Category: Uncategorized

We’re thrilled to share big news that reflects what happens when community partners come together with a shared mission: to help every child shine.

This fall, the YMCA of Coastal Carolina officially opened the YMCA Early Learning Academy at Coastal Carolina University—a meaningful step forward in expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care and early education for families in our region.

Formerly the CCU Early Childhood Development and Literacy Center, the program is now operated by the YMCA, with day-to-day management, family support, and curriculum guided by our mission to nurture every child’s potential. The partnership brings together the strengths of three dedicated community leaders: CCU’s Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences and the YMCA of Coastal Carolina.

What makes this partnership special?

• Real-world experience for future educators. CCU students studying early childhood education now have more opportunities for student teaching, hands-on learning, and meaningful engagement with children—right on campus.
• A data-informed approach. United Way of Horry County will help track developmental milestones and assess kindergarten readiness, ensuring every child gets the strong start they deserve.
• Room to grow. The licensed center can serve up to 110 children, and we hope this model can expand to even more locations across the Grand Strand in the future.

“Child care remains a critical need in the region,” said Dr. Jamia Richmond, Dean of the Spadoni College. “This pilot program addresses that gap while offering CCU students valuable experience.”

Enrollment is open!
The YMCA Early Learning Academy accepts ABC vouchers, offers income-based pricing, and now partners with SC First Steps to offer free 4K through an application process.

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Ready to learn more or schedule a tour?

If you’re interested in enrolling your child, we’d love to meet you! 
Contact Brandi Duncan, YMCA Early Learning Academy Director
📞 843-349-2429 | ✉️ [email protected]

Together, we’re building brighter futures—for children, for students, and for our community.

EVENTS

BBQ Lunch Fundraiser in Georgetown

• Date:Feb. 7
• Tickets:$10 per to-go plate, purchase in the Welcome Center

Parents Night Out 

• What: A date night for you. A great night for them. Take a night for yourself while your kids are safe at the Y. We’ll keep them busy and having fun!
• Pawleys Island:Feb. 10
• Georgetown:Feb. 17
• Myrtle Beach: Feb. 16
• Register: Parent’s Night Out – YMCA of Coastal Carolina (coastalcarolinaymca.org)

School’s Out Days 

• What:Come join the adventure as we explore the world in Georgetown. Let the games begin as we celebrate the 2024 Winter Olympics in Pawleys. 
• Dates:Feb 19-23 for both Georgetown and Pawleys
• Times: 7:30am-5:30pm
• Register: School’s Out Camp – YMCA of Coastal Carolina (coastalcarolinaymca.org)

55&Up Valentine Bingo Connection & Fun at the Y!!

• What: Join our BINGO Connections- A great opportunity for engagement, reinforcing social skills and having fun! It’s a way to have fun with a favorite senior activity while also improving health. By playing the game, individuals have the opportunity to practice and reinforce essential social skills in a fun and engaging way.
• Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA: 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. on Feb. 12  
• Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA: 11:15 a.m.– 12 p.m. on Feb. 14 
• Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA:  12– 1 p.m. Feb. 15 

55&Up Friday Coffee Connection

• Description: Sip, Chat and Connect with Coffee  
• Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA: 2^nd and 4^th Friday in the Month of February 9:30a.m. – 11:30 a.m.   
• Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA: 1st and 3rd Friday in the Month of February 8:30a.m. – 10:30 a.m.   ·         
• Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA: All Day!  

Farmer’s Market with K-Bar Farm (updated days!) 

• What: K-Bar Farm,South Carolina’s only Elderberry Farm, is setting up a Farmer’s Market at the Myrtle Beach Y! 
• Shop: Honey, Produce, Elderberry Syrup, Jams, BBQ Sauce, & More 
• Myrtle Beach: Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA 
• Georgetown: Tuesdays 3 – 6 p.m. at Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA
• Pawleys Island: Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA

Safe Sitter Class – Georgetown 

• When: February 19  10:00 am-4:00 pm 
• Learn more + sign up: Safesitters® – YMCA of Coastal Carolina (coastalcarolinaymca.org) 

Tidelands Health Heartsaver CPR Class

• When: February 15 at 1:00 pm 
• Learn more + Sign Up: Tidelands Health Heart Saver CPR Classes – YMCA of Coastal Carolina (coastalcarolinaymca.org) 

PROGRAMS

Spring Youth Soccer

• Description: Registration is now open for our Spring 2024 season. If you registered for the Fall 2023 season, you do not need to register again.  
• Date: Practices start the week of March 4^th 
• Time: Games will be played Thursday and Saturday evenings; practices are once per week based on the coach’s preference. 
• Link: Youth Soccer Sign-up 

Group swim lessons 

• Description: Students can register for one of eight stages under our three swim categories depending upon their age and current swim ability.
  • Parent + Child = 6 months – 4 years
  • Preschool = 3 – 5 years
  • School-Age = 5 -9 years
  • Teen = 10 – 15 years
  • Adult = 16+ years
• Link: Swim Lessons Link 

Sign up for a Healthy Habits Coach!

