7th Grade is a pivotal and transitional time, through our commitment to supporting and encouraging youth to make good decisions and form habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle, the Summit Area YMCA proudly offers free program to all 7th grade students who live or attend school within our service area (Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit). Available at both the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Summit YMCA, this program not only provides access to the fitness center and open gym but opportunities for students of all backgrounds to be inspired to learn new things, get involved in community projects, form wellness habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle and socialize with peers in a safe, supervised environment outside of school. The program also hosts special events and activities exclusive to the program participants.
*Please note that the 7th grade program does not to give access to programs that require a membership; swim team, outdoor pool, etc.
• Keep students active and engaged • Increase physical and mental wellness • Develop healthy exercise habits including safety and proper technique • Socialize with peers in a safe, supervised environment • Encourage involvement in community events and volunteer projects
• Is a 7th grade student in 2025-2026 school year • Lives or attends school in Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling, or Summit • Watch mandatory parent orientation before scheduling demos • Completes YMCA safety and introduction to fitness demo & volunteer events • Agrees to abide by YMCA Code of Conduct
• Access to Berkeley Heights YMCA & Summit YMCA • Use of Teen Center, Fitness Center, Open Gym, 7th Grade Group Exercise Classes. • Special events
After registering, participants will receive an email with additional information about the program.
To activate YMCA access, a parent or guardian must watch the mandatory Parent Orientation before scheduling fitness demos. During the orientation, families will review:
· Summit Area YMCA and program policies
· Fitness demo requirements
· Volunteer opportunities
· FAQs and more
After attending orientation, each teen must:
· Schedule and complete two fitness demos
· Focus is on safety and proper technique
· Must be completed by the session deadline
Once orientation and fitness demos are completed, teens will have access to the Summit YMCA and Berkeley Heights YMCA through June 30, 2026.
Session 1
· Program Registration: July 1 – September 30
· Fitness Demo Registration: Opens August 1
· Demos Run: August 18 – October 31
· Volunteer Projects Due: December 31
Session 2
· Program Registration: October 1 – December 1
· Demos Run: November 1 – January 15
· Volunteer Projects Due: March 31
· Teens must complete 2 community service projects to remain active in the program.
· Participants receive access to both the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Summit YMCA.
· Some Program Restrictions apply.
