What is 7th Grade Initiative?
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s 7th Grade Initiative offers free youth memberships to all 7th graders in the service area, available at all YGBW locations. This program supports physical, mental, and social well-being during a pivotal stage of development.
It provides a safe, supportive environment where youth can form friendships, stay active, and build lifelong healthy habits. Over 1,000 seventh-graders participate each year, gaining the tools and confidence to lead healthier lives.
Program Goals
MIND
Youth will take part in group sessions with YMCA staff and mentors to build peer support and encourage open conversations about mental health. These sessions are paired with workshops and activities that promote mindfulness, stress management, and emotional resilience—helping participants develop vital skills for long-term mental well-being.
BODY
Youth will engage in fitness challenges, workshops, and evidence-based programs that teach healthy eating habits and body awareness. These activities promote physical activity and well-being, with all personal information kept confidential to ensure privacy and security.
SPIRIT
Youth will strengthen their sense of belonging through service-learning projects, group activities, and open discussions about personal growth and values—fostering community connection and personal development.
Teens in our community are creative and passionate and have many talents to contribute – and we want to ensure they know this about themselves!
We're empowering youth to set and achieve goals!
Why Does 7th Grade Initiative Matter?
Kids at this age are discovering who they are, and we want to ensure that they’re set up for future success through an active lifestyle. Support for the 7th Grade Initiative is raised through the YMCA's Chester County Corporate Championship Benefit Golf Tournament.
How It Helps
The YMCA knows that as kids face adolescence’s challenges, they are more likely to begin distancing themselves from formal organizations, friends and family and to experiment with unhealthy behaviors.
The 7th Grade Initiative offers an alternative where they can make new friends, discover their passions and develop a healthy lifestyle. We believe it's crucial to set the foundation for a healthy lifestyle at a young age.
What You Get
Use of the YMCA indoor facilities, in accordance with policies, during operating hours such as open socialization time, open time in the gymnasium and pool, programs and more!
Note: Activities vary by YMCA location and fees apply for some programs.
Where To Start
To activate your membership, bring your school ID, roster or report card and a parent or guardian with you to the YMCA. Register Today
7th Grade Initiative members are highly encouraged to commit to at least one volunteer service project and/or 2 - 4 volunteer service hours annually at their YMCA location. Learn more about volunteer opportunities for teens.
Frequently Asked Questions About 7th Grade Initiative
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s 7th Grade Initiative offers seventh-grade students a complimentary youth membership during their 7th grade year.
Seventh grade is a pivotal and transitional time for many teens – sports become more competitive and provide less opportunity for the average child to be involved in physical activity.
Additionally, it is a time when teens are often given more freedom to choose how they spend their free time. Habits that begin in the 7th grade are likely to continue into adulthood. At the Y, we want to support and encourage kids to make good decisions and form healthy habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle.
Students are eligible for a complimentary 7th grade membership starting the summer after they finish 6th grade until they complete 7th grade. This membership will remain active until August 31st of the following summer after completing 7th grade.
We trust the enrolled parents and students are abiding by the 7th grade requirement.
Home-schooled students completing the required orientations are welcome in the program.
...if I sign my 7th grader up for a membership, can I work out with them — will I also get a free membership?
This free membership is only available for current 7th graders. However, we would love for family members to join the Y and enjoy the same benefits of membership. Complete the Membership Application and a member of our membership team will reach back with more information. Review YGBW membership rates and categories.
If your 7th grader is the only youth/dependent on the family membership, you can downgrade to an adult only and have the youth do the free membership.
Any existing memberships will be adjusted at the time of enrollment into the 7th Grade Initiative. Enrolment will not be retroactive.
Absolutely!
A parent-guardian will need to complete the electronic enrollment process on location at the Y or online remotely. Parents/guardians will need to complete and sign the electronic waiver during the registration process.
Outdoor pool memberships are available at select locations for an additional fee.
7th graders will have access to all eight YMCA of Greater Brandywine indoor facilities. They will also have access to much of the Y including gyms for basketball/pickleball, swimming pool, designated areas of the fitness center*, Group Exercise class, Enrichment Activities and Classes, and special events. Some programs require advance registration - Fee-based programs would benefit from the member rate.
*To utilize designated areas of the fitness center, the student must complete a Youth
Fitness Orientation.