• 7th Grade Initiative registration

    The Summit Area YMCA's 7th Grade Initiative (7GI) is a free program that provides 7th grade students with a safe, supervised space to stay active, build healthy habits, develop leadership skills, and form positive friendships. Open to all 7th graders who live in or attend school within the Summit Area YMCA service area, the program is offered at both the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Summit YMCA to help youth stay engaged and connected to their community during this important stage of development.

  • Before beginning this application, you will need to select dates for an orientation, fitness demo, community service projects, and fitness workshops. We highly recommend that you complete this application together with your student to review the schedule and program expectations.

  • Student Gender*
  • Student Ethnic Origin*
  • Will you/your student be attending 7th grade in Fall 2026?*

  • Please note: Y-USA requests the above information from YMCA participants throughout the nation for program funding and demographic purposes.

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Emergency Contact

  • Do you want to provide Emergency Contact information for the student that is different from the Parent/Guardian information provided above?*
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • 7th Grade Initiative Enrollment Process

  • Step 1: Mandatory In-Person Orientation (Parents & Students)
    Attend the mandatory in-person orientation to learn about YMCA policies, membership benefits, fitness demonstrations, program expectations, and more.

    Step 2: In-Person Fitness Demos
    Students must attend one in-person fitness demo, lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. This session, held at either the Berkeley Heights YMCA or Summit YMCA, will cover safety, proper exercise techniques, the YMCA Code of Conduct, and fitness fundamentals. Demos must be scheduled in advance, and instructions for scheduling will be provided after the mandatory orientation.

    Step 3: Program Enrollment
    After completing the orientation and fitness demo, your child will be enrolled in the Summit Area YMCA’s 7th Grade Initiative program. Once registration is complete, students will have access to available offerings at both the Berkeley Heights YMCA and Summit YMCA.

    Step 4: Maintain Membership Access
    To maintain access for the entire school year through June 30, 2027, students must complete a total of four fitness workshops, community service activities, or a combination of both by March 2027.

  • Mandatory In-person orientation

    Before participating in the 7th Grade Initiative (7GI), all students and a parent or guardian are required to attend a mandatory in-person orientation. This session provides a comprehensive overview of the program, including its structure, timeline, participation requirements, and scheduling expectations. Families will also review YMCA policies and the Code of Conduct, meet members of the Teen, Membership, and Fitness staff, and have the opportunity to ask questions to ensure they are fully prepared for a successful program experience.

  • Please select one 30-minute orientation session at either the Summit YMCA or the Berkeley Heights YMCA. You only need to attend one orientation to participate in the program.

  • Mandatory Fitness Demo 

    All students must complete a 1 hour 15 minute in-person fitness demo before accessing YMCA facilities. 

  • Please select one fitness demo at either the Summit YMCA or the Berkeley Heights YMCA. You only need to attend one demo to participate in the program.

  • Summit YMCA Fitness demos*
  • Berkeley Heights YMCA Fitness demos*

  • Health and fitness workshops and community service

    To maintain access to the 7th Grade Initiative (7GI), students must complete a total of four program activities by March, choosing from a combination of health and wellness workshops and community service projects. Community service opportunities may include in-house projects, community outreach, and YMCA or partner events. Health and wellness workshops cover topics such as fitness fundamentals, nutrition and healthy habits, mental health and stress management, and goal setting and personal development. Students may complete their four required activities through any combination of workshops and community service projects. For example, students could complete 3 workshops and 1 service project, 2 workshops and 2 service projects, or 4 service projects.

  • To remain active in the 7th Grade Initiative, students must complete a total of four activities by March, which can include workshops, community service projects, or a combination of both.

  • Please select the community service days you will attend. Community Service activities take place from 4pm-5pm.
  • Please select the Wellness workshops you will attend. Health and fitness workshops take place from 4pm-5pm.

  • Code of Conduct

  • Waiver & Release of Liability

  • Photo/Video Release Policy

  • Date*
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