Specialty Programs
Our Specialty Programs are designed for children who want to delve deeper into their passions and interests. Each program is sessional, offering a focused, multi-week experience that encourages skill development in specific areas.
Led by experienced instructors, Specialty Programs foster a sense of achievement and confidence as participants advance their abilities.
Registration is required, and these programs can be added to a YMCA membership for an additional fee. Visit the membership desk to learn more and enroll your child in a Specialty Program.
Babysitting Course (Ages 12+)
Canada Safety Council's Babysitting Course prepares youth ages 12 and older to become confident, capable, and responsible babysitters. Through comprehensive training, participants gain the skills needed to care for children safely, manage emergencies, and entertain young ones with age-appropriate activities. To earn their certification, candidates must attend all sessions and achieve a minimum passing grade of 75% on the final examination.
Registration is available online through your member portal and in person at any of our Health and Wellness locations.
Cost: members $55, non-members $70
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), Stratford, St. Marys
Babysitting Course with Basic First Aid and CPR-B (Ages 12+)
Canada Safety Council's Babysitting Course prepares youth ages 12 and older to become confident, capable, and responsible babysitters. Through comprehensive training, participants gain the skills needed to care for children safely, manage emergencies, and entertain young ones with age-appropriate activities. To earn their Babysitting certification, candidates must attend all sessions and achieve a minimum passing grade of 75% on the final examination.
This course includes Basic First Aid and CPR-B certification, teaching essential emergency response skills such as contacting emergency medical services, treating minor injuries, and performing CPR and choking procedures for all age groups. It also covers the correct use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Registration is available online through your member portal and in person at any of our Health and Wellness locations.
Cost: members $80, non-members $95
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), Stratford, St. Marys
Children's Strength Academy (Ages 10 – 12)
Children's Strength Academy is a recreational program designed to help children ages 10 to 12 increase their strength, endurance, and flexibility, while also providing an opportunity to make new friends and have fun. The program focuses on developing healthy habits and building fundamental skills to set participants up for a lifetime love of fitness. All fitness levels and experience are welcome.
Registration is available online through your member portal and in person at any of our Health and Wellness locations.
Cost: members $77.50 per 6-week session
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), Stratford, St. Marys
Home Alone Course (Ages 10+)
Canada Safety Council's Home Alone Course is designed to provide children ages 10 and older with the necessary skills and knowledge to be safe and responsible when home alone for short periods of time. This course will help them understand how to prevent problems, handle real-life situations, and keep themselves safe and constructively occupied.
Registration is available online through your member portal and in person at any of our Health and Wellness locations.
Cost: members $40, non-members $55
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge), Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), Stratford, St. Marys
Aquatic Leadership (Ages 10+)
Aquatic Leadership Courses are designed to prepare individuals for roles in lifesaving and aquatic safety. These courses include essential certifications such as the Lifesaving Society's Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross, which build foundational skills in water rescue, CPR, and emergency response. Participants gain the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in aquatic environments, whether pursuing a career in lifeguarding or enhancing personal water safety skills.
Locations: A.R. Kaufman (Kitchener), Chaplin (Cambridge) Guelph, Stork (Waterloo), Stratford