As we move into July, summer is in full swing and there are plenty of opportunities to make the most of the season. At the YMCA of Metro Denver, every swim lesson, camp adventure, family activity and fitness milestone helps create memories that last long after summer ends. Whether you're staying active, trying something new or spending quality time with the people who matter most, the Y is here to help you make this season one to remember. Thank you for being part of our community and choosing to spend your summer with us.

Here's what's happening this month at the Y ⬇️

All YMCA of Metro Denver branches will be open 7 AM – 11 AM on Saturday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day.

As families head to pools, lakes and water parks this Fourth of July weekend and throughout the summer, there's no better time to refresh your water safety knowledge. Watch our conversation with Aurora Fire Rescue Captain Siegfried Klein as he shares important swimming and water safety tips, along with a powerful reminder about the importance of looking out for one another around the water.

Whether your child is just getting comfortable in the water or ready to build stronger swimming skills, YMCA swim lessons help children gain confidence, learn lifesaving techniques and develop skills that can make all the difference. Together, we can help every child enjoy a fun, safe summer in and around the water.

Watch the video above, then explore swim lessons at the Y and make water safety part of your family's summer.

This fall, give your child the opportunity to build confidence, make new friends and develop skills they'll use both on and off the field. YMCA Youth Sports provide a fun, supportive environment where every child can learn, grow and belong while families become part of a welcoming community.

Important Dates

Choose from Basketball, MLS GO Soccer, NFL Flag Football, Volleyball and Baseball, with programs available at YMCA locations across the Denver metro

Campfire Across America
July 22

YMCAs across the country will host a campfire — real or symbolic — to bring people together in a shared moment of connection, reflection and belonging. From outdoor summer camps with warm bonfires to gym floors glowing with faux flames, this is about more than a campfire. It's about what happens around it. Stay tuned for more details.

Fall is just around the corner, and so are your favorite YMCA programs! Member registration for September programs opens soon, giving you early access to a season filled with new opportunities to learn, move and connect.

This fall, kids can get creative in Cooking with Kids: Cozy Around the World, build confidence in Swim Lessons, and explore movement through Youth Dance.

Adults can look forward to exciting new Health & Well-being workshops and fitness series, including Ski Training Prep, Pelvic Floor & Core, Joint Mobility, Kettlebell Workshops, Breathwork & Guided Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Floating Sound Bath and more to help you stay active and feel your best throughout the season.

Beginning July 6, Terry Goldwater will be rejoining the YMCA of Metro Denver as the Executive Director of the Arvada-Duncan YMCA. Terry began her career with the YMCA of Metro Denver and was a critical leader for the grand opening of the Susan M. Duncan Family YMCA in 1999. She later served as Associate Executive Director of the Arvada-Duncan Y in the early 2000s and has since enhanced her leadership as Sr. Executive Director at the YMCA of Northern Colorado and through 15 years at the Apex Parks and Recreation District, Arvada's Provider of Recreation. Read more.

Take a look at recent moments of community connection, partnership and FUN from across the Denver Y! 👆

Do you have a passion for sports and a heart for mentorship? We're looking for dedicated individuals like you to coach and inspire the next generation of athletes.

As a volunteer YMCA coach, you'll do more than teach the basics, you'll build confidence, character and community.

Don't sit this one out. The team is ready — all they need is YOU.

"What they come away with is that sense of community and being able to understand where other people come from," she says. "That's really important, not just in sports, but in life itself." — Volunteer Coach

Challenge yourself and join your fellow Y members in the Scale the Summit Challenge.

All members and staff are eligible. You can also track your progress in your wellness center — get your trail marker decal at the front desk. After each workout, log your progress in the mobile app and/or move your trail marker. Start at the TRAILHEAD and move throughout the weeks to BASECAMP and SUMMIT, earning prizes along the way. 

Workouts can be walking, running, cycling, a fitness class, swimming or any workout completed in your YMCA or outdoors. The key is to step it up!

Celebrate a milestone moment in Colorado history at the YMCA! In honor of the 150th anniversary of the state of Colorado, the 150th year of the YMCA of Metro Denver, and Colorado Day on August 1, 2026, YMCAs across the state are opening their doors to the community for a day of connection, activity, and celebration. 

Enjoy the Y—completely FREE. Take a swim, lift weights, get your cardio in on the treadmill or stair climber, join a group exercise class, or jump into member-favorite activities (offerings vary by location). Whether you’re trying something new or coming back to what you love, there’s no place like this place—the YMCA. 

To mark the once-in-a-generation celebration, refer a friend! They can join the YMCA for just $1.50 - with no join fee on August 1. Come celebrate the spirit, strength and community that make Colorado extraordinary. 

Need care beyond regular camp hours? Our after-camp options keep the fun going with engaging specialty programs your kids will love! Campers can continue their day by joining exciting Cooking with Kids Club where they'll create tasty treats and build kitchen skills, or stay active in our Sports Club filled with games, teamwork and skill-building activities. It's the perfect way to extend the day with safe, enriching and fun experiences for your child.

The school day may end, but the adventure is just getting started. At the Y's Out of School Time program, kids have a safe, supportive place to learn, play and explore after the bell rings. From homework help and creative activities to active games and time with friends, kids find opportunities to grow and have fun. Registration for the upcoming school year is now open, so register now to make the Y your child's Learn, Explore and Play Place. 

Watch for Full Day Out options opening for registration in late July. 

Join us as we celebrate an incredible milestone — University Hills - Schlessman YMCA Member, Bev McMurria's, 100th birthday! Friends, family and community members are invited to honor Bev's remarkable life, share memories and enjoy an afternoon of connection, laughter and celebration. Help us make this once-in-a-lifetime occasion one to remember. Let us know you're coming!

We extend our sincere thanks to Niagara Cares for serving as a Champion Sponsor and Polsinelli Law Firm for serving as an All-Star Sponsor of our Women of the Y event in June.

We are grateful for the partnership and generosity of both Niagara Cares and Polsinelli Law Firm. Their support helped make Women of the Y a meaningful and successful event.