Local YMCAs hold September Membership Drive

As families across the Eastern Shore settle into the school year, two major YMCA networks are making it easier to build healthy routines this fall. Both the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and the YMCA of the Chesapeake are waiving new member joining fees through September, giving residents from Cape Charles to Chincoteague more opportunities to get active and connected.

At the Eastern Shore Family YMCA in Onley and the Northampton County YMCA in Cape Charles, new members can join with no fee through September 22. Amenities include full-service wellness centers, 24-hour access, pools, gymnasiums, group fitness classes like cycling, yoga, and strength training, plus complimentary personal training sessions. Families also benefit from drop-in child care during workouts and member discounts on youth sports, swim lessons, and personal training. “Fall is a season of new beginnings,” said Tasha Lucy, Executive Director of the Eastern Shore Family YMCA. “We’re here to support routines that strengthen the whole family.”

Meanwhile, the YMCA of the Chesapeake—serving eleven branches across Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Chincoteague—will waive its $75 joining fee throughout September. Members enjoy access to all participating branches, more than 300 fitness classes on land and in the water, free “Stay & Play” childcare, and discounts on programs from day camps to swim lessons. “September is a natural time for fresh starts,” said Robbie Gill, CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapeake. “More than a gym or a pool, the Y is a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to grow stronger in spirit, mind, and body.”

Both organizations emphasized their commitment to making wellness accessible to all. Through financial assistance programs such as the YMCA of the Chesapeake’s Open Doors initiative and the South Hampton Roads Y’s community support, no one is turned away due to cost. Together, the YMCAs serve hundreds of thousands of children and adults annually across Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina, reinforcing their role as community anchors that provide opportunities for healthier living and stronger connections.