the heart and soul of Camp Takoda page 4

Central Bucks Family YMCAMember Magazine1st Quarter 2013

caught in the act!page 6

a world Y traveler page 9

blast from the past! page 5

In a recent letter from Neil Nicoll, CEO of YUSA, he asked the question: What’s Next? He opened his letter with the following: ‘There are few greater forces for good in this country than the Y Movement. One reason is that we are a restless group. We don’t get complacent and we don’t rest on our laurels. Over and over again throughout our rich history, we have reached an important social milestone or brought an innovative idea to our communities and then asked, “What’s next?” I recently sat with Neil, and 39 other Y Leaders at a symposium at Clairmont University in California. The purpose of our meeting was to discuss ‘What’s Next?’ for the Y Movement.

I found the timing of this conversation ironic since we are asking the same thing of ourselves right now: What’s Next for Central Bucks Family YMCA? To answer this question, our Y is embarking on a bit of a journey to seriously reflect on our future. We will invite community leaders to an event that identifies the critical issues facing our community. We will explore our extended community, and we will challenge our mission by asking the question: Who do we want to serve?

Our ‘What’s Next’ will be defined by the solutions to our questions, and we will develop the next phase of our Strategic Plan to meet these needs. So, whether we build a field house, launch a new Signature Program, or explore new territories in need of a Y, I can assure you that our decision will be defined by a greater purpose that will fulfill our mission. I agree with Neil, we are a restless group, and once we answer the question of ‘What’s Next’, we will be ready to do what is necessary. Some of you may be invited to the table - I hope you all join me in this exploration.

Zane Moore President/CEO

a noteFROM YOUR CAPTAIN

IN THIS ISSUEBlast From the Past page 5Build A Healthy Family Home page 9Caught in the Act page 6Hot Topics page 3Kevin Crail: A Y Super Hero page 4Need to Know page 8The People Have Spoken page 3World Y Traveler page 9

CENTRAL BUCKS FAMILY YMCA2500 Lower State Road | Doylestown, PA215.348.8131 | www.cbfymca.org

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Zane dons a pirate hat to celebrate Camp Takoda ‘Pirate

Week’

hot topics

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKENWhat’s your 2013 New Year’s Resolution?

Q&AWhat is the temperature of the pools?The Traditional Pool has a constant maintained temperature of 83-84 degrees. The Water Park Pool is 87-88 degrees.

So why is the pool much colder than it was when I was here 2 days ago? Water is added as needed once a week due to evaporation. It takes 8-12 hours for the water to heat up to the regular temperature.

Find five New Year’s Resolutions the Y recommends at www.ymca.net/news-media/healthy-new-years-resolutions-for-2013

“I ran the Broad Street Run with Kevin’s group last year. I’d like to do

that again but my goal is to run a Half Marathon.”

LESLIE GEARHART

“I’d like to lose weight and get in better shape.”

CHARLIE DICANIO

“I’d like to get back into running.”

NELLIE MORGAN WITH DAUGHTER ELLIOTT

“I want to keep doing what I’m doing, stay in

shape and keep working out.”

ALEX POLENSKY

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kevin crailA Y SUPER HERO

COVER STORY

Kevin Crail lives the Y credo: For Youth Development, For Healthy Living, For Social Responsibility.

Beginning his career with the Y in 2004 as a part time lifeguard, Kevin was quickly hired in our (then) sports department as Associate Sports Director. Eventually becoming the Youth/Teen/Camp Director, Kevin saw the potential in the youth sports and camp programs. Now the Senior Director of Youth Development, programs have rapidly grown in capacity, community importance and reputation under his leadership. By surrounding himself with a highly trained and qualified team and continuously evaluating community needs, Kevin is regarded as a leader who has helped our Y and Youth Development programs become significant and vital in our community.

