Learn More About Membership

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• Joining the YMCA

  Your membership dues can be paid in one of two ways:

  Monthly: Automatic draft from checking or saving account, debit or credit card
  Annual: Cash, Check, or credit/debit card

  Under the automatic draft monthly payment plan, you pay an initial joiner's fee, where applicable. You then authorize the YMCA and your bank to automatically withdraw monthly dues from your checking or savings account, debit or credit card. Monthly dues continue as long as you are a member. Membership cards must be turned in to the membership office upon cancellation.

  You can discontinue your monthly draft by giving the YMCA 30-days notice in writing, and returning all membership cards.

  Membership dues are subject to change with 30-day notice to members.  Your satisfaction is guaranteed, and there are no contracts to sign.

  Categories

  To qualify for any category, members must reside at the same address and pay monthly dues from one bank account. In addition to the monthly dues there is a one-time joining fee. 

  • Adult membership is defines as one adult 19 years and older
  • Youth membership is defined as 18 years and younger
  • Couple membership is defined as Two adults 19 and older residing in the same household
  • One Adult family is defined as one adult and their dependent children under the age of 19 (with full time student verification, covered up to the age of 23)
  • Two Adult family is defined as two adults and dependent children under the age of 19 residing in the same house (with full time student verification, covered up to the age of 23)

  Pricing

  Please use the links below to visit the branch you are seeking to join for pricing and specifics on what each branch has to offer:

  Albany YMCA

  Bethlehem Area YMCA

  Empire State Plaza YMCA

  Greater Glenville Family YMCA

  Greenbush Area YMCA

  Greene County YMCA

  Guilderland YMCA

  North Albany YMCA

  Schenectady YMCA

  Southern Saratoga YMCA

  Troy Family YMCA

• Value of membership

  Quality Child Care

  Members receive special rates on Afterschool, day camp and other programs for children. We also provide quality child care at participating YMCA branches while you’re working out or participating in other YMCA activities. Click here to view those branches.

  Swimming and Water Activities

  All of our facilities have year-round indoor pools. There’s time for recreational swim, lap swim and water aerobic activities, plus group and private swim lessons. Certified lifeguards staff our pools, and our swim lessons are taught by trained instructors. Click here for a branch pool schedule.

  Wellness and Fitness Classes

  With your membership, you can choose from hundreds of exercise classes geared toward the beginner to the fitness enthusiast. Our YMCAs offer traditional aerobics, sculpt, yoga, pilates, cycle and many other group exercise classes all taught in a fun, welcoming environment. Click here for a branch group exercise class schedule.

  Strength and Cardio Equipment

  Each YMCA has a variety of strength and cardio equipment for members. Whether you prefer running on a treadmill, cycling beside a friend, reading while on an elliptical trainer, lifting free weights or using strength training equipment, you can do it at the YMCA.

  Fitness Assessments and Personal Training

  Our health and wellness staff, along with certified personal trainers, are available to help you design a fitness program that meets your individual needs.

  Inclusivity

  Our YMCA is a membership organization open to all people. The YMCA welcomes women and men, girls and boys of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities and financial circumstances. Programs and branches embrace diversity, reflecting the needs and composition of the communities they serve.

  Lift Your Spirit

  When you join the Y, you join a movement of nearly 120,000 people serving and loving our community through YMCA programs like:

  • Massage therapy
  • Group Exercise Programs
  • Nutritional Consultations and support
  • One on One trainings with a wellness coach
  • Black and Latino Achiever’s Program

  Free Your Mind

  Learn to live well from wellness seminars, free screenings and full-time nutritionists (available at most branches). Explore new frontiers through volunteering and leadership development through programs such as the Black and Latino Achiever’s Program and Y Guides. Create new friendships in young professional clubs, social activities for seniors and community events.

  Move Your Body

  Get fit with your friends with unlimited group exercise classes including yoga, Pilates or water aerobic classes.
  Get your game on with basketball, racquet sports (available at Schenectady, Troy and Albany) and running clubs.

   

• Financial Assistance

  The YMCA currently supports 28,855 individuals with financial assistance. Last year 33% of our members and hundreds of community groups were served with financial assistance totaling more than $1 million dollars. If you have recently experienced a life change such as job loss or increased medical expenses, you are not alone! The YMCA is here to serve you and strengthen our community during tough economic times.
  
  We have recently restructured our financial assistance program to ensure those in need get immediate access to our facilities and to simplify the confidential application process. Whether you are an existing member or a new applicant, it's now easier than ever!

  Getting started:

  • Complete a financial assistance application.
  • Contact a member services representative or mail to any of our YMCA locations
  • Your application is processed confidentially and someone will contact you directly to let you know the amount of assistance you have qualified for. Please allow up to 14 business days for processing.

  Strong Kids = Strong Families = Strong Communities but it all starts with YOU!

• Policies

  Capital District YMCA Reciprocity Policy

  Membership in the Capital District YMCA entitles the bearer to privileges in all of its branches, unless otherwise specified. It is generally understood that members will purchase membership at the branch of primary participation, and that reciprocal privileges are offered as an additional convenience. The Capital District YMCA membership committee reserves the right to revise this policy.

