---
title: "Middle School Membership"
description: "We offer middle school students (6-8th grade) a free program to support and encourage youth to live healthy lifestyles and make responsible choices. "
type: article
version: 1
version_id: "68bd4c73-4a47-4ec8-a3e2-11d09999fb67"
generated_at: "2026-04-30T13:59:30.744Z"
date_published: "2025-09-06"
language: en
reading_time: "7 min"
word_count: 1362
keywords: ["Middle School Membership", "Location Information"]
url: "https://metroymcas.org/msm"
---

# Middle School Membership

> We offer middle school students (6-8th grade) a free program to support and encourage youth to live healthy lifestyles and make responsible choices. 

## Key Takeaways

- Purpose
- Why middle school students?
- Location Information
- Interested in Learning More?

## Contents

- [Purpose](#purpose)
- [Why middle school students?](#why-middle-school-students)
- [Location Information](#location-information)
- [Interested in Learning More?](#interested-in-learning-more)

# MIDDLE SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP

### Empowering youth to reach their potential.  

## Purpose

Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is pleased to offer middle school students (6-8th grade) a free program to support and encourage youth to live healthy lifestyles and make responsible choices. 

## Why middle school students?

Research has shown that middle school is a critical time in a young person's life when exposure to risk factors greatly increases. Risk factors are conditions or influences that have been shown to increase the likelihood for unhealthy behaviors including substance abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school drop-out, and violence. It is also during the early teen years that youth begin to distance themselves from family and positive support systems.

The Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower these youth to reach their personal potential and establish healthy habits. We also provide youth with the knowledge, skills, character, and passion to be more active in the community as adults.

Available at the Sussex County and West Essex YMCA's. This program is offered during the school year, from September-June.

## Location Information

-   Sussex County

    The Middle School Initiative program for students in grades 6, 7 and 8 will begin on September 6, 2025 and will run through June 30, 2026.

    Registration begins August 16 for student orientations. All participants must attend an orientation with a parent/guardian, even if they participated last school year. Registration is required.

    [Join Today!](https://ymcaoranges.sgasoftware.com/Sales/Product?ProductTypeID=100-999&ItemID=528&DT=List&SearchText=middle%20school%20initiative)  

    **Program Details**

    -   Access to facility for Open Swim, Gym times and Group Exercise Classes
    -   Opportunities to use Wellness Center equipment (must complete Teen Training program) 

    MSI Participants are permitted at the Sussex County Y during the following hours:  
    Monday through Friday 3:00pm-7:45pm  
    Saturday 8:00am-3:45pm  
    Sunday 8:00am-1:45pm

    Contact: Chrystina Kepreos

    \*Child and parent/guardian must attend ONE mandatory orientation before eligible to attend the program. For more information, contact Chrystina Kepreos[](mailto:ckepreos@metroymcas.org).

-   West Essex YMCA

    #### West Essex YMCA

    The Middle School Initiative program for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 will begin on September 15, 2025, and will run through June 19, 2026. 

    Registration opens on September 2nd and will remain available throughout the school year or until program capacity is reached.

    #### Program Hours

    Mondays3:30-4:30pm Open use of Gymnasium  
    4:30-5:30pm Fitness Class

    Wednesdays3:30-4:30pm Open use of Gymnasium  
    4:30-5:30pm Fitness Class

    Fridays 

    3:30-4:30pm Open use of Gymnasium

    4:30-5:30pm Fitness Class

    Friday Night Basketball 7-9pm For Additional Fee

    [Register](https://ymcaoranges.sgasoftware.com/Sales/Product?MemberID=0&CurrentFamilyID=0&ProductID=&UnitID=&DT=List&DS=0&SearchText=basketball&CheckEligibility=True&Age=-1&DL=10&Gender=B&BranchID=170&ProductTypeID=300&CategoryID=8&IncludeWaitList=True&DayID=Friday&StartDateFrom=&StartDateTo=&BeginTime=&EndTime=)

## Interested in Learning More? 

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### METRO YMCA OF THE ORANGES ACCREDITATIONS

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## About This Content

**Source:** [Middle School Membership](https://metroymcas.org/msm)
**Published:** September 6, 2025

*This content is provided for informational purposes. Please visit the original source for the most up-to-date information.*