For more than 160 years, the YMCA has nurtured potential and united communities across America to create lasting, meaningful change. Everything the Y does is in service of building a better us. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to teach youth, teens, and adults to swim, so they can stay safe around water and learn the skills they need to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for staying healthy.

At Westwood YMCA, we understand that swim lessons are more than just stroke development. The children learn how to swim in an outdoor environment on the pristine Quidnick Reservoir. As they learn to swim, children also develop endurance, self-confidence, and an appreciation for water safety. Each individual child is assessed on their swimming ability, and are placed into the appropriate swimming class. The Y staff works hard to create an encouraging atmosphere in the water, where each swimmer can learn and progress at his or her own rate and comfort level.

If you love to swim, boat, hike, fish, camp, or just breath in fresh clean air, Westwood YMCA is the place for you and your family! With 80 acres of heavily-wooded land carefully preserved for hiking, and daily camp activities as well as nearly 300 acres of pristine water for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Learn more about our Saturday Family Days and special events as we get closer to summer.

Children that attend one of Westwood YMCA’s summer camps will get to enjoy innovative programming in a beautiful setting that consists of 80 acres of heavily wooded land preserved for camping and hiking and the expansive and pristine Quidnick Reservoir used for activities such as swimming, fishing and boating. The day camps are ideal for children age 5 and older. Camps are available for members and non-members. Families can apply for financial assistance and sibling discounts.

Villages and Age Groups

Pathfinders 

Frontiers

Explorers

Adventurers

Pioneers

Race 4 Chase

Ages 6-12 – (Register via phone)

This six week triathlon training program is done in memory of Chase Kowalski, a victim in the Sandy Hook shooting. The program encourages youths to swim, run and bike culminating in an end of the summer marathon. More information can be found at the Race for Chase website or by reaching out to camp. Please call camp to register to learn about the program and schedule.

Parents and guardians in the Coventry and Exeter-West Greenwich area that need childcare for kindergarten age children (5 years old by September 1) or before and after school services for youngsters from the first grade to sixth grade can trust the Westwood YMCA to provide safe, affordable and convenient options. Programs are packed with learning opportunities, fitness readiness activities, arts and crafts, sports play and quiet games. In addition, events are held in observance of holidays and special occurrences such as the first day of a season. Healthy snacks are also provided.

For more information, locations, and applications see the Childcare Page.