To help you become 1% better every day, we are offering the Healthy Habits Coaching program.  The Healthy Habits Coaching program will add accountability and educate you on how to stay healthy. The Healthy Habits Coaching program will give you 4 sessions with a health coach.  The health coach will guide you through a workout and meet with you monthly to assist in accountability, answer questions and progress you through your exercise program. Get pricing information + register here

JUMPSTART PRESCHOOL  

• What: Our safe environment gives kids the perfect place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships plus cultivate fine and gross motor skills. We plan our classes to develop each child’s self-esteem and strong image of self-worth. In every class, we encourage children to explore, ask questions and solve problems. 
• Ages: 2 – 4
• Dates: January – May 2024
• Location:Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCa
• Learn more:Preschool Program

EVENTS

Farmer’s Market with K-Bar Farm 

• What: K-Bar Farm,South Carolina’s only Elderberry Farm, is setting up a Farmer’s Market at the Myrtle Beach Y! 
• Shop: Honey, Produce, Elderberry Syrup, Jams, BBQ Sauce, & More 
• Myrtle Beach: Every Thursday from 9am – 1pm at Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA 

Tidelands Health Resource Fair 

• When: December 7^th from 9am – 12pm
• Where: Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA
• What is included:
  • BP readings and education 
  • BMI screenings and education 
  • Hands only CPR demonstrations 
  • General education on diabetes, Diabetes Prevention Program 
  • Information on CHR services (including Triple P Parenting Program, Safesitter, TCCN, OB, etc…) 

Tidelands Health Blood Pressure Screenings

• Where: Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA
• When: December 12
• Time: 9am – 12pm

Parents Night Out 

• Need a night away from the kids? Your kids will have a blast at the YMCA while you take a well-deserved break. Children will enjoy a night of games, crafts, swimming, making memories along with ending the night watching a family friendly movie. Dinner will be provided along with a light snack. 
• Georgetown: December 16th from 6-9pm 
• Myrtle Beach: December 15th from 5:30 – 10:30 – The theme is The Polar Express!
• Registration link: Sign up

Flick and Float

• Bring your swimsuits, floats, and appetite for fun! 🏊‍♀️🏊‍♂️🍹
• Date: 12/29/23
• TIme: 7:00pm
• Featured Movie: We will be watching Scrooge- A Christmas Carol
• Link: Flick and Float sign up

PROGRAMS

Register for Basketball

• Cost: $85-member, $115 non-member
• Dates: Regular registration closes 12/11/23
• About our program: Whether you’re just starting out or sharpening your skills, the Y is the place for many youth to learn about becoming better players, staying active, and developing life-long skills.  The benefits are far greater than a win or loss. Whether it’s gaining confidence from learning a new skill or building relationships, good sportsmanship and team work – participating in youth sports at the Y is for development on and off the court! Practices are one day a week (mon – thur) and will officially begin the week of January 8th, Games will be on Saturdays starting January 20th.
• Registration Link:
• Contact: Jason Mueller (Sports Director, )843-449-9622, [email protected]

GT School’s Out Camp 

• School’s Out Days are an adventure that provides a fun, safe place to be when kids don’t have school! This camp inspired program includes a balance of fun, educational, & creative activities while developing the potential of every child. 
• Date: December 22^nd, 27-29^th 
• Time: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm 

Georgetown Golf at the Y

• What: Join us for six one-hour sessions of golfing fun suitable for all ages 4 and up. Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced golfer, this event is for you! Our dedicated golf pros, Champ, and Mike, will guide you through learning and improving your golf game.
• Dates: January 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, February 7th and 21st
• Times: 4:30PM-5:30PM
• Link: Golf at the Y Sign up
• Cost: Members $109 Non-members $136, Registration opens 12/1/23

Georgetown- NO SWIM AND GYM IN DECEMBER

• We will be taking the month of December off
• December 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

Georgetown- Y-Runner races are open to the public!

• Y-Runners winter races only. This is for local runners (any age) that want to hop into a competitive race. We will have our youth division followed by an open division race.
• Dates: 11/25, 12/9, 12/16
• Times: Races start at 9:00am
• Link to sign up: Race sign up

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Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA Jumpstart Preschool

• JUMPSTART PRESCHOOL  
• September 2023 – May 2024 
• Ages: 18 months – 5 years old 
• Time: 8:00am-12:00pm 
• https://www.coastalcarolinaymca.org/programs/21378761?locations=13  
• About our Program: 

At the Y, we believe that children learn best through play. 

Our safe environment gives kids the perfect place to learn foundational skills, develop healthy, trusting relationships plus cultivate fine and gross motor skills. We plan our classes to develop each child’s self-esteem and strong image of self-worth. In every class, we encourage children to explore, ask questions and solve problems. 

Our early childhood educators provide a warm and secure atmosphere with five areas of focus to help kids meet and exceed developmental milestones: learning, life skills, healthy habits, socialization and fine and gross motor skills. 

• Daily Activities include: 
• Play  
• Arts & Creativity  
• Science & Discovery 
• Mathematics  
• Fine & Motor Gross Activities  
• Language & Literacy  
• Social Studies  
• Emotional Health  
• Indoor & Outdoor Physical Fitness  

PROGRAM PARTNERS! 

• First Baptist Church – (optional, parent approved) Child appropriate bible lessons. 
• First Steps – Raising a Reader Book Program 
• NEW! Chapin Library – Music and Movement Classes on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month! 
• NEW! Myrtle Beach Art Museum – Art Lessons on the 2nd Monday of each month!