Below is a collection of articles, virtual resources and more to help your staff and you during the COVID-19 pandemic. This page will be consistently updated, and was last updated October 9.
News
How the Hernando County YMCA is delivering goody bags to fight senior social isolation. Read it.
YMCA Buffalo Niagara hosts the 125th annual Turkey Trot virtually and in-person. Read it.
Why the Cincinnati YMCA started the STRONG challenge to encourage and reenergize its members. Read it.
How the San Diego County YMCA created outdoor workout spaces on the roofs of several of its branches. Read it.
The Cincinnati YMCA moved its cycling classes to the pool deck to utilize its extra space. Read it.
Why the YMCA of Greater Brandywine created new learning centers to help children complete their schoolwork. Read it.
To accommodate members and address their concerns, the REC of Grapevine created a new outdoor workout area. Read it.
The Houston YMCA converted its outdoor pavilions into Group X spaces. Read it.
The REC of Grapevine delivered free Wifi to families in the community through local partnerships. Read it.
On May 1, the YMCA of Greater Tulsa reopened after COVID-19 shutdowns. Read it.
The YMCA of East Surrey put a virtual spin on its annual Fun Run to allow everyone to participate.
Read it.
The Kansas City YMCA is keeping seniors engaged with livestream bingo games. Read it.
The Soundview Family YMCA teamed up with the Ben Callahan Sports and Fitness Complex to deliver healthy groceries to the community through Operation Compassion. Read it.
YMCAs in Tampa host blood drives to combat blood donation shortages. Read it.
How the Metro Chicago YMCA is reducing homelessness overcrowding with emergency shelters.
Read it.
How the Eugene Family YMCA stayed connected with members during closures. Read it.
Community rec centers that are finding a way to still help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read it.
NAYDO 2020 has been cancelled due to coronavirus concerns. Read it.
Virtual Roundtables
ON-DEMAND: From Surviving to Thriving — Strategies for Success in a COVID-19 World, sponsored by Lebert Fitness. Watch now.
ON-DEMAND: Navigating the Pandemic Part 4 — Community Rec COVID-19 Roundtable, sponsored by SportsCarnival. Watch now.
ON-DEMAND: Navigating the Pandemic Part 3 — Community Rec COVID-19 Roundtable. Watch now.
ON-DEMAND: Navigating the Pandemic Part 2 — Community Rec COVID-19 Roundtable. Watch now.
ON-DEMAND: Navigating the Pandemic — Community Rec COVID-19 Roundtable, sponsored by Welld Health. Watch now.
Information Pages
CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Read it.
World Health Organization COVID-19 Q&A. Read it.
CDC guidelines for youth programs and summer camps. Read it.
Recap: From Surviving to Thriving — Strategies for Success in a COVID-19 World. Read it.
Recap: Navigating the Pandemic Part 4 — Community Rec COVID-19 Roundtable. Read it.
Recap: Navigating the Pandemic Part 3 — Community Rec COVID-19 Roundtable. Read it.
Recap: Navigating the Pandemic Part 2 — Community Rec COVID-19 Roundtable. Read it.
Recap: Navigating the Pandemic — Community Rec COVID-19 Roundtable. Read it.
COVID-19 Resource Group for Community Rec Professionals on LinkedIn. Check it out.
Articles
Why it’s especially important to encourage good nutrition during a pandemic. Read it.
Good communication practices to keep members up-to-date and put them at ease. Read it.
How the Louisville YMCA is fighting revenue loss from the pandemic. Read it.
Best practices for running virtual fitness programs at your facility. Read it.
A case study about the behavior of children in a socially distanced summer camp setting. Read it.
“Tough Calls” Part 2: How to Louisville YMCA is enduring financial struggles during the pandemic. Read it.
How the YMCA of Greensboro is using medically prescribed fitness to serve members. Read it.
“Tough Calls” Part 1: How to Detroit YMCA is battling through adversity in the midst of the pandemic. Read it.
The impact of COVID-19 on our in-person interactions. Read it.
Using yoga to help children feel relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read it.
Implementing safety and distancing guidelines in and around the pool. Read it.
Ways to endure having your facility shutdown a second time. Read it.
How to get kids reengaged in in-person programs and camps after COVID-19. Read it.
Insights from around the industry on reopening practices. Read it.
Ways to help members improve their mental well-being. Read it.
How the Madison Area YMCA is combating social-emotional learning loss among its youth. Read it.
Why and how the Metro Chicago YMCA converted their specialty summer camps to an online platform. Read it.
Best practices for front desk operations after the pandemic. Read it.
How getting back to the basics can help your summer camps thrive after the COVID-19 pandemic. Read it.
What summer camps will look like after the COVID-19 pandemic. Read it.
Why functional fitness should be part of your virtual lineup. Read it.
Inside the Dallas YMCA’s preparations for reopening its facilities. Read it.
The best self-care practices from the industry. Read it.
Part 2 of the “Life After COVID-19” series, addressing whether members will return to in-person programs or continue attending virtually. Read it.
Part 1 of the “Life After COVID-19” series, tackling the issue of cleanliness and safety moving forward. Read it.
How to maximize the effectiveness of your facility’s COVID-19 social media strategy. Read it.
Tips for working from home. Read it.
Why it’s important to support your staff while you’re closed and how to do so. Read it.
How to stay connected with your members during the COVID-19 crisis. Read it.
How to keep delivering great customer service in a crisis. Read it.
Best cleanliness practices, for COVID-19 and beyond. Read it.
Why it’s important to share ideas and resources with each other. Read it.
Online Workout Content
YMCA 360 home workouts. Check it out.
YMCA 360 YouTube channel. Check it out.
Virtual content for families and kids from the New Orleans JCC. Check it out.
Downloadable exercises list from Matrix. Check it out.
At-home workout playlist from True Fitness. Check it out.
Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, news and more.
Bobby is the former editor of Community Rec Magazine.