The summer camp program at Central Bucks Family YMCA is one of several youth programs significantly impacted by Kevin. Initially a small program with

several camp groups, the current program has grown to serve hundreds of community youth and families, with a large percentage of campers attending with financial assistance. Camp Takoda at Central Bucks Family YMCA offers traditional day camp groups along with over 30 different, half-day specialty camps running continuously throughout the summer including sports, dance, art and drama, and fishing. This past year, he continued the growth of the program by offering off-site camps in key community areas and community partnership camps like Firefighter Camp (with Doylestown Fire Company) and Nature Camp (with Bucks County Audobon Society). The program maintains a staff of over 120 counselors, specialists, and supervisors all of whom undergo continuous training and expectations for the Y member experience in addition to their usual job and safety training. The program is poised to grow with a thriving CIT (counselor in training) camp preparing the next generation of Y camp counselors with the Y core values.

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Kevin saves the day with

Cassie Crail and Tim Newton

Beyond his work with Youth Development, Kevin also created and instructs an adult, teen and youth running program. Kevin discovered running when he achieved his own weight loss and health goals after integrating running into his life. For the past several years, he’s competed in countless road races including the Marine Corp Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Broad Street Half Marathon. In top running form, Kevin shares his love of running and knowledge of training with Y members through his adult running classes ‘Crail’s Broad Street and Beyond’ and ‘Crail’s 13.1 Half Marathon Club’ and youth/teen cross country programs. The continuously changing adult group trains together and in smaller sub-groups based on ability. He creates a community with the running group evoking his mantra: “no runner left behind, we wait until everyone is back.” Many Y members credit Kevin and his group with sparking their passion for running and competing in road races.

As a Senior Director, Kevin now oversees the Preschool, Teen Center and programs, 7th grade initiative membership and programming, Dance, Adventure Guides/Princesses, youth sports leagues, sports and PE programs, Y Skatepark and adult sports leagues.

Professionally, Kevin is always anxious to learn about new trends and expand his knowledge for to better our Y programs. He’s completed the Y’s Leadership Competency Courses. He is cognizant of the impact

the Y and his programs have in our community and respects the feedback he receives from youth and parents. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education with a minor in Criminal Justice from Temple University. Recently, he was a featured speaker at the National ACA (American Camp Association) Conference.

On a personal level, Kevin is an enthusiastic leader and role model who practices what he preaches. He still teaches some classes including youth track and Super Heroes Training where he dresses as his alter ego, Marathon Man. He has an uncanny ability to put a positive spin on any issue and turn a problem into an opportunity. He is the heart and soul of Youth Development programs and Camp Takoda at Central Bucks Family YMCA.

BLAST FROM THE PASTWe’ve pulled this photo from our archives and need your help! Do you know who these lovely ladies are, where this photo was taken or when? Connect with Marie Axler, 215.348.8131, x1180 or maxler@cbfymca.org to provide some clues!

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Kevin leads teens

in after-school track

CAUGHT in the act!

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1. STARS After 2 instructors Erin McPeak and Lark Iriwn and participants are on the road again

5. Jump up and down, turn around and say cheese in Aqua Zumba

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CAUGHT in the act!

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5. Jump up and down, turn around and say cheese in Aqua Zumba

6. In the home stretch during a yoga session...

7. Nick Barlow gets an earful from Greg Fratantaro

8. Karen keeps the juices flowing at Chambers 19 Café 10. The way today’s teens communicate with each other...

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need to knowNEW IN 2013The new year brings added value for Y members!• Extended facility hours (open 5 AM Mon-Sat)• 160 new pieces of equipment in the Fitness

Center and Weight Room• Launch of Les Mills BODYFLOW™• Additional family events (Flick & Float, Family

Float night and more)• Online registration for camp• New SPARK program to help you start or stay

with your fitness goals• Renovated special needs/family locker room and

more!

