ESPORTS IS OPEN TO Y MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS
Why Esports? Esports, or electronic sports, takes on the form of organized, multiplayer online video game competitions and is one of the fastest growing trends for youth engagement.
It isn’t the “next big thing”, it is the current big thing! Esports viewership and participation across all platforms globally has reached over 470 million people in 2021; and it is only expected to keep increasing. Through the Y’s Esports program, youth are welcome to be who they are, excel at what they love, and develop the social, strategic and problem-solving skills necessary to grow into thriving adults all in a safe, moderated and inclusive environment.
WHAT IS GAMING AT OUR Y!
Whether you’re a casual gamer or looking to connect with others who share your passion, we’ve got plenty of opportunities for you to jump in and play! Drop-in gaming is available Monday through Wednesday from 5:00-7:00 PM and Saturdays from 9:15-11:00 AM, giving players the chance to enjoy their favorite games in a fun and social setting. For those looking for a more structured experience, our Gaming Club meets every Friday from 5:30-6:30 PM, where members can engage in friendly competition, learn new strategies, and explore different games together. Plus, with our new Science and Arts Studio, where all of our gaming takes place, kids will love the immersive and creative atmosphere that enhances their gaming experience. This dedicated space allows them to play, strategize, and socialize in a welcoming environment designed for fun and learning!
Contact: Quentin Pickering at QuentinP@lhymca.com for any additional questions
GAMING CLUB
AGES 8 – 13 YEARS OLD
Learn to create and follow strategies, communicate with teammates, and develop strong hand-eye coordination during this in-person video gaming club. Our coach will build your confidence and skills while competing against others. Bi-weekly games will be rotated to add variety.
Contact: Quentin Pickering at QuentinP@lhymca.com
YOUTH DROP-IN ACTIVITIES AGES 8-17
FREE FOR MEMBERS
We now offer drop-in service FREE to our members with family and youth memberships! While parents/guardians work out in our facility, kids can stay in our drop-in space of the day for one hour. Monthly calendars include the areas and times available for supervised recreation for school-age children (8-17 years old), Limit to one hour per visit. Parent/Guardian must stay in the building.
- Monday 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Esports
- Tuesday 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Esports
- Wednesday 5:00 – 7:00 PM | Esports
- Saturday 9:15 – 10:00 AM | Esports
NEW! PRE-K BEGINNER DIGITAL ART CLASS 4-5 Years Old
Kids will get early computer experience in this fun, creative class. Kids will learn the basics of coloring and painting applications on their computers through games, challenges, free drawing and more!
Contact: Quentin Pickering at QpuentinP@lhymca.com
Explore STEM at Lakeland Hills YMCA in our State-of-the-Art Lab!
Science • Technology • Engineering • Math
STEM—short for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—has never been more essential. As today’s students prepare for a rapidly changing world, STEM education equips them with critical “21st-century skills” needed for future success: problem-solving, collaboration, critical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning.
At Lakeland Hills YMCA, we’re proud to offer dynamic STEM programming in our brand-new, state-of-the-art STEM Room! Our engaging one-hour classes introduce foundational coding and essential computer skills in a hands-on, supportive environment—perfect for beginners and tech-savvy learners alike.
Click, Code, Create: The Future Starts Here!
Ready to dive in?
For more information contact: Quentin Pickering at QuentinP@lhymca.com or 973-507-7034
Improves Critical Thinking
No one knows exactly how the human brain works. What experts agree on is that it works and that it needs exercise just like any other part of the body for it to function at optimum levels. Esports is a game which tests mental powers and for which critical thinking and reasoning is an absolute must. During actual play or practice, players or gamers actually exercise and sharpen this most vital of organs.
Improves Problem Solving Skills
Esports games involve problem solving and gamers have to make quick decisions on the best moves to make when attacking and how to counter an opponent’s moves. All these exercises and sharpens the brain. The critical thinking thus developed, helps gamers to question things and situations and not merely accept solutions and outcomes because everyone does so.
Stress Relief
Having fun means less stress in your life. Playing electronic sports has a relaxing and calming effect on your nerves thus you feel less stressed. It’s a real stress reliever.
According to published results of medical research, individuals who are less stressed develop better memories. Their capacity to remember things is greatly enhanced. So it’s a simple trajectory to understand, you play esports you enjoy yourself, you relax and feel calm and your brain capacity improves. Your capacity or ability to recall things, events or situations gets vastly improved.
Program Directory
0 programs meet your criteria
Register
Do you want to register for this session only, or for multiple sessions of this program at this location?
