place age-group winners, both male and female. Age-group categories for the Trifecta are as follows: under 18, 18-34, 35-49, 50-64, 65 and older. Trifecta runners will receive a commemorative long-sleeved shirt. Trifecta runners are invited to the Runner’s Edge between events for rehydration, warm up and cool down. (Please note the Trifecta 1-Mile start time. No registration after April 23.)

Good Food Store School Challenge

Students representing their school may enter the challenge. The entry fee is $13 per student and you must get your entry form and register at your school. Trophies will be awarded to the school with the most entries and to the school with the highest percentage of participants in any combination. For those needing financial assistance, Good Food Store entry vouchers are available through your school. All children registered through their school will receive special Good Food Store prizes.

Results & Awards

Unofficial results will be available following the finish. Complete official results will be available at the YMCA three days after the event and will be published in the Missoulian within eight days of the event. Online results will be posted at ymcamissoula.org. The overall winners of the 1-Mile, 5K, 10K and Trifecta events will be recognized at a post-race awards ceremony at the Boone & Crockett Club. 1-Mile Fun Run participants will not be officially timed; however, they will be listed in alphabetical order in the official race results. A clock will be located at the 1-Mile finish if you would like to note your race time. Awards will be given to the 1st place runner from each age group in the 5K and 10K events. The overall winners will not qualify for age group awards. Please do not participate without a race number. Awards must be claimed at the awards ceremony or at the YMCA within one month.

Race Photos

Penrose Photography will be taking finish-line photos again this year. Photos are not guaranteed. If you are interested in having a race photograph, and your photo is taken, proofs of the photos will be available at finishshots.com. At that time you will be given options for purchase. If you are sure you do not wish to have a photo, please put an “X” through your race number.
Y-Triathlon / Missoula's only novice/sprint triathlon

(May)

The Y-Triathlon is Missoula’s only novice/sprint triathlon. The YMCA’s Missoula High Energy club volunteers will be on hand to support beginners in this unique community event. Racers will swim 500 yards, bike 5 miles and run 5k (3.1 Mile).

Date & Time

May 8. 11am-5pm

Entry Fee & Registration

Registration is open now. Race day registration will be available depending on space. Register at 3000 South Russell Street or on-line.

Fees include timing, race shirt, and BBQ. For more information, please call 721-9622.

Age & Ability

Everyone age twelve and older is encouraged to participate in the Y-Triathlon. Youth eight and older are able to participate in the swimming leg as part of a team. Unlike many triathlons, this event will allow families and friends to participate at the same time, regardless of ability.

This event is open to people with adaptive needs and special accommodations can be arranged including the use of flippers, floatation devices, and course aids.

Drop-in childcare will be available for racers and volunteers.

Youth Triathlon

A “Kids’ Triathlon” for children ages eleven and under will be held at approximately 4:00 pm, but not before the course is clear and all adult participants are finished. Please be on hand at 3:45 pm to participate. The event will not start before 4:00 pm. Pre-race sign up is required but there will be no cost.

Awards & Celebration

A BBQ for participants, volunteers, and spectators will start at 2:00 pm and continue until the event is finished. The awards ceremony and raffle will begin immediately following the “Kids’ Triathlon”.

Safety

For safety and courtesy, please do not bring headsets or dogs. This is an open course and participants are reminded to watch for cars on the road at all times. Volunteers and police will help direct you at major intersections.