07/21/08

Safe but not pleasing

by archmom

My kids like the YMCA afterschool program but have not been happy at the Findley Y because they feel it is too impersonal. They prefer track-out camp to summer camp because it is less crowded. We think the Y is the best program for kids but Findley is not the only Y in the Triangle.

02/15/08

If you have a family and live in N. Raleigh, you MUST join the YMCA

by WattsMom

Reading the other review prompts me to add my two cents.

Yes, you have to give two weeks notice to cancel something, but I think that's fair and clearly communicated. There are almost always waiting lists for programs because nobody serves the family community in North Raleigh better than the YMCA. Two weeks gives the Y time to notify families that a space has become available, and then gives the waiting family time to plan accordingly. If they allowed last minute cancellations with full refunds, it would be logistically impossible for them to meet everyone's needs and be as organized as they are when programs begin. And they are organized!!

If you have children and live in North Raleigh, belonging to the Finley YMCA is a must. If you have an infant, bring your baby to the nursery and go exercise, swim, sit in the hot tub. The nursery staff LOVE babies and will take great care of your little one. Same goes for the Playhouse, although it often gets overcrowded IMHO. Funhouse is super fun for the older kids, they even take them to the outdoor pool in the summer.

There are so many organized sports, and the emphasis is always on having fun. Swim lessons, wrestling, you name it. My son had an indoor pool birthday party in teh winter and loved it. Parents Night Out is great - the kids play and the parents go out to dinner! Movies in the pool at night - swimming and watching movies at the same time! and of course too many camps, track-out programs, and before/after school programs to name them all. The list goes on and on, and it's all about family, community, and wellness. It's a lot more than a gym.

There are things I would change: more emphasis on academics in the preschool (it's more of a playschool). More supervision of older kids at camps and trackouts (not an issue in Funhouse). A much larger Playhouse to meet the obvious demand in the community. But all of these things may happen in time.

My bottom line: JOIN!

• Pros: zillions of programs for all ages, great family programs, warm community
• Cons: parking, can be crowded due to popularity, get in early for all registrations

08/21/07

ask about their cancellation policy before to register or cancel.

by fbsy4ever

i came in to cancel my son afterschool program a week before school start. i did ask someone in front desk about my $ 304 deposit . they said i will be refunded all $ 304 deposit , except the loose of $ 35 application fee that i paid separate. Three weeks later i received $ 112 instead of $ 304. i called in then they said the cancellation must be written in note two weeks. i did not know two weeks prior school start or after school start. their staff did not even know that policy and the lady who handle financial of cancellation did not know too. Finally they did agree to refund my deposit after several call in.

• Pros: thumbs UP
• Cons: thumbs down

A nationally recognized recreation and athletic center geared toward community improvement.

by Contributor

In Short
The first U.S. branch of the YMCA started in Boston in 1851; there are now more than 2,500 locations nationwide, making it the country's largest nonprofit community service program. Each YMCA reflects the community it's in, offering differing services based on the area. Most include fitness areas with aerobic equipment, classes and racquetball and tennis courts. Many also have day care and after-school programs, as well as summer day camps.