Ches Penney Family YMCA Courses & Workshops

YMCA Canada Fitness Leadership Certification

The YMCA developed the first nationally recognized fitness leadership program in 1974 and has continued to train fitness leaders ever since. The YMCA’s real strength is partnership between committed volunteers, dedicated staff and involved communities. Skilled leadership is needed to engage individuals and families in the health of spirit, mind and body.

YMCA Trainers deliver courses to certify volunteer YMCA Leaders/Instructors. YMCA fitness leaders are certified to lead activities in their specialty areas. You can obtain the following certifications from your YMCA:

  • Group Fitness Leader
  • Personal Trainer
  • Wellness (Health) Coach

YMCA Fitness - Group Cycle Instructor Course

The YMCA Group Cycle Instructor Certification Course provides people with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to work or volunteer as a group cycle fitness instructor with the YMCA or an external organization. Participants will learn about bike set up, use of music, class components, profiles, training zones, drills and cool down.

Prerequisites:

  • Minimum 16 years of age at the time of certification.
  • Standard First Aid at the time of certification.
  • Recommended: 30 hours as a participant in group cycle classes.

Certification Requirements:

  • Complete YMCA Fitness Instructor course which includes basic theory and fitness stream (e.g. cycle), specific course assignments, and apprenticeship.
  • Score a minimum of 80% on written test within self-directed modules.
  • Successful evaluation by a Champion or Educator using stream specific evaluation tool.

Where: Online & practical sessions in your YMCA branch

When: Details Coming Soon!

  1. Basic Theory- Self Directed E-Learning (6 hours)
  2. Group Cycle Course- Self Directed E-Learning (4 hours)
  3. In Person Learning and Practice Sessions (23 hours)
  4. Apprenticeship- varies by individual.
  5. Evaluation (1 hour)

How to Register: Online Portal (ymcanl.com), in person at your branch or call your YMCA

Pricing:

  • YMCA Member $75.00 + tax
  • Non-Member $125.00 + tax
  • YMCA Staff and Volunteers $50.00 + tax

YMCA Fitness - Cardio & Strength Instructor Course

The YMCA Fitness- Cardio & Strength Instructor Course is designed to certify people to deliver YMCA group fitness classes that fall into the category of strength (e.g. bars and plates, kettlebell, muscle fit, etc.). Each part is comprised of Trainer led sessions (delivered in-person and/or virtually) and self-directed online learning modules hosted on YMCA Canada’s Learning Management System (LMS), supplemented by handouts.

Who: At the time of certification, must be a minimum 16 years of age and have Standard First Aid.

When: November 6 & 13 2024 6:00-9:00 pm / November 09 & 16 12:00- 4:30 pm

Online Self-Directed Courses

  • Basic Theory – 7 hours

In addition with in-person learning sessions which include two practical sessions. Sessions include:

  • Details Coming Soon!

Where: Online & practical sessions (Ches Penney Family YMCA, 35 Ridge Road, St. John’s)

How to Register: Online Portal (ymcanl.com), in person at your branch or call your YMCA

Pricing:

  • $0 – For Placentia residents, staff, volunteers of Placentia Regional YMCA
  • $50 + tax – Other YMCA staff and volunteers
  • $75 + tax – YMCA members
  • $125 + tax – Non-members

YMCA Fitness - Group Yoga Instructor Course

The Yoga Instructor course is designed to certify people to deliver YMCA Yoga classes and one-on-one yoga sessions for people of all ages and abilities attended by anyone 16 years of age or older. Each part is comprised of Trainer led sessions (delivered in-person and/or virtually) and self-directed online learning modules hosted on YMCA Canada’s Learning Management System (LMS), supplemented by handouts.

Who: Minimum 16 years of age at the time of certification. Current CPR A (Adult)

When: January 4, 11, 18, 25 and February 1, 8, 15 from 9:00 am -2:00 pm

Where: Online Only

How to Register: Online Portal (ymcanl.com), in person at your branch or call your YMCA

Pricing:

  • $0 – For Placentia residents, staff, volunteers of Placentia Regional YMCA
  • $50 + tax – Other YMCA staff and volunteers
  • $75 + tax – YMCA members
  • $125 + tax – Non-members

YMCA Fitness Personal Training Course

The YMCA Personal Training course is designed to certify people to deliver Personal Training to individuals and small groups. This course is comprised of Trainer led sessions (delivered in-person and/or virtually) and self-directed online learning modules hosted on YMCA Canada’s Learning Management System (LMS), supplemented by handouts.

Who: Minimum 16 years of age at the time of certification. Current CPR A (Adult).

