At the YMCA, nothing is more important to us than the safety and well-being of the children in our care. We are committed to providing a secure and nurturing environment where every child can learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Commitment to Safety
We follow the highest standards in child protection and safety. Our staff and volunteers are trained to recognize, prevent, and respond to all forms of child abuse and misconduct.
- Zero Tolerance Policy
The YMCA maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse, bullying, or inappropriate behavior. Every concern is taken seriously and addressed promptly. - Comprehensive Staff Training
All YMCA staff and volunteers undergo extensive background checks and are required to complete annual training in child abuse prevention, CPR, first aid, and emergency response protocols. All YMCA staff working directly with children in our licensed programs are also finger-printed. - Safe Spaces and Supervision
Our programs are designed to prioritize proper supervision, secure environments, and age-appropriate activities. We enforce strict check-in/check-out procedures and limit one-on-one interactions between staff and children. - Reporting and Accountability
We encourage open communication and transparency. All staff, volunteers are trained to be mandated reporter, while parents, and children are also urged to report any concerns immediately. Reports can be made to YMCA leadership or through our anonymous reporting systems.
Partnering With Families
We believe safety is a shared responsibility. The YMCA works closely with parents and guardians to keep children safe. We provide resources and information to help families talk to their children about personal safety and boundaries.
Praesidium Accreditation
As a leading youth-serving organization with a presence in more than 10,000 communities, the Y’s greatest responsibility is to protect the millions of young people in our care from sexual abuse. We prevent abuse when we create a culture of safety in our facilities and programs, and our most effective tool for this is Praesidium Accreditation®. Praesidium Accreditation is an evidence-based process that helps organizations systematically measure the effectiveness of their prevention programs and then take steps to achieve the highest standards in abuse prevention. Accreditation assists an organization with strengthening their abuse prevention practices and helps demonstrate a Y’s safety commitment to members, parents, and the community. You can view the Presidium recommended reading list to learn more.
ACA Accreditation for Camps
YMCA branch day camps in Old Bridge, Freehold and Red Bank, and YMCA Camp Zehnder in Wall are all accredited by the American Camp Association, meeting high standards on health, safety, and risk management. The standards establish guidelines for needed policies, procedures, and practices, and is used as a benchmark by government entities, providing public evidence of a camp’s commitment to the well-being of camper and staff members. View our Abuse Prevention information for parents and guardians.
Safe Sport recognition for Greater Monmouth Swim Team
The Greater Monmouth Y Swim Team is recognized with the USA Swimming Safe Sport Club achievement, demonstrating a commitment to creating a healthy and positive environment free from abuse for all its members through the development and implementation of club governance measures, Safe Sport policies and reporting mechanisms, Safe Sport best practices and training to athletes and parents.
To enhance the safety and security of everyone in our facilities, the YMCA utilizes Raptor Technologies, a trusted visitor management system used in schools and youth organizations nationwide. All visitors are required to check in with a valid government-issued ID, which is instantly screened against national sex offender databases. This extra layer of protection helps us ensure that everyone who enters our YMCA is authorized and safe to be around children. It’s just one more way we’re putting safety first—every day, for every child. For more information, visit ymcanj.org/safety
If you see or experience something that doesn’t feel right, we encourage you to speak up.
View our Anonymous Safety Hotline for contact information.
Your voice matters. Your report can make a difference.
Event Calendar
Have you ever wanted to try country line dancing? Well, here is your chance!
Have fun learning the basic line dancing steps while also exercising, reducing stress and increasing energy.
Fun for all ages! Beginner friendly!
REGISTER NOW:
APRIL 19
MAY 17
JUNE 21
For more information, contact Karen Little at klittle@ymcanj.org
The Five Days of Action and Know. See. Respond. is back! April 21-25, the Y will participate in this campaign, to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and how we can prevent it together. We will focus on preventing child sexual abuse at both summer camp and in youth sports, and internet safety. We pledge to protect the children we serve, and we hope you will too! Head over to https://www.ymca.org/fivedaysofaction to sign the pledge & learn more! #FiveDaysofAction.
Free & Open to All!