LOVE YOUR HEARTWe’re teaming up with Doylestown Hospital to help our members and the community assess their cardiac health risks and take steps toward a healthy future. The “Love Your Heart” event takes place February 19 (4 to 7pm) and is open to the public. Participants can have their body mass index and blood pressure screened as part of a cardiac risk assessment. Cardiologists from Doylestown Hospital will be available for brief, personal conversations about cardiac health risks and prevention.

Y STAFF BRIGHT SPOTCongratulations to Karen Smith, Child Watch Lead Caregiver, who is often nominated as a ‘Bright Spot!’

“There was a little boy having a hard time adjusting to Child Watch. Karen diligently worked w/ both mom & child and today was the first day he didn’t cry. SUCCESS! Great Job Karen!”

“She is always friendly and greets my son with a big smile. She knows who I am and who he is and treats him with so much love and care. I feel so comfortable leaving him with her and the staff!”

Y R U RUNNING?We are proud to host the first race of the 2013 Bucks 5k Series as the kick-off for our Community Support Campaign. The event, Saturday evening, March 23, features:• a new finish and post-race pasta party• a 1-mile walk and fun run for all ages at 5pm• a 5k race/walk beginning at 5:30pm• child care available with advance registration• awards, music, and food immediately after race

Registration is now open online at www.bucks5kseries.com. On-site registration is available March 22 from 5:30-7pm and March 23 from 3:30 to 5pm. Connect with Rachel Mauer for details, 215.348.8131, x1167 or rmauer@cbfymca.org.

Interested in volunteering for the event? Connect with Karen Birmingham at x1186 or kbirmingham@cbfymca.org.

LET IT SNOW! In the event of inclement weather, please be sure to check our facility status before traveling to the Y using the following: • Call our main number and listen to the recording

(215.348.8131) • Visit us online at www.cbfymca.org or our

Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CBFYMCA

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Kids gravitate towards Karen

Mark Vanek is a pilot for United Airlines, a former career Naval Aviator and a member of Central Bucks Family YMCA. Mark likes to swim laps at the Y, but flies frequently and stays overnight in cities across the country.

“When I’m on a layover in a major city like Cleveland, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Detroit, or Houston, a Y is usually a short 10 minute walk from my hotel,” says Vanek. “I register using my AWAY privileges to swim laps, strength train or use the cardio equipment.”

Vanek spends time in Ys across the country, seeing facilities small and large and reports that each Y has its own unique personality. The Downtown Dallas Y has a 10 lane lap pool located below street level that actually has the building's structural pillars based in what should be the center lane of the pool. The San Francisco Embarcadero Y has an indoor salt water pool, and the downtown San Diego Y has a banked overhead running track, built during WWII which still has the original wooden flooring!

“It’s interesting to see all the different Ys but at the same time they are all very much an extension of my Y here in Doylestown. The AWAY privileges allow me to stay fit and feel at home anywhere I fly throughout the country.”

mark vanekA WORLD Y TRAVELER

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BUILD A HEALTHY FAMILY HOMEAt the Y, we understand that health begins at home and we support families in their efforts to build the five pillars that support a healthy family home: EAT HEALTHY, PLAY EVERY DAY, GET TOGETHER, GO OUTSIDE and SLEEP WELL.

Every family can be a healthy family. By focusing your family’s efforts to live healthier around the Y’s pillars of a healthy family home and taking small steps, your family will soon be feeling stronger and living healthier. Find more information and great tools like ‘How Healthy is Your Home?’ quiz, the Healthy Family Home starter kit, and the Healthy Family Home newsletter at www.ymca.net/healthy-family-home.‘The Pye

Family’ Mom Karen with

Carolyn, Jack, Julia & Nolan

VICTOR we all need the Y

The Y RUN 5K on March 23 kicks off our Community Support Campaign.

Every donation to the Y ensures that we can change another life for good. Through financial assistance or the development and growth of healthy initiatives, your gift directly helps people experience the joy of personal achievement and connection that you’ve found here.