In the Know - Episode 1 Hydration

Dr. Jared with Chiropractic First of Rockford and YMCA CEO Brent Pentenburg share tips and facts on healthy living. This episode focuses on hydration.

In the Know - Episode 2 Carbs

Dr. Jared with Chiropractic First of Rockford and YMCA CEO Brent Pentenburg share tips and facts on healthy living. This episode focuses on carbs.

Inclusion Helps All Kids - Brennan's Story

Brennan has autism and his mother, Sheryl, has had to work third shift because she didn't have anyone to care for him during the day. When she found YMCA Camp Winnebago, everything changed. Sheryl is now working days, Brennan's social skills have developed and he is making friends. This video talks about the YMCA For All Inclusion Program.

"Home" Music Video

"Home will last a lifetime at the Y." We couldn't agree more! All of the lyrics to this song came from social media comments about why people love the Y. Matt Taylor from U Can Uke took the comments and wrote us a song. You can see the comments on the screen as he sings them. We love it and think it perfectly represents how our Y is a family and truly a home away from home for many people!

#YWeStandOut Jennifer & Mr. Brian

#YWeStandOut is a campaign to show off our awesome team. These are individuals who show up every day to make someone else's life better. 

This story features Mr. Brian, a teacher at the YMCA Children's Learning Center, and Jennifer, a parent. Jennifer says Mr. Brian stands out because he helped her son through a tough transition.

#YWeStandOut Richard & Holli

#YWeStandOut is a campaign to show off our awesome team. These are individuals who show up every day to make someone else's life better. 

This story features Holli, our Healthy Living Director, and Richard, a regular member in her Body Pump class. Richard says Holli stands out because she leads by example and motivates everyone in class to be a better version of themselves. He needed this support after losing his wife in early 2019.

2019 Intern Testimonials

Julia Orlando, 2019 Intern Challenge winner, and Valeria Lira-Ruelas, runner-up, discuss this season, their expectations and how the challenge impacted their future career plans.

Tour Our New App

Welcome to the New YMCA of Rock River Valley app. We are excited to launch this new app with features to help you meet your health and wellness goals. Watch this video to get a look at the app.

2019 YMCA Intern Challenge Season Recap

After eight weeks of intense competition, the winner of the YMCA Intern Challenge is announced. Julia Orlando took the title and heard the coveted words, “you’re hired!” This video highlights the 2019 season.

Presenting sponsor Rockford University hosted the competition finale in Regent’s Hall on August 7, 2019.

YMCA One Number

Currently, The U.S. has the most unequal income distribution in the developed world. Sometimes these divisions exist mere miles from each other. Depending on the zip code kids are born into, they can have less access to fresh food, quality education and job opportunities, which means they have a much lower chance at upward mobility. This means that far too many individuals and communities are not reaching their full potential. “One Number” reminds us that everything the Y does helps ensure that all people can thrive, no matter who they are or where they’re from. 

YMCA College Tour - Road to Success

Each year, the YMCA of Rock River Valley takes a group of its Achievers students on a road trip to visit a handful of college campuses. Many of these students have never stepped foot on a campus and many never thought college could be an option. The Achievers program helps these students prepare for life after high school, and helps them reach their full potential. This video features Kevin Horton, an Achievers alum who used the college tour to find his future at Rust College.

Camp Magic at Camp Winnebago YMCA

Welcome to a magical place filled with adventure. Where we celebrate each other, reach new heights, encourage one another and where around every corner lies new interactions and new friends to learn from. This is where teamwork means working together to create something amazing. 

Camp Winnebago at the YMCA of Rock River Valley.
#bestsummerever

For a Better Us Video

All people deserve the experience of being included. Trying new things. Sharing laughs. Honing a skill. Connecting without Wifi. And, feeling like they have a home away from home. The Y is that place for many people.

The Y’s tagline is: For a Better Us. But, what is Us? Us is…a promise to strengthen kids, families, adults and seniors with programs that protect, teach, connect, heal, nourish and encourage. It’s how we help communities and the “us” who live in them realize their possibilities. We can’t do it alone. We know that when we come together For a Better Us - that is empowering.

Community Breakfast 2017: Building a Better Us

The YMCA of Rock River Valley highlights how its members are building a better us. This video was featured at our annual Community Breakfast in October 2017.

Join the Y - For a Better Us

A better you makes a better us.

From After School Care to Zumba, the Y is the place for health, wellness and the pursuit of fitness. After more than 100 years of serving our community, the Y knows what we need to be our best selves. We are a place to belong, to play, to learn, to be healthy and give back. Join the Y today!

For a better you. For a better community. For a better us.

20/20 Member Referral Program

We all know that coming to the Y is better with friends, and now we’ve made it even better with our new 20/20 member referral program. Simply find a friend, join the Y and you both save 20%! Existing members can refer a new member and take advantage of the same deal. Members together save 20 percent forever.

The YMCA of Rock River Valley now has three locations to serve you better. And, our Puri Family YMCA is open 24 hours. For more information, visit rockriverymca dot org. The Y – for a better us.

The Daniel Plan on The Dr. Oz Show

Pastor Rick Warren, Dr. Daniel Amen and Dr. Mark Hyman - founders of The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life - explain the plan on the Dr. Oz Show.

What Makes The Daniel Plan Different?

It's not a typical diet plan. In this 4-minute video from Saddleback Church, you will hear from participants describe how The Daniel Plan differs from short-lived diet fads and meal plans. For true lifestyle change, new healthy habits have to be established. The challenge is sticking with it and The Daniel Plan provides support and motivation to stay on course!

2017 YMCA Intern Challenge Recap

2016 YMCA Intern Challenge Recap