An annual celebration of communities coming together, immigrant and U.S.-born neighbors alike, to connect over what unites us.
Ten days of open doors and new ways to show up together at Berkeley Heights and Summit. Here’s what’s happening, day by day.
Sept 10–19
Sept 10–19 only
WELCOME WEEK BEGINS
Bring a Friend Week and Try the Y kick off today and run through September 19 at both branches.
Berkeley Heights & Summit · 5:00 AM–8:00 PM · Ages 16+ · No sign-up required, just show up
Twenty-five years later, we’re pausing to remember and to give thanks. Choose any one of the four ways below to mark the day, on your own time, at either branch. Dedicated StairMasters, rowers, and treadmills will be set up all day so you’re never waiting for equipment.
THANK-YOU CARD TABLE
Stop by the lobby table anytime during the day to make a thank-you card for local police, fire, and EMS.
110 STORIES ON THE STAIRMASTER
Climb the equivalent height of the World Trade Center’s 110 floors on a dedicated StairMaster.
110-FLOOR MEMORIAL STAIR CLIMB (SUMMT YMCA)
Summit YMCA Wellness Center · 5:00 AM–9:00 PM
Climb 110 floors, or walk the equivalent 2,071 steps, on your own or as a team, on the Summit front stairwell (16 laps up and down).
2001-METER RUN OR ROW
A distance in honor of the year, on the treadmill or the rower, your choice.
2-HOUR ZUMBA DANCE PARTY
Berkeley Heights YMCA Gym · 8:00–10:00 AM
Get moving this Welcoming Week with great music, high-energy dance workouts, and plenty of fun. Whether you’re a beginner or a Zumba enthusiast, everyone is welcome. Come dance, connect, and fall into fitness.
FAMILY OPEN SWIM
Summit YMCA · 12:00–1:00 PM & 2:00–3:00 PM
Two open swim sessions with beach balls in the pool, bring the whole family and cool off.
TEEN OPEN HOUSE
Summit YMCA Teen Center · 12:00–4:00 PM
Open to all teens, whether you’re a member or not. Games, tournaments, and prizes all afternoon, a low-key way to see
COMMUNITY WORKOUT: CARDIO CROSS TRAINING
Berkeley Heights YMCA · 8:30–9:15 AM
A 45-minute outdoor cardio workout open to the whole Berkeley Heights community, member or not, as part of Welcoming Week.
FAMILY OPEN SWIM
Summit YMCA · 12:00–1:00 PM & 2:00–3:00 PM
Two open swim sessions with beach balls in the pool, bring the whole family and cool off.
PUPPY YOGA
Berkeley Heights YMCA · 12:00–1:00 PM
Take a moment to “paws” for self-care and serenity. This event is hosted in partnership and support of Home for Good Dogs Rescue, the perfect way to recharge your mind and body while enjoying the therapeutic presence of adorable rescue puppies.
NEW PROGRAM LAUNCH: PWR!MOVES® PARKINSON EXERCISE CLASS
Berkeley Heights YMCA · 12:00–1:00 PM
We’re excited to launch this new class, led by Carolina H. PWR!Moves is a dance-like movement class built specifically for people with Parkinson’s. Set to music and full of big, purposeful motions, it targets rigidity, bradykinesia, and incoordination through posture work, weight shifting, spinal mobility, and movement transitions, helping with everyday activities, quality of life, and social connection.
TEEN POOL VOLLEYBALL
Summit YMCA · 3:30–5:30 PM · Ages 13–19
Two hours in the pool with friends, capped off with pool volleyball.
RELEASE & RESTORE: NECK AND SHOULDER THERAPY
Summit YMCA Yoga Studio · 7:00–8:00 PM · Ages 16+
Sitting, screens, and hunched posture all build up tension in the neck and shoulders. This nurturing workshop uses gentle stretches, backbends, twists, and restorative poses, supported by straps, blocks, and bolsters, to release that tension, improve mobility, and support better posture. No yoga experience necessary, all levels welcome.
FAMILY OPEN SWIM
Summit YMCA · 12:00–1:00 PM & 2:00–3:00 PM
Two open swim sessions with beach balls in the pool, bring the whole family and cool off.
LES MILLS LAUNCH: BRING A FRIEND
Summit YMCA · 7:30 AM–12:00 PM · Ages 16+
A morning of launching our newest Les Mills formats, BODYPUMP and Strength Development. Guests are welcome to try a class, as equipment allows.
Collection boxes will be in the lobby at Berkeley Heights YMCA, Summit YMCA, and The Learning Circle YMCA throughout Welcoming Week.
