ABOUT OUR CLUBS

The Virginia YMCA sponsors school-based service clubs which stress leadership development and community service. These clubs are called Hi-Y, which means high school YMCA. The first such club was organized in Chapman, Kansas in 1889, and was for boys only. Later came Tri-Hi-Y, a club for girls. Today, most clubs are co-ed and are called Hi-Y or Youth & Government. Hi-Y clubs perform school and community service projects and also participate in the Virginia YMCA’s model government programs. Students from affiliated clubs have the opportunity to run for office, serve as committee chairs, and become appointed officers.

Form submission and information about being an affiliated member can be found on Wild Apricot, which can be accessed here or on the MGA program page.

HOW DO I START A CLUB?

Contact the Virginia YMCA and we will be happy to help get you started. Each club needs a sponsoring school or YMCA staff members from their local school or YMCA to advise the club. Advisors can view the  Getting Started Guide for more information on how to get started.

HOW DO I BECOME AN ADVISOR?

Contact Virginia YMCA and we will be happy to help you. There are several ways you can serve as an Advisor. You do not have to bring students to our program through one of our clubs, but we certainly encourage you to start a club if there is interest. You can find more information in the  G etting Started Guide.

HOW CAN I BRING STUDENTS TO ONE OF YOUR PROGRAMS?

We require all students, either from a YMCA or a school, to attend with an advisor. If an advisor is interested in bringing kids, please contact us and we will help get you started. If a parent wishes to get their child involved, feel free to contact us and we can help you find the nearest participating school or YMCA. You can reach our Director of Programs by emailing programs@vaymca.org.