YMCA of San Diego County Celebrates Welcoming Week — September 12-21, 2025
YMCA Welcoming Week is a national celebration that brings together people of all backgrounds to build connections and strengthen community. Through events, activities and shared experiences, the Y creates a space where everyone feels they belong. It’s a time to celebrate diversity, foster understanding and highlight the power of coming together as neighbors.
Welcoming Week Events and Activities Across San Diego County
During Welcoming Week, the YMCA will host the following activities throughout San Diego County. Join us in celebrating!
John A. Davis YMCA
Around the world Potluck
Friday, September 19 | 11:00am-12:30pm | on the pool deck
Border View Family YMCA
Coffee Corner
Monday, September 15 | Border View Lobby
Enjoy a sweet treat and challenge a friend to a board game. Available during hours of operation.
Trainer Talk
Tuesday, September 16
Chat with one of our personal trainers. Come Learn to make the most of fitness goals that fits your lifestyle and all levels. Available during hours of operation.
Multicultural Potluck & Recipe Exchange
Wednesday, September 17 | 11:05am | Border View Lobby
Bring a dish that reflects your heritage or family tradition, and join us as we share stories, recipes and flavors from around the world.
Pickleball day
Thursday, September 18 | 7:30am-12:00pm
Bring a friend and enjoy a fun, friendly game of pickleball.
Toby Wells YMCA
Around the World Potluck
Monday, September 15 | 10:30am-1:30pm
Bring a dish and a story to share about your roots — tell us where you’re from and why this food is meaningful or traditional in your culture.
Bring a Friend to Yoga - Hip Harmony
Saturday, September 20 | 9:30am
Unwind and release with Hip Harmony, a Hatha yoga class designed to restore balance and freedom in your hips.
Whether you’re an athlete, spend your days sitting, or just feel a little stuck, your hips can hold a lot of tension. This class is for all levels and will use gentle, mindful movement and breathwork to explore the full range of motion in your hips. We will focus on both strengthening and lengthening to help you find greater ease and stability.
Come as you are and leave feeling more open, grounded and at ease in your body.
Bring a Friend to Yoga - Root to Rise: Ground to Grow
Sunday, September 21 | 10:00am
Deepen your practice with a gentle, grounding flow. This class invites you to move with intention, rooting down through your foundation to find a quiet strength within. Through mindful breath and deliberate movement, you’ll create space to grow and expand.
South Bay YMCA
Weeklong Engagement Activities
Monday, September 15 – Sunday, September 21
Join us for a full week of fun, appreciation and cultural celebration! Here’s what’s happening every day:
Appreciation Table – Stop by our daily appreciation table, stocked with snacks and goodies all day long to thank YOU, our amazing members!
Daily Scavenger Hunt – Keep your eyes peeled for hidden Y stickers throughout the facility. Find one and bring it to the front desk to claim a prize! New stickers will be placed each day, and you can play anytime from open to close.
Wear Your Tradition – We’re celebrating the rich cultures in our community! Come dressed in your traditional garb each day of the week.
T. CLAUDE AND GLADYS B. RYAN FAMILY YMCA
A Taste of Home Community Potluck
Thursday, September 18 | 11:00am-12:30pm
Bring a dish that reflects your heritage or a family tradition and join us for a potluck that celebrates culture and connection. Recipe cards and conversation starters will be available to help spark meaningful conversations. Food is a universal language, and this potluck is a chance to build community through shared stories and flavors.
To let us know what you’ll be bringing, please call us, stop by the front desk, or reach out to Campbell Wear directly at cwear@ymcasd.org. We look forward to seeing you!
Contact Campbell Wear at cwear@ymcasd.org for more information.
McGrath Family YMCA
Wisdom around the world
Friday, September 12-Sunday, September 21
Stop by the Member Service Desk to receive an inspirational quote in a different language. Take home a piece of global wisdom and be reminded of the power of words to uplift and connect us all.
MAGDALENA ECKE FAMILY YMCA
Welcome Week Appreciation Event
Thursday, September 18
Stop by the lobby to kick off Welcoming Week! Enjoy free snacks, grab a giveaway, find the flag of your country and more!
Dan Mckinney Family YMCA
Around the world potluck
Friday, September 19 | 12:00-1:00pm | Community Room 2
Join us for our very first Around the World Potluck in honor of Welcoming Week! This will be a celebration of community, belonging and delicious food! This event is an opportunity to come together and share dishes that represent your cultural heritage, family traditions or personal favorites.
We are asking all attendees to please sign-up at the front desk to bring a dish to share.
FALL FOR THE Y! $0 JOIN FEE
We’re focused on well-being for our communities and positive youth development. New members can skip the join fee and save $60, September 1-22! Focus on achieving your goals in a friendly and welcoming environment, with caring staff who will guide you to the programming and services that are just right for you. Join your Y community today! View membership plans here.
SHARE YOUR STORY
We invite you to share your story with us! As part of Welcoming Week, we want to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our Y community. Whether you’re new to the area or your family has been here for generations, tell us about your journey, your home country or what the Y means to you. Your story will help us create a vibrant catalog of member experiences that highlights the unique and inspiring people who make up our community. Let’s celebrate together — your story matters!