Niles-Buchanan YMCA

Overview

• YMCA of Greater Michiana is a nonprofit multi-branch fitness and community center with over 110 years of tradition, offering facilities focused on health, wellness, and youth development rather than traditional saunas or spas.
• Overall atmosphere is welcoming, family-oriented, and community-driven, emphasizing Christian principles to build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Testimonials highlight its role in fitness, cancer recovery support (e.g., LIVESTRONG program), child socialization, and senior activity, creating a supportive environment for all ages.

Features & Amenities

• Fitness facilities: Gyms, indoor tracks, pools for swimming and aqua programs.
• Group fitness classes (free for members): Cycling, strength training, yoga, aqua aerobics, Zumba®, and more.
• Aquatics: Pools for swim lessons, swim teams, Aqua Greyhound Masters (adult swimming), lifeguard certification.
• Childcare and youth areas: On-site childcare, Childwatch, Y-Club, Teen Center, preschool.
• Camp programs: YMCA Camp Eberhart (overnight/day camps), Winter Break Camps, Summer Day Camps with activities like swimming, gym time, arts & crafts, STEAM, rockwall.
• Additional perks: Free training sessions, nationwide membership access, mobile app, financial assistance, corporate wellness.

Services

• Fitness & Wellness: Free group classes, personal training, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, STAYSTRONG, Healthy U program for kids.
• Aquatics Programs: Group/private swim lessons, swim teams/clubs, Aqua Greyhound Masters (Tues/Sat sessions, punch cards required).
• Youth & Family: Winter/Summer camps (ages 4-12+), preschool, Kids Night Out, Must-Do Care, swim lessons.
• Events: Hometown Christmas Market Festival, Thanksgiving Day Run, Golf Classic, Greatest Chefs Gala, Race for YMCA 5K/10K.
• Community Outreach: Financial assistance, scholarships, sponsorship opportunities for races/soccer/basketball.
• Membership Benefits: Nationwide access to participating Ys, guest passes, gift cards.

Pricing

• Membership: Not explicitly listed; promotions like Share the Love (free week pass for friends in February, one per household/individual).
• Winter Break Camps: $44 pre-registration / $55 day-of per day (Benton Harbor-St. Joseph & Niles-Buchanan, ages 5-12); $50/day (O’Brien Center, preschool-8th grade). CCDF vouchers accepted.
• Aqua Greyhound Masters: $40 members / $80 community for 10-punch card (first session free for new members).
• Financial Assistance: Available for memberships, childcare, camps; apply via form or FSSA Child Care Assistance. A Y for All initiative ensures accessibility.

Location & Hours

• Branches:
  • Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA (Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area).
  • Niles-Buchanan YMCA (Niles/Buchanan).
  • YMCA O’Brien Center.
  • YMCA Camp Eberhart (overnight/day camps).
• Operating Hours (camp-specific examples):
  • Winter Camps: Typically 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (shortened Dec 31: 8 AM-4 PM; no camp Dec 24-25, Jan 1).
  • O’Brien: 7:30 AM-5:30 PM.
  • Aqua Masters: Tues 7:45-8:45 PM, Sat 8:30-10:00 AM.
• Greater Michiana region (Michigan/Indiana border); check specific sites for full hours/membership access.

Notes

• What makes this YMCA special: Nonprofit with a mission-driven focus on inclusivity (financial assistance for all), year-round programs bridging fitness, youth development, and community events. Stands out for specialized support like cancer survivor programs, licensed childcare, and nationwide reciprocity. Deep community integration via testimonials (e.g., weight loss, child progress in swimming, senior vitality). No dedicated saunas or spas noted, but emphasizes holistic wellness through pools, gyms, and classes. Sponsors welcome for events to keep fees low.