To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all! Welcoming all, the Door County YMCA will be the catalyst for a thriving, values-driven community, where families and individuals of all ages learn and grow together. Founded in 1987 in Door County, the Door County YMCA quickly became the community leader in youth based programming, emphasizing fair play, inclusion of all and a focus on character development with the core values of caring honesty, respect, honesty and responsibility modeled and taught in all programming. The YMCA has also become the center of recreation and exercise for youth, adults, families, and seniors throughout the service area. As a relatively small and rural county, the YMCA in two locations in the county is the center of health and wellness programs. YMCAs are at the heart of community life in neighborhoods and towns across the nation. Ys are for people of all faiths, races, abilities, ages and incomes. No one is turned away for inability to pay. In Door County, this has definitely been the case for the past 21 years.The Door County YMCA has a volunteer board that sets policy, while a CEO manages the operation with full-time and part-time staff and volunteer leaders. Memberships to the YMCA allow members to use the facilities of the Door County YMCA and participate in hundreds of program opportunities throughout the year. Memberships are purchased on a monthly or annual basis and financial assistance up to 90% are offered to those with demonstrated need. Membership is not required to participate in YMCA programs and are open to all in the community. The YMCA meets local community needs through organized programs and activities. In its own way, every Y nurtures the healthy development of children and teens; strengthens families; and makes its community a healthier, safer, better place to live.Longtime leaders in community-based health and fitness and aquatics, Ys teach kids to swim, offer exercise classes for people with disabilities, lead adult exercise and fitness classes, and sponsor teen programming which teaches leadershibut is not limited to camping, child care (the Y movement is the nation's largest not-for-profit provider of child care), teen clubs, environmental programs, substance abuse prevention, youth sports, family nights, leadership and job training, gymnastics, dance, aquatics safety, team sports, senior aerobics, exercise for special populations and special needs and many more.Over its lifetime the YMCA has evolved to be much more broad and inclusive, than its "Christian" name would imply. Christian principles are still at the core of the YMCA mission, but the YMCA enjoys the influence of all positive role models and faiths in the community. The Y movement has always been nonsectarian and accepts those of all faiths at all levels of the organization. Today half of all YMCA members and program members are female, and half are under age 18.