> Couch to 5K Registration
> Red Bank Classic 5K Registration
Join our Y over 8 weeks to train for the Red Bank Classic 5K on June 14, 2025! Led by Y Fitness Director, triathlete, and 5K runner Jessica MacDonald, this program gradually trains beginners to run 3 miles over an 8-week period, and aims to support an active, healthy lifestyle. Come once/week to practice the intervals, build stamina, and acquire custom training regimens to follow outside of class. Limited spots are available. Register today. Proceeds of the Red Bank Classic 5K support Y programs for Red Bank youth.
Save the date for YMCA Healthy Kids Day®: April 26, 2025!
FREE & OPEN TO ALL!
Visit YMCA locations in Freehold, Old Bridge, Red Bank and YMCA Camp Zehnder in Wall. Discover all the Y has to offer and enjoy these benefits during the event: receive a complimentary 1-Week Pass when you visit.* Non-members will be entered for a chance to win a FREE 3-Month Family Membership. 
> Family Fitness Classes
> Youth Program Demos
> Mental Health Resources
> Summer Camp & Child Care Info
> Facility Tours & Program Info
> Job Fair
> Visit Healthy Partners
> Arts, Crafts, Snacks & Giveaways
KIDS ARE IN FOR ADVENTURE AT YMCA CAMP ZEHNDER!
Visit our open house!
Camp Zehnder is an ACA Accredited summer camp where kids 3-15 explore nature, discover new talents, try new activities and make lasting friendships at this beautiful camp on 140 acres with an outdoor aquatics complex, KaBoom!
Open House Dates
- Saturday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Open House & Winter Crafts
- Saturday, Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Open House & Winter Sowing
- Sunday, March 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Open House & Science Experiments
- Saturday, April 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Healthy Kids Day, Open House & Fishing Derby
- Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp Open House
Learn more about YMCA Camp Zehnder at ymcanj.org/ymca-camp-zehnder.
Free & Open to All!
> Couch to 5K Registration
> Red Bank Classic 5K Registration
Join our Y over 8 weeks to train for the Red Bank Classic 5K on June 14, 2025! Led by Y Fitness Director, triathlete, and 5K runner Jessica MacDonald, this program gradually trains beginners to run 3 miles over an 8-week period, and aims to support an active, healthy lifestyle. Come once/week to practice the intervals, build stamina, and acquire custom training regimens to follow outside of class. Limited spots are available. Register today. Proceeds of the Red Bank Classic 5K support Y programs for Red Bank youth.
$15/Session | Save Your Spot Today! Choose from (2) 90-min sessions per day:
> April 5 | Register 10-11:30 a.m. | Register 12:30-2 p.m.
> May 3 | Register 10-11:30 a.m. | Register 12:30-2 p.m.
> May 17 | Register 10-11:30 a.m. | Register 12:30-2 p.m.
Open to all skill levels, Open Archery is a fun and safe way to practice your skills and experience the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned archer or just starting out, this is a great opportunity to enjoy some time on the range.
Fiesta, Fun, and Fundraising – Join Us for Bingo!
Date: May 5, 2025
Time: 12-2pm
Loc: Studio 1
Includes:
10 Game Cards
1 Dauber
1 Door Prize Ticket
Registration is required! Space is limited.
Bring your own snacks and refreshments.
All proceeds to support our Annual Campaign.
Free & Open to All!
> Couch to 5K Registration
> Red Bank Classic 5K Registration
Join our Y over 8 weeks to train for the Red Bank Classic 5K on June 14, 2025! Led by Y Fitness Director, triathlete, and 5K runner Jessica MacDonald, this program gradually trains beginners to run 3 miles over an 8-week period, and aims to support an active, healthy lifestyle. Come once/week to practice the intervals, build stamina, and acquire custom training regimens to follow outside of class. Limited spots are available. Register today. Proceeds of the Red Bank Classic 5K support Y programs for Red Bank youth.
Free & Open to All!
> Couch to 5K Registration
> Red Bank Classic 5K Registration
Join our Y over 8 weeks to train for the Red Bank Classic 5K on June 14, 2025! Led by Y Fitness Director, triathlete, and 5K runner Jessica MacDonald, this program gradually trains beginners to run 3 miles over an 8-week period, and aims to support an active, healthy lifestyle. Come once/week to practice the intervals, build stamina, and acquire custom training regimens to follow outside of class. Limited spots are available. Register today. Proceeds of the Red Bank Classic 5K support Y programs for Red Bank youth.
