At the Y, we believe communities are stronger when everyone feels welcome and connected. That’s why we are excited to invite you to Welcome Week 2025, a ten-day celebration of belonging, creativity, and community spirit happening September 12–21 at the Twin Rivers YMCA.

This is our third year hosting Welcome Week and each year it grows bigger and better. We look forward to opening our doors wide for families, neighbors, and friends to come together and celebrate what makes Eastern Carolina so special.

Highlights & Activities

🌟 Sept 13: Community Craft & Vendor Fair
Shop more than 50 local makers, enjoy food trucks, and celebrate creativity from 8:30 AM–2 PM. This family-friendly fair is all about supporting small businesses and discovering one-of-a-kind treasures. MORE INFO HERE!

🌟 Sept 15: Esports & STEM Night
Families are invited to enjoy a night of fun and discovery from 6:30–8:30 PM in our Esports lab and STEM activity stations. Free for all.

🌟 Sept 16: Fitness-A-Thon
Get moving with your favorite Y instructors during a two-hour group fitness celebration, 5:30–7:30 PM.

🌟 Sept 17: Blood Drive
Give the gift of life by donating blood with the American Red Cross. Schedule your appointment at redcrossblood.org and make a life-saving impact in our community.

🌟 Sept 17 (Evening): Personal Safety & Defense Workshop
At 6 PM, join certified instructors Bill Pedrick and Katey Simmons for an empowering session on situational awareness and defense tactics. This workshop is open to ages 16 and up. Cost is $15 per person and space is limited. REGISTER HERE!

🌟 Sept 18: Mayberry Moments – Good Neighbor Experiment
This workshop, held 10 AM–12:30 PM, offers tools and inspiration to strengthen connections with our neighbors and community. Free for members and non-members. Lunch included. REGISTER HERE!

🌟 Sept 19: Float-In Movie Night 
Bring the family for a splash and a movie under the stars. We’ll watch Luca from 8–10 PM in the outdoor pool. Floats provided by the Y. Youth under the age of 12 MUST be accompanied by an adult.

🌟 Sept 20: Parents’ Night Out
Kids ages 6 weeks–12 years will enjoy games, crafts, and dinner while parents take time for themselves. 4–8 PM.

Weeklong Activities

In addition to daily events, we are hosting special activities all week:

  • Membership Special – Join during Welcome Week and pay nothing until October with no joining fee.

  • RCS Food Drive – Donate non-perishable food and supplies to support Religious Community Services. Food Drive begins on September 1st.

    Items Requested:

    Cereal
    Oatmeal
    Grits
    Pancake mix
    Syrup
    Hamburger helpers
    Noodles
    Spaghetti sauce
    Ramen noodles
    Disposable forks
    Vinegar
    Spices

  • Lobby Activities – Meet local nonprofits and learn more about resources available in our community.

Why Welcome Week Matters

Welcome Week is about more than events. It is about opening doors, creating connections, and celebrating the diversity of our community. When we gather, share experiences, and learn from one another, we bring the Y’s mission to life: to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

👉 Registration and full details are available at ecymca.org/news-events.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Together, we are building a stronger, more welcoming community.

Questions? Contact:
Erin Langley, Director of Mission Advancement
elangley@trymca.org
(252)638-8799