Historical Timeline of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio

2006
January-Boerne Hill Country Family YMCA opens with 650 Charter members.  This is the first full-service health and wellness YMCA to open in the San Antonio area in 30 years.
March-YMCA took over full management of the Fit City program
June-15-Boerne Y holds grand opening event.
100th anniversary of group swim lessons celebrated by YMCA of the USA

2005
YMCA partnered with the Health Collaborative and began management of the Fit City program.

1999
In late summer, the L. Lowry Mays family helped the Y break ground on the Mays Family YMCA on Blanco Road north of Loop 1604.  The Major Gifts fundraising program realized $11,000,000.  The YMCA endowment fund (supported by the Wild West Fest Gala and the Planned Giving Committee) reached and surpassed the $2,000,000 mark. In October of 1999 the YMCA announced its new school age literacy program component in collaboration with San Antonio Youth Literacy mentors. In October the Comfort YMCA Kinderspiel early child development center opened in Comfort, Texas. The Downtown YMCA completed the first phase of a major remodeling project and installed state-of-the-art computerized fitness machines for the ready to be fit market. The Hill Country YMCA changed its name to the Kerr County YMCA to support expanded program development in Kerr County. The Hill Country YMCA remained as an extension of the Northwest YMCA in Fredericksburg and Comfort. The Davis-Scott YMCA saw more senior citizens (active older adults) participate in its computer lab program, in addition to children and teens. The Southwestern Bell, Downtown and Northeast YMCAs recruited more Olympic Committee-sponsored fencing and volleyball program participants ten years of age and older.

1998
For the first time program surveys measured the impact our programs have on the development of children and teens. The YMCA met or exceeded its outcome measurement goals. Camp Flaming Arrow sent its first delegation of campers to Kumamoto, Japan after hosting Japanese campers and counselor delegations throughout the 1990s. Over 600 paid staff and 4600 volunteers helped the YMCA movement reach 55,194 members and participants. Through ongoing program outcome measurements we learned YMCA children are: more receptive to learning new things; more physically active and spending more time outdoors; more inclined to respect authority; caring more about others; more likely to enjoy activities with their parents; develop positive self-concepts; care about their school; better able to handle negative peer pressure; more confident; more supportive of others in times of difficulty; and experience improved relationships with both peers and adults. We also found that because of the accessibility and affordability of YMCA child care programs, working families are able to maintain their employment and self-sufficiency and teen parents are able to continue their education.
The Southwestern Bell, Northeast and Downtown YMCAs initiated both fencing and volleyball programs as part of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s efforts to include more disadvantaged youth in pre-olympic activities. The Southwestern Bell YMCA initiated the Trellis program at Southwest High School and a new collaborative with Stonewall and Flanders Elementary Schools and Leal Middle School.

1997
Emphasis on character development expanded with the implementation of values modules in all program activities for young people. The YMCA of San Antonio & the Hill Country opened four new child care sites including its 100th licensed child care site. Several school age sites were established including one in Comfort and three in New Braunfels that initiated the YMCA of Comal County under the leadership of the Northeast YMCA. The YMCA began offering charitable gift annuities, as part of its endowment program. The Major Gifts program helped our YMCA construct a new multipurpose center at the Southwestern Bell Branch, establish new programs in Comal County and began organized fundraising for a YMCA at Panther Springs. YMCA Major Gifts surpassed $7,000,000 this year.

1996
A national YMCA Character Development initiative introduced character-building classes as a core component of YMCA program services in school age care. Development of new program sites continued and major renovations to current facilities were initiated as a result of the success of the Major Gifts program. $6,000,000 dollars were raised by the Major Gifts program. Service delivery capabilities in northern Bexar and neighboring counties were realized as the Northwest Branch was segmented into three service clusters: Braundera, Wurzbach and Southwest. Facility planning and financial development continued for three urban, outdoor, multipurpose program sites including Braundera in O.P. Schnabel Park; Camp Davis-Scott on Salado Creek; and Panther Springs in North Central Bexar County. Program concept development began on new Youth Leadership Development Centers for teens during non-school hours for these facilities. A training/multipurpose center was constructed in the Downtown YMCA. The YMCA listed over 200 partnering organizations.

1995
The Judeo-Christian principles were articulated as character development values: caring, honesty, responsibility, respect and faith. Collaboratives with school districts and municipalities supported five licensed early childhood education centers and over 80 After School Child Care centers. Over 4,000 community volunteers in the San Antonio & Hill Country area were mobilized in the local YMCA movement. The Westside YMCA initiated Youth Volunteer Corps, a service learning project at Edgewood’s Competency Based High School. The Twain-Hawthorne Education Collaboration became managed by the Downtown YMCA. YMCA Youth Employment formed a collaboration with St. Philip’s College to provide job readiness skills such as negotiating and problem solving, communication, table manners, employment expectations in dress and demeanor as well as resume preparation and presentation.
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of world YMCA service, the YMCA of San Antonio & the Hill Country focused on the role of women in the Y. Mayor Nelson Wolff proclaimed March 3, 1994 Women in the YMCA Day. The proclamation was accepted by Barbara Roper, immediate past chair of the YMCA of the USA. Camp Flaming Arrow hosted campers from around the world and participated in World Camp at Camp Cullin, Texas. Camp Flaming Arrow opened a new environmental and outdoor education center on its premises. Larry Crutsinger, president, and Pete Martinez, chair, attended a Tea at Westminster Abbey hosted by the Queen of England, which marked the 150th anniversary of the YMCA, while in