LAST UPDATED: 3/25/10      

About Us

The YMCA is...

    The Lincoln Area YMCA is a Charitable 501(c)(3) organization and is NOT tax supported. Our revenue comes from program and membership fees, as well as donations. We are a non-facility, store-front YMCA that opened in 1991 under the Springfield, IL Y charter. We are named the Lincoln Area YMCA due to the fact that our services extend further than just Lincoln, and into the surrounding towns in Logan County. We became independent in 1997.

    The Young Men’s Christian Association is unique among those institutions which American society has provided for the welfare of its youth and families.  The YMCA’s unique role results from the combination of five factors:

1.  The YMCA is a voluntary organization.  Boys, girls, young people participate in the programs of the Y because they want to, not because they are required to.
Mature citizens also, voluntarily serve on its board and committees and provide leadership for its activities because they believe in the importance of the YMCA program and choose to share responsibility for its development and effective operation.

2.  Because of its fundamental character as a voluntary organization, the YMCA enjoys freedom to determine its policies and select its methods of serving youth without interference from political or governmental sources.

3.  The YMCA works with young people in their leisure, when they are free to do what interests them, with companions of their choice.  The misuse of leisure is responsible for much of the crime and delinquency among youth today.

4.  The YMCA was born of the free enterprise system and its growth has paralleled that of a free enterprise.  Although the Y operates in all parts of the world, except Iran and Bamboo curtain countries, like free enterprise it has reached its highest development under the American system.

5.  Although non-sectarian, the YMCA is a Christian organization.  It’s purpose and programs proudly direct youth to the spirit and teachings of Jesus and leads them toward a dynamic religious faith as the only sound basis for the achievement of character and realization of a full life.

    For generations the Y has worked with youth – with problem youngsters and with good youngsters, with ordinary youngsters and exceptional youngsters.  It has sent them out into the life of the community as well adjusted, useful citizens, many of them as leaders.

    There are over a total of 2,600 YMCAs.  Corporate YMCA of the USA headquarters is located on North Wacker Drive in Chicago, IL.

To return to the YMCA home page, click here.



Events Calendar: Click here for Calendar


Spring/Summer 2010 Catalog: Click here to download the current program guide.

Download times may vary.

Upcoming Programs at the YMCA

  Summer Camp

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Early Summer Day Camp registration begins April 5th at special discount rates

Late Summer Day Camp registration begins May 6th. After May 6th a $10 increase will be charged per child, per weekly camp session or $2 per child per day for daily regsitrations.

YMCA Summer Day Camps are sponsored by CEFCU and Ameren CILCO.

2010 Summer Day Camp Registration Form
2010 Summer Day Camp Handbook


Click here for details or call the Y office at 217-735-3915.

  Swim Lessons

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YMCA trained instructors teach progressive swim lessons at the Lincoln Elks Club in the mornings and in the evenings in 2 week sessions.  The Y offers 3 sessions over the summer.  Classes are held Monday through Thursday, with Fridays as make up dates for the morning lessons, and Saturday mornings as the make up dates for the evening classes.  Class levels range from “Parent/Child” classes all the way up to “Advanced” lessons. These fun, instructional lessons are beneficial for children of all swimming abilities. To find information about a specific class level, click one of the tabs above.

Click here for details or call the Y office at 217-735-3915.

  Summer Sports

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Many of the Lincoln Area YMCA sports are now active for the Spring/Summer season. The Lincoln Area YMCA provides many sporting opportunities to the young children in the community.  We have all the local favorites and provide a good solid base for future superstar athletes in the area.  The fundamental basics are the highlight for each sport, so everyone can learn, but, at the same time, these sports move quick enough so even the experienced players are challenged.  To view a list of active sports programs, visit the Sports page by clicking the link below.

Click here for details or call the Y office at 217-735-3915.

  Preschool Program Updates

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Preschool Playdays are now offered to 3 - 5 year olds!!!

    The Lincoln Area YMCA now offers a variety of Preschool programs for Fall 2010 and Spring 2011. All of the YMCA Play Center programs are designed to give your child the best possible start in their learning experience. We provide a loving and nurturing environment that promotes physical, social, emotional and cognitive development all while having FUN! Now your child can join our Preschool P.E. class upstairs in the Y gym followed by the Lunch Bunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays!! SPACE IS LIMITED FOR EACH OF THESE CLASSES, DON’T DELAY, SIGNUP NOW!

Click here for details or call the Y office at 217-735-3915.