When: March 19, 22, 26, 29 and April 02 & 05. Wednesday’s 6:00 pm -9:30 pm | Saturday’s are 9:00 am -4:30 pm

Where: Online & practical (in-person) sessions in your YMCA branch

How to Register: Online Portal (ymcanl.com), in person at your branch or call your YMCA

Pricing:

  • $0 – For Placentia residents, staff, volunteers of Placentia Regional YMCA
  • $50 + tax – Other YMCA staff and volunteers
  • $75 + tax – YMCA members
  • $125 + tax – Non-members

YMCA Fitness - Aquatic Fitness Instructor Course

The Aquatic Fitness Instructor course is designed to certify people to deliver YMCA group fitness classes that are held in water – both shallow and deep. This course is comprised of Trainer led sessions (delivered in-person and/or virtually) and self-directed online learning modules hosted on YMCA Canada’s Learning Management System (LMS), supplemented by handouts.

Who: At the time of certification, must be a minimum 16 years of age and have Standard First Aid.

When: May 13, 15, 20, 22, 27, 29, (Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 pm-9:30 pm)

Online Self-Directed Courses

    • Basic Theory – 6 hours
    • Aquafit Instructor – 8 hours

In addition with in-person learning sessions which include two practical sessions. Sessions include:

  • Details Coming Soon!

Where: Online & practical sessions (Ches Penney Family YMCA, 35 Ridge Road, St. John’s)

How to Register: Online Portal (ymcanl.com), in person at your branch or call your YMCA at 709-726-9622

Pricing:

  • $0 – For Placentia residents, staff, volunteers of Placentia Regional YMCA
  • $50 + tax – Other YMCA staff and volunteers
  • $75 + tax – YMCA members
  • $125 + tax – Non-members

Advanced Aquatic Courses

Bronze Medallion

12-15 hours

Challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion Training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills necessary to make good decisions in, on and around the water. Bronze medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.

To learn more on becoming a Swim Instructor or Lifeguard, click Lifeguard Pathway

Prerequisites: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (need not be current).

Registration Required

When:

  • September 22-October 27 (Every Sunday from 9:00-12:00 pm)
  • February 9-March 16 (Every Sunday from 9:00-12:00 pm)

Pricing:

  • Member Fee: $190 + tax
  • Non-member Fee: $215 + tax

Where: Ches Penney Family YMCA | Main Pool

How to register:

  • Online Portal (ymcanl.com)
  • In-person at the Ches Penney Family YMCA
  • Phone (1-709-726-9622)

For more information, contact Laura at laura.ings@nl.ymca.ca.

Bronze Cross

18 hours

Begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities.

To learn more on becoming a Swim Instructor or Lifeguard, click Lifeguard Pathway

Prerequisite:

  • Bronze Medallion
  • Emergency or Standard First Aid certification (need not be current)

Registration Required

When:

  • November 3-December 15 (Every Sunday from 9:00-12:00 pm)
  • March 23-May 11 (Every Sunday from 9:00-12:00 pm) *No lesson on April 20

Pricing:

  • Member Fee: $225.00 + tax
  • Non-member Fee: $245.00 + tax

Where: Ches Penney Family YMCA | Main Pool

How to register:

  • Online Portal (ymcanl.com)
  • In-person at the Ches Penney Family YMCA
  • Phone (1-709-726-9622)

For more information, contact Laura at laura.ings@nl.ymca.ca.

Standard First Aid

Provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. Includes CPR-C.

Required reference material provided:

  • Canadian First Aid Manual or Canadian Lifesaving Manual

Prerequisites: None

Pricing:

  • Member Fee: $125 + tax
  • Non-member Free: $150 + tax

Date:

  • January 23-26 from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

Where:

  • Ches Penney Family YMCA, 35 Ridge Road, St. John’s, A1B 4P5

For more information, contact callie.parsons@nl.ymca.ca.

Register today through Online Portal or call the Welcome Desk.

National Lifeguard

40 hours

Transition from Assistant Lifeguard to Lifeguard. Participants are trained to develop prevention of accidents in an aquatic environment as well as effective response in aquatic emergencies. It further emphasizes teamwork, communication and fitness.

To learn more on becoming a Swim Instructor or Lifeguard, click Lifeguard Pathway

Prerequisites: 15 years of age; Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid
Maximum 8 participants

Pricing:

  • Member Fee: $250 + tax
  • Non-member Fee: $275 + tax

Recertification for Nationals

  • Member Fee: $100 + tax
  • Non-member Fee: $125 + tax

When: Contact Laura at laura.ings@nl.ymca.ca. to express interest.

Bronze Star

12 hours

Develop swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.

