We do not suspend membership fees for reasons of work-related travel in or out of the country or for seasonal/recreational non-use of any YMCA Facility.

Membership Policy

Any person who supports the purpose of the Heritage YMCA Group may become a member of this Association in accordance with such provisions as may be established by the Board of Directors, and shall so continue to be a member unless the Board or its authorized agent concludes, in its sole discretion, that a member has failed to live up to the standards and commitments of being a member of this YMCA.

UPGRADES and DOWNGRADES

• In the instance of an UPGRADE from a STUDENT or YOUTH membership to a FAMILY membership, the difference between the monthly rates of the membership category will be charged, along with a $40.00 entry fee adjustment.

By definition, a membership UPGRADE is a membership category expansion to include additional member(s).

• In the instance of a DOWNGRADE a $40.00 processing fee will be charged to the member.

By definition, a membership DOWNGRADE is a membership category change to reduce the number of people linked to a membership.

AWAY/Reciprocity Benefits for Members of Other YMCA's

The Mission of the Heritage YMCA Group is "To enhance the quality of life for families through programs reflecting Christian principles to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all."  We are a part of a community of YMCAs across the US and the world which has been dedicated to building strong kids, strong families and strong communities for over 150 years.  Because of the nature of our work, we are recognized as a not-for-profit, charitable organization with 501(c)(3) status (similar to a typical church).

Each corporate YMCA is a separate not-for-profit organization.  As such, each corporate YMCA is accountable to the community and to the volunteers which make up its Board of Directors to maintain a fiscally responsible operation.  The backbone of our financial structure is the revenue generated by membership.  This revenue pays for the physical plant of the YMCA and its management and supports many of our programs.

The YMCA of the USA (the advisory body for YMCAs in the US) has promoted among its member YMCAs a program called "AWAY" which is explained as follows:

The AWAY program ("Always Welcome At YMCAs") is a membership philosophy that says:  When a person enrolls in a YMCA, he or she becomes a member of a nationwide association of people that helps build strong kids, strong families and strong communities, and, therefore, when away from home, on business or vacation, each member will be warmly welcomed by all other participating YMCAs in the United States.

The YMCA of the USA encourages everyone to become of member of the local YMCA serving the area in which the prospective member lives.  The Heritage YMCA supports the principles and practice of the AWAY program.  You will not qualify for the AWAY program if you live within our service area or immediately adjacent to it.  Our service area and, the zip codes immediately adjacent to it, is defined as the following zip codes: 60119, 60134, 60185, 60490, 60502, 60503, 60504, 60505, 60506, 60510, 60511, 60532, 60538, 60539, 60540, 60542, 60543, 60544, 60554, 60563, 60564, 60565.

If you live within our service area and plan to use our facilities on a regular basis, we invite you and encourage you to join our YMCA.  If you choose not to join, you may visit Heritage YMCA Group facilities but you will be limited to a collective 12 visits to any and all of our facilities within any 12 month period.  All visits beyond 12 in any 12 month period will require a payment of the then current guest fee.

Members of other YMCAs may register for programs at the Heritage YMCA Group at the member program fee on the first day of the program on a space-available basis.  If a member of another YMCA wishes to register before the program begins, the non-member program fee will apply.  Some programs that are free to full members are not available to AWAY members due to heavy participation by members; others are available for a nominal fee.

If you have any questions about this policy or wish to identify special circumstances which may apply to your situation, please inform the Membership Service Staff that you wish to speak to someone about this policy.

Community Participants

If you are not a member of the Heritage YMCA Group, you may participate in many of our classes or programs as a "community participant".  You may register 10 days prior to the start of a session by coming to the membership desk at one of our branches or by using our on-line web registration.

The price difference between the member and community participant fee can be applied toward purchase of a membership any time during the class session.

When coming for programs, community participants are required to check in with Member Service Staff.

Guest Pass Policy

YMCA members are welcome to bring one guest per visit when using issued free guest passes at all facilities.  Members may also bring guests by purchasing a guest pass at the following prices:

• Family: $10.00
• Youth: $4.00
• Student (13-17 years): $7.00
• Adult (18 and up): $8.00

• Guests must be accompanied by a member.  Any individual may come as a guest three (3) times per year (January through December).
• We reserve the right to not sell or redeem guest passes Friday, Saturday and Sunday- December 6th through April 6th at the Naperville centers.
• We reserve the right to periodically eliminate the sale and use of guest passes depending on facility usage and scheduling.

Child Abuse Prevention Policy

The Heritage YMCA Group is mandated, by state law, to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities for investigation.

Ensuring Your Child's Safety

The heritage YMCA Group is pleased to be working with Praesidium, Inc., a national abuse risk-management firm, to ensure the safety of your children.  As a key element of our child-abuse prevention efforts, Praesidium evaluates our hiring policies, guides and trains our staff, and audits our programs to help us provide the safest possible environment for your children.

Praesidium also provides us with information to share with you, so that you are aware of issues that affect your children's safety.  Praesidium recommends that parents maintain open communications with their children.  Through careful hiring, education, training, open communications, and vigilance, the Heritage YMCA Group is dedicated to properly serving you and your children.

Children under the age of 10 must be under the direct supervision of an adult (18 years or older) in all areas of the facility or enrolled in a supervised YMCA program activity.

Membership Cards

Your YMCA membership card is your key to all of the privileges associated with your membership.  Our member service staff will be asking for your card prior to your entry into our facilities.  As the card is scanned, our staff will verify your membership, record your visit for planning peak usage and traffic flow, and welcome you to your YMCA.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

Many instances of unauthorized facility use, inappropriate activity, and even violence have been in the recent news.  We will, at all times, work diligently to assure safe and responsible access in our facilities to our members.

Therefore, additional check-in measures will be instituted.  These will include:

• Parents who are not members, but who are accompanying youth members to class, will be required to check in with the member service staff and receive a day pass identifier to be worn in the facility.

Other measures may be instituted as we work with members during the year.

Visual Recording Devices

Video recorders, cameras, or any other visual recording devices are not allowed within the YMCA or its program sites without the express written consent of the Executive Director.  Some cellular phones now have the capacity to take pictures, so members be aware if someone has one pointed in your direction. Report concerns immediately to any staff in the facility.

Anyone caught taking inappropriate pictures of another person without their permission and knowledge will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law by the Heritage YMCA Group and may have their membership/program privileges terminated.

A.D.A Statement

• The Heritage YMCA group supports the intent and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Our Fry Family YMCA is one level is completely handicapped accessible with special showers and a pool lift.
• The Aurora Family YMCA is committed to making reasonable accommodations to support participation in all recreational programs.  Please feel free to call members services for special arrangements at (630) 896-9782.
• The YMCA Field House is handicapped accessible with a special shower and an elevator.
• Our Oswego Family YMCA at Mason Square is one level and handicapped accessible.