The Y is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Central Virginia for 170 years. Four branches, three areas of focus — youth development, healthy living, social responsibility — and an open door for every neighbor regardless of ability to pay.
Founded in 1855, the YMCA of Central Virginia is one of the oldest community organizations in the region. Today we operate four branches across Lynchburg, Forest, and Madison Heights, plus the Little Scholars Academy childcare program serving working families.
The Y is more than a gym. We're a place where seniors find belonging in morning aquatics, where after-school care keeps kids on track, where teens build confidence in summer camp, where new parents meet other new parents. Every program connects to one of three areas of focus that have guided the Y since the 1800s: spirit, mind, and body.
— The YCVA teamEvery Y program connects to one of these three areas. They've guided the YMCA since the 1800s — and they're how we measure whether we're doing right by our neighbors.
Summer day camp, after-school care, youth sports leagues, teen leadership clubs — safe places where kids learn confidence and character. Scholarships available for every program.
Browse youth programsGroup fitness classes, lap pool, indoor track, weight floor, swim lessons for all ages, and Y360 virtual fitness for members on the go. Free orientation for every new member.
Browse fitnessAnnual campaign, financial assistance, food access, aging-well-adults programs, community partnerships. We turn no neighbor away for inability to pay.
Support the campaignA YCVA membership opens every branch. Drop in at the location closest to wherever you happen to be that day.
My grandkids do swim lessons in the morning, I do aquatics class right after, and three days a week I bump into the same eight people. After my husband passed, the morning class is what got me out of the house. The Y is the only place I see all my neighbors.
Patricia W.
Member since 1998 · Old Forest Rd Branch
No long-term contract. No initiation fee for online sign-ups. Free orientation, child-watch included, and scholarships available for anyone who needs them — no questions about why.