To learn more on becoming a Swim Instructor or Lifeguard, click Lifeguard Pathway

Prerequisite: None

Registration Required

When:

  • January 12-February 2 (Every Sunday from 9:00-12:00 pm)
  • May 18-June 8 (Every Sunday from 9:00-12:00 pm)

Pricing:

  • Member Fee: $125 + applicable tax
  • Non-member Fee: $150 + applicable tax

Where: Ches Penney Family YMCA | Main Pool

How to register:

  • Online Portal (ymcanl.com)
  • In-person at the Ches Penney Family YMCA
  • Phone (1-709-726-9622)

For more information, contact Laura at laura.ings@nl.ymca.ca.

YMCA Swim Instructor

The first national YMCA swimming program was developed in 1906 and since then, generations of Canadians have learned to swim in YMCAs across the country.

YMCA Canada’s National Aquatics program is built on a base of Healthy Child Development/Healthy Adolescent Development, service standards, and YMCA core values.

The YMCA swim program goes beyond helping to teach children water safety and to swim. It also emphasizes developing a sense of self, learning to respect and care about others, and feeling good about one’s accomplishments. It’s part of the spirit, mind, and body approach we’ve used for over 150 years.

YMCA Canada is the certifying body for YMCA Swim Instructors. This is delivered through local YMCAs, these are the YMCAs where you will take your YMCA Swim Instructor Course and perhaps be hired to teach with them. Your course is delivered by a YMCA Champion, this is an individual who has Subject Matter Expertise (SME) and has taken and successfully completed the YMCA Canada Champion program through the Program Leadership System.

What will I learn through the YMCA Swim Instructor Course?

  • The YMCAs way for working with children, teens and young adults.
  • Swimming progressions, formations, skill development and the concept of E.G.G.S.
  • A collection of teaching techniques to apply to different scenarios you may experience during your teaching.
  • Your support system, other instructors, your trainer, your supervisor/lead, resources available to you and where to find them.

What does the YMCA Swim Instructor course look like?

There are 3 parts to complete to become a certified YMCA Swim Instructor:

1. The E-Learning- 4 hours self-directed. This training has 4 sections and should take you a total of about 4 hours. It sets the base of how we teach swimming at the YMCA and gives you an overview of the program which you will use later in the course.

2. The In The Water Training- This training is 7-8 sections and will take place in the water and will involve you actively teaching the skills and activities found throughout the YMCA Swim Program. You will also have the opportunity to observe and/or co-teach a few classes.

3. In the Classroom/Facilitated Online Training- This training has 3 sections. Your Champion will go through and help you understand, in more detail, the expectations of a YMCA Swim Instructor, what happens next, how you re-certify and a review of content from the e-learning module in greater detail.

To learn more on becoming a Swim Instructor or Lifeguard, click Lifeguard Pathway

Prerequisites: 15 years of age and Bronze Cross
Maximum 8 participants

Registration Required

Fees:

  • YMCA member: $150 + tax
  • Non-member: $175 + tax

How to register:

  • Online Portal (ymcanl.com)
  • In-person at the Ches Penney Family YMCA
  • Phone (1-709-726-9622)

For more information, contact: laura.ings@nl.ymca.ca.

Other Courses

Stay Safe Course

This one day course helps children ages 10-12 and their families prepare for the child’s first steps toward independence.

Ages 10-12 years
Maximum of 10 participants
Registration Required

Pricing:

  • Member Fee: $60.00 + HST where applicable
  • Non-member Fee: $70.00 + HST where applicable

Date and Time: Details Coming Soon!

For more information, please contact christina.murphy@nl.ymca.ca.

Babysitting Course

This one day course helps children 12-15 years learn the business of babysitting, creating safe environments and handling emergencies.

Maximum 12 participants
Registration Required

Pricing:

  • Member Fee: $65.00
  • Non-member Fee: $75.00

Date and Time:

  • November 20-21, 2024 from 4:30-8:30pm
    • at Ches Penney Family YMCA, 35 Ridge Road, St. John’s, NL

For more information, please contact christina.murphy@nl.ymca.ca.

Virtual Standard Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the support provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis. Course participants will learn how to recognize signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis and encourage that person to:

  • Talk about declines in their mental well-being
  • Discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being
  • Reach out to these support
  • Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis
  • Use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental well-being

This 9.5-hour course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the virtual classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3).Course participants are required to complete Module 1 before participating in Module 2 and 3.

Upon registration, participants will receive access to the “MHFA Participant Reference Guide” that outlines MHFA actions for developing mental health and substance use problems, and mental health and substance use crises. Each participant must have a computer, a working camera, microphone and speakers or earphones, access to a good Internet connection, and an e-mail address.

Registration information:

  • Member: $200 per person + HST
  • Non Member: $225 per person + HST
  • Group rates available. For details and to book your course dates contact Krista Payne at krista.payne@nl.ymca.ca
  • Minimum of 8 and maximum of 15 participants for online delivery
  • Registration must be completed two weeks before delivery date

For more information about the course click here.