At the Y, we believe that foundations for a healthy future begin at home. That’s why we’re offering Families Unplugged as a way for families to connect with one another without the distraction of electronics and as a break from the everyday routine. Most activities are included with a YMCA membership!
Activities include:
- Parent’s Night Out
- A great night for both parents and kids! Parents enjoy a night out while kids engage in fun and safe activities such as, cool games, arts and crafts and snack. This is FREE to our valued members and an added benefit to your membership.
- Family Arts & Crafts
- Family Movie Night
- Family Dances
- Holiday Special Events
- and so much more!
Activities vary by branch.
See online listings and Register Now
New Worlds Reading Initiative
Jacksonville, FL – The YMCA of Florida’s First Coast has announced that, in collaboration with the Florida State Alliance of YMCAs, it will Implement the New Worlds Reading Initiative. The initiative will offer free books & literacy tools to VPK-5th graders in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Clay & Baker County. The program, funded by the Florida Legislature in 2021 and administered by The University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning, allows the YMCA of the Florida’s First Coast to implement the program locally to students within its geographical service area.
The New Worlds Reading initiative is designed to help children develop early learning and reading skills with free books and literacy-focused activities. The Y is creating partnerships with over 50 Title I elementary schools in the Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Clay & Baker County School District, in hopes of reaching as many children as possible in the VPK-5th grade range that qualify for the program. The Y will host several events highlighting the program, which includes the distribution of free, age-appropriate books to each participating student and providing a meal and literacy workshop for all in attendance.
The YMCA of the Florida First Coast will host 26 New Worlds Reading Initiative events between now and June 30, 2025, in which they will serve over 4,000 children and parents.
Upcoming New World’s Reading Initiative Events
Each of these events is part of our NWRI series and includes family-friendly activities and meals:
- YMCA Camp Immokalee
May 24, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
6765 Immokalee Rd., Keystone Heights, FL 32656 - Brentwood Community Center
June 10, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
761 N Village Center Dr., Jacksonville, FL 32206 - Galimore Center
June 12, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
7399 Riberia Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084 - Argyle Elementary School
June 17, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
22625 Spencer Plantation Blvd., Orange Park, FL 32073 - Dupont Family YMCA
June 18, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
7373 Old Kings Rd. S, Jacksonville, FL 32217
To find an event in your area or to register for a New Worlds Reading Event, please contact Rachelle Ragsdale at rragsdale@fcymca.org.