  Your YMCA - A Home AWAY from Home

  The Capital District YMCA participates in the AWAY program (Always Welcome At YMCA's). The Program provides membership privileges to more than 2,000 YMCA's across the country and abroad, just by presenting your Capital District YMCA membership card which shows the AWAY logo. Call or stop by your membership department for details about this program.

  Special Needs

  The YMCA provides opportunities for people with special needs to participate in our programs. Please let our member service staff know if you have any special needs.

  Guest Privileges

  YMCA facilities are provided for the use of YMCA members. Members have 3 complimentary guest passes each year. Once members use their annual complimentary guest passes, they may bring guests who will pay a $10 guest pass fee. Members are invited to bring friends and encourage them to join. Branches have select hours for guest use of the facilities. Please contact your branch to learn more about when guests may use the facility.

  Membership Card

  Your YMCA membership card is a passport to all the benefits of membership. It verifies your agreement to abide by the rules and policies of the Capital District YMCA. Cards are nontransferable and remain the property of the Capital District YMCA.

  You will be expected to present your membership card at the membership services desk each time you enter the facility and when registering for programs. Lost cards may be replaced at the member service desk for a nominal fee.
  The Capital District YMCA has the right to suspend or cancel a membership if the members' behavior or language is judged to be in conflict with the welfare of other members or staff, or in conflict with the YMCA's purpose. The branch Executive Director will render the final decision on a revoked or suspended membership.

  Transferring Membership

  If transferring an annual membership from another YMCA, we will contact your previous YMCA for a prorated balance on your membership. Our YMCA membership department will gladly honor your credit and apply this amount to your first years dues, subject to the policies of your previous YMCA. You will not be responsible for the joiner's fee if your transfer occurs within 30 days of your membership expiration.

  Lockers

  Lockers are available for your use during your visit to the YMCA. We strongly advise the use of locks to protect your personal items as the YMCA is not responsible or liable for articles damaged, lost, or stolen.
  Please use your own lock to secure your clothes and valuables in our "day use" lockers while you are working out at the YMCA. Locks left overnight may be removed to allow for use by other members. Some branches may have lockers for rent for an extended period.

  Smoking Policy

  YMCA facilities are smoke-free environments.

  Medical Checkup

  Certain YMCA programs may require medical screening and/or physician's approval prior to participation. A pre-participation medical checkup and/or annual medical evaluation by your physician are strongly recommended for participation in YMCA physical fitness activities.

  Facility Use Guidelines

  The following rules are designed to assure the safety of all members:

  • Your YMCA branch has recommended that younger members, in the YMCA building or grounds be either: under direct supervision of parent or guardian, or registered and participating in a supervised YMCA program activity. Please check with your member service staff for age restrictions specific to your branch.
  • Certain areas of the YMCA facility are restricted for use by specific age groups or require parental/guardian supervision. Please check with your member service staff for age restrictions specific to your branch.
  • Some hours of operation and areas of the building are scheduled for the exclusive use of specific groups.

  The hours of operation of each center vary and are subject to change. Always check with your YMCA for details. We make every effort to give advance notice when we must change hours of operation.

• Frequently Asked Questions

  Are there any additional charges?

  All aerobics and water aerobics are included, but there is an additional charge for youth swim and sports programs, leagues, and specialty programs.

  What if I just want to take a class?

  A program membership entitles a person to attend classes in the YMCA at a higher rate than our member. The program member receives program brochures mailed to them and use of the locker rooms before and after class. (Note: The East Greenbush and Bethlehem Area YMCAs do not offer program memberships)

  The membership fee is too expensive for me, how can you help?

  The YMCA has a program called the Scholarship Fund which scholarships people who can not afford a membership or to take classes. Money is raised through our Reach Out For Youth annual support campaign each year. Those interested must submit proof of income (usually a tax statement) and a sliding scale is used based on income and number in the family. Applications should be sent to the membership director for review.

  I'm married but my husband will never use the YMCA. Do I still pay the full family fee?

  The single parent family membership is for 1 adult and any children under the age of 19, unless they are full time college students, then they are included till the age of 23.

  My husband and I want to join, but our 30 year old son (90 year old mother-in-law, etc.) lives with us and goes to college. Can he be on membership?

  No, he/she needs to take out their own membership.

  Can I use any YMCA?

  You have use of any of the Capital District Facility YMCAs. This includes Albany, North Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Greater Glenville, Southern Saratoga (in Clifton Park), Guilderland, Greenbush Area, Bethlehem Area and Greenbush Area YMCAs. If you are vacationing or on business more than 50 miles from our area, you may call that branch for details on the AWAY program.

  I'd like a trial membership.

  We don't offer trial memberships. You are welcome to come in and take a tour and receive a free guest pass.

  What if I want to cancel my membership after I've joined?

  If you are on the monthly bank draft, simply stop by the member service desk and ask for a termination form. You are required to give a 30 day written notice.  If you paid in full, a request must be made in writing to the membership director and you must give 30 days notice. A prorated refund will be mailed to you from our corporate office.

  I go away 8 months of the year, do I need to pay while I'm away?

  Any special arrangements must be made through our membership director.

  I just want membership to the pool, how much is that?

  Our membership includes everything in the building. There is no special rate for pool only.