YMCA offering new Judo class for home-schooled teens

Provided photos: Marie Delobbe-Scott is instructor of the new Judo class for teens at the Orleans County YMCA.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 3 May 2024 at 2:55 pm

MEDINA – The Orleans County YMCA is piloting a new teen homeschooling program, which took effect April 30.

The program, which will continue through June 11, will run simultaneously with the current Younger Children’s Home School Extension Program from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, according to Noori Bibi, vice president of the YMCA board.

Teens in grades seven through 12 may still sign up for the teen program by contacting the YMCA at (585) 798-2040. Cost is $50 for members and $70 for non-members.

Katie Hill is spearheading the teen program, which was started to support homeschooling families with teens.

“This program is high quality, which is why I put my kids in it,” Bibi said. “The children love it and look forward to it every week.”

The program includes physical education, music and art.

For seven weeks, the Tuesday sessions will include one hour of instruction, provided by a seasoned personal trainer. Teens will be given the tools they need to build their own strength training program, learn how to use the weight machines at the YMCA, set personal goals, learn proper eating habits and understand the science behind the number of reps and sets performed for what they are trying to achieve physically (strength, power, flexibility, etc.), Bibi explained.

In addition to this, teens will be provided with a 45-50-minute ART/STEAM/Self expression program tailored to the interests of the teens enrolled. There will also be a 30-minute Free-Write/Free Draw Expression class, where teens can interact socially with each other to build lifelong relationships, work on personal projects or tutor each other.

“Our vision is to launch this first session and gain insight from the local homeschooled teens as to what skills and classes they desire,” Bibi said.

Marie Scott leads the Judo sessions, while Hill is the art and music instructor.