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About Us

170 years experience in serving communities

About Us

170 years experience in serving communities

About the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

Whether you are looking to improve your fitness, find high-quality licensed child care, memorable camp experiences for your family or children, or looking for support as a newcomer to Canada, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is here to help. Let us be a part of your story.

Ophelia’s YMCA Day Camp Story

At YMCA Day Camps, children create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. This is Ophelia’s camp story.

Crystal’s YMCA Learning Services Story

At YMCA Learning Services, individuals are provided with the tools they need to learn, grow, and thrive. This is Crystal’s Y story.

The Bradbury Family’s YMCA Child Care Story

At YMCA Child Care, children are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, inclusive environment. This is the Bradbury family’s YMCA Child Care story.

Our History

The first Canadian YMCA was founded in 1851 in Montreal. Since that day, YMCAs across the country have proudly been serving people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in Canada. Throughout YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, vital programs and services continue to be delivered over 170 years later.

Our mission, our vision and values reflect the aspirations of the communities we serve and the rich history and service of the YMCA over the past 170 years in Canada. From Alliston to Parry Sound, Collingwood to Gravenhurst, and everywhere in between, the communities we are in are each a distinct part of who we are and what we achieve.

While the Y came to Canada in 1851 as the Young Men’s Christian Association, over time our Federation has evolved to serve all Canadians, including all religions, ages, and genders. While we are no longer affiliated with the Christian Church, our roots are reflected in our values of kindness, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and optimism, and guide us as we foster a sense of belonging for all. In Canada, the YMCA is a charity where everyone is welcome.

When first established, Y.M.C.A. was an acronym for Young Men’s Christian Association. While you will still find that some YMCAs around the world still use this full name, many, including all YMCAs in Canada, are known simply as the YMCA. This reflects our commitment to serving people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and abilities through all stages of life.

To learn more about the history of the Y in Canada, please visit YMCA Canada’s website by clicking here.

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