The Treasure Valley Family YMCA welcomes all people and provides an atmosphere to enrich spirit, mind and body. We are dedicated to the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Our programs enhance individual health and well being, strengthen personal and family relationships and develop leadership skills.

History:
The YMCA was founded in 1844 by George Williams, a young drapery clerk who wanted to give young men an alternative to the corrupt environment that prevailed in 19th century London. The primary activity of the Y at that time was to develop a library and reading room and to conduct discussions, lectures, and bible study groups. The Y was initially known as the 'Young Men's Improvement Society,' and changed to the present name shortly after opening.

The YMCA came to America in 1851. A retired sea captain, Thomas Sullivan, saw the influence the London group was having on young men and decided that Boston needed that influence. The Boston YMCA was so successful that it sent 10,000 copies of its constitution out across the United States, which resulted in the opening of 13 new YMCA's in 1853. In 1897, the YMCA refocused its goals by adopting the 'body, mind, and spirit' invented by Luther Gulick.

In 1856, the first Physical Education Department was started in the Brooklyn YMCA. As part of the exercise program, old cannon balls were used for lifting. In 1885, a camp program was started at Camp Dudley in New York. This camp is still active and is the world's oldest youth camp. Many modern day sports began at the YMCA.in 1892 James Naismith invented basketball, and in 1895, William Morgan of the Holyoke, Massachusetts YMCA invented volleyball. In addition to health & fitness offerings, the YMCA is the largest provider of childcare in the nation. In Idaho, the Treasure Valley Family YMCA cares for an average of 800 children per day. There are centers specifically for infants, preschoolers, and after-school activities.

The YMCA in Boise was founded in 1891 by Walter Bruce, and was housed in 'a room on Main Street.' The first Y-owned building was built in 1901 at the corner of 10th and Grove Streets. The next location for the Boise YMCA was at 10th and Idaho Street, being opened in 1922. The current location of the Downtown YMCA opened in 1968. The West Branch is the result of the vision and dedication of numerous Boise businessmen, corporations, individuals, the City of Boise, and YMCA staff. One unique aspect of the West facility is the collaboration between the YMCA and the City of Boise relating to the Aquatics Center. Under an operating agreement begun in 1993, the city of Boise owns the Aquatic Center and the YMCA operates it. The facility is called the West Boise YMCA and Boise City Aquatic Center and contains one of the few indoor 50-meter pools in the state. It is rumored that the pool holds 1,000,000 gallons of water!

Contact person: Nina Chambers, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (208) 344-5497

Address:

1050 W. State Street Boise, ID 83702 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.ymcatvidaho.org