Information on Monthly Drafts of Programs

Welcome to YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties programs and services. We are grateful to serve you and your family. We are committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen. From cradle to career, the Y empowers young people to lead inspired, successful lives. 

YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties provides school year (September-mid June) and summer (mid June-August) programs and services through a convenient, monthly draft payment design for our traditional, “session based” programming such as youth and adult sports classes, swim classes, arts, and enrichment programs. 

With the monthly draft design, families will register for a swim, sports, or dance class (for example) just one time; and seamlessly we will continue to draft you monthly on the first day of each month until you provide notice to stop. The monthly draft method is super convenient and helpful in establishing routine schedules for your family! No longer needing to register “every eight weeks” or “session,” the convenient monthly draft promotes family registration ease while your child progresses monthly, simultaneously. 
 

Important information to know:

School Year 2023-2024: 
Sunday, September 10, 2023 - Sunday, June 9, 2024
 

School Year 2023 registration begins: 

Wednesday, August 16, 2023 for Family Members 
Friday, August 18, 2023 for Members
Monday, August 21, 2023 for Non-members
 

Summer 2024 Programming: 
Monday, June 17, 2024 - Sunday, August 25, 2024 (subject to change)
 

Summer Programming registration begins: 
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 for Family Members 
Friday, May 24, 2024 for Members
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 for Non-members
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all programs drafted monthly?

Beginning Sunday, September 10, 2023 - the majority* of YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties programs will run on an ongoing monthly draft on the first day of each month for a “school year feel” of September through mid June. Then a summer opportunity will be offered mid June through August. Therefore, when you register, you will be enrolled in all months September thru June 9 (June’s payment will be prorated); with an ability to stop when a request is made prior to the next monthly draft.  We ask that all requests to discontinue programming be made at least one week prior to the next monthly draft. 

*This does not apply to seasonal or one-time programs; i.e. leagues, private lessons, etc. You will see on the program guide what is listed as “member monthly draft” vs. “member flat fee.”
 

What if the Y closed on my child’s regularly scheduled class day?

All holiday closures have been taken into consideration when designing the standard monthly draft fee; therefore the building closure has no effect on the draft payment.
 

For the 2023/2024 school year, there will be no classes on the following days:

Halloween (Oct 31) after 4pm
Thanksgiving (Nov 23)
Friday after Thanksgiving (Nov 24)
Winter Break (December 24-January 1) Includes Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Easter Break (Mar 29-31)
Memorial Day (May 27) 
Independence Day (Jul 4)
Labor Day (Sep 2)

I missed September enrollment, now what?

If space is available, programs, with the exception of group swim lessons and league programs, remain open for enrollment on a monthly basis.  Enrollment for swim lessons, new programs and leagues will be opened up every two months, please see the dates below. The most up-to-date information can always be found on our website.
 

What if my child is not feeling well and/or cannot attend the program?

As space is limited, makeup sessions will only be provided with a doctor’s note. Without a doctor’s note, credits/refunds/makeup sessions will not be provided.
 

What if the Y closes due to inclement weather or power outage, etc?

YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties is not responsible for weather and/or power related cancellations when the buildings are closed. Credits/refunds will not be provided. However, when inclement weather closures are frequent (example: in the event of a snowy winter), YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties staff will propose makeup sessions to the best of our ability to offset program time loss.  
What if the pool closes due to unforeseen circumstances?
If the pool closes due to unforeseen circumstances affecting a swim lesson, YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties may need to shorten or cancel the lesson. Credits/refunds will not be provided. 
 

Will my child stay in that class day and time for the entire year?
Yes, for your convenience, there will no longer be the experience of needing to register for the “next session,” instead, your child will continue in the same time slot (class day and time) for the entire length of the school year. A new summer session will be available for registration in mid-May.
 

Regarding gymnastics and swim classes, how will my child progress through the levels?

Participants in programs with levels and advancement needs (Gymnastics, Swim Lessons, etc) will be adjusted as needed by directors to accommodate those moves. To best communicate your child’s progress, progress reports will be distributed periodically.
 

What if my child will age-out of the class mid-year?
Our highly qualified and caring staff will collaborate and communicate with you regarding the “moving up” of a level based on his/her skills, age, etc. for the following month.  Every effort will be made to keep your child enrolled in the same day/time of their program. However, please be aware that some changes may require a change of time and/or day your child attends.
 

How can I change the class day and time?
If a participant decides to change programs or cancel, they will be able to request the change for the following month. In order to request the change or cancellation call or stop by our Welcome Center.  We ask that all requests to discontinue programming be made at least one week prior to the next monthly draft. 
Please note:  If a cancellation is completed, the program spot reopens.  In the event the participant would like to join the program again they will need to re-register based on availability.
 

The program I want to register for is gray on the program guide, what does it mean?
Classes highlighted in gray were full at the time the program guide was created.  These classes may open as space becomes available.  Participants are encouraged to register for the waitlist if the class is full as new classes are added from these lists.  Participants are encouraged to register for programs that do not have a waitlist. Registration on a waitlist does not guarantee a space will become available.
 

I’ve registered on the waitlist, what does this mean?
The waitlists are used to determine interest in a full class.  As staffing and space allows, classes may open up.  The participants on the waitlist will be contacted and offered a space prior to opening the program to the community.  Participants will remain on the waitlist for approximately 2 months.  At the start of each open enrollment, waitlists will be reset.  If a participant wishes to remain on the waitlist for an additional two months, they will need to register again.