By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview with Melissa Ewert on our Kubota Podcast
The Ogallala YMCA is preparing for a busy spring and summer season, with several youth activities, community events, and registration opportunities coming up in the weeks ahead.
Branch Executive Director Mellissa Ewert recently shared details about the upcoming programs, many of which are designed to help families plan summer activities for their children.
One of the first opportunities is the community’s annual Youth Summer Sign-Up event, scheduled for March 17 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Ogallala Auditorium. The event allows parents to learn about and register for a wide variety of youth summer programs in one location.
Activities represented at the event include swimming lessons, baseball and softball programs, vacation Bible schools, soapbox racing and youth activities offered through Mid-Plains Community College. While some organizations will provide registration on site, the YMCA will offer sign-up information for its swimming lessons and after-school program.
The YMCA will also host the community Easter egg hunt on April 4 at 10 a.m., taking place the day before Easter. The event will feature separate fields for different age groups to make it easier for families with multiple children to participate.
Children ages 0–3 will hunt on the first field, preschool through kindergarten on the second field, and first through second grade on the third field. Each group will take turns participating, giving families the opportunity to watch children in multiple age groups. Ewert added that the Easter Bunny is expected to make an appearance during the event.
Looking ahead to May, the YMCA is bringing back a community triathlon and 5K on May 2. Early registration will run from April 1 through April 10, though participants may still register later or even the day of the event, although early sign-ups guarantee a T-shirt.
The triathlon will include a swim in the YMCA indoor pool, a bike ride to Roscoe and back, and a run near the YMCA. According to Ewert, the event is meant to be accessible for both beginners and experienced participants.
“It’s just for fun,” Ewert said. “We’re not going to have a timing system. We’re going to do it ourselves this time.”
Registration is $90 for the triathlon and $45 for the 5K, with youth, women’s and men’s divisions available.
The YMCA is also preparing to take over the community’s after-school program beginning this year. Registration will take place April 13 through April 16. The program will serve preschool through fifth-grade students and will remain free for families.
Because the program is now operated through the YMCA rather than the school system, it must meet state childcare regulations, including staffing ratios. Organizers expect around 60 children but say participation could increase with the addition of preschool-aged students.
Swimming lesson registration will follow April 20 through April 23. Lessons will be offered at multiple levels and times throughout late May and June to accommodate families’ busy summer schedules.
Additional family events are also planned, including a Mother-Son Dance on May 1 and a Daddy-Daughter Dance on June 13. Each event will offer 60 tickets and is designed to give parents and children a chance to spend quality time together.
Tickets will cost $20 per pair, with $2 for each additional guest.
For more information about upcoming programs or to register for events, families can contact the YMCA directly or follow the organization on social media.