Group Interests
Josh Baker
YMCA of Greater Syracuse
Writing can be a solitary pursuit, but the Y is showing young authors like Josh that humans are social creatures who can benefit from positive, constructive criticism from others, and maybe make some friends along the way. This is his Y. His Camera. His Story.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126015004im_/http://www.ymca.net/sites/default/files/styles/featured_testimonial_thumbnail/public/featured_testimonials/josh-baker-1.png?itok=xZzJXgBv)
More Y Stories
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126015004im_/http://www.ymca.net/sites/default/files/styles/featured_testimonial_thumbnail/public/featured_testimonials/glenna-1.png?itok=oCgtRcp6)
Glenna Holweger
Altru Family YMCA
"Get Out There and Try Something New!"
Most people at the Y would say that Glenna just keeps moving, but it wasn't always that way. Find out how this senior citizen sparked up her social life when she joined one of the Y's adventure groups to have a little fun in life. This is her Y. Her camera. Her story.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126015004im_/http://www.ymca.net/sites/default/files/styles/featured_testimonial_thumbnail/public/featured_testimonials/mary-150.png?itok=oGDAiuDQ)
Mary MacKendree
Atmore Area YMCA
"I Was Eager to Be in a Classroom."
Mary has a story tell you about her Y's photography classes, but she'll be the first to admit that it's much easier to be on the other side of the camera. This is her Y. Her camera. Her story.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126015004im_/http://www.ymca.net/sites/default/files/styles/featured_testimonial_thumbnail/public/featured_testimonials/brennan-150.png?itok=gz6Rj9rC)
Brennan Mejia
YMCA of the East Valley
"It's Not Just about Putting on a Show."
Lucky for Brennan, he didn't have to run away and join the circus. It was in his own back yard. Find out how this tight-knit community of performers is working together to embrace the spirit of hope and determination. This is his Y. His camera. His story.
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20161126015004im_/http://www.ymca.net/sites/default/files/styles/featured_testimonial_thumbnail/public/featured_testimonials/eileen-150.png?itok=OYJkASt_)
Eileen Matz
Sherwood Regional Family YMCA
"I Found Friendship and More at the Y."
At the Y, we believe healthy living has as much to do with pursuing interests, passions and learning new things as it does with eating healthy and being active. Our minds and spirits need stimulus and enrichment, and we get more from life when we find things—and people—that inspire us.
Lifelong Learning
At the Y, we offer a sense of community, fellowship and support that enriches people’s lives. You’re as likely to find a pottery class as an aerobics class at your Y, and book clubs, painting classes, group travel and cooking classes are becoming as popular as anything in the gym. Take a deeper look at something you’re interested in.
Spiritual Development
Our relationship with God, our understanding of our faith and others and our sense of purpose in the world are all rich topics for exploration and prayer. Ys offer prayer groups, Bible study, discussion groups and spiritually-focused yoga and meditation to allow our spirits a chance to stretch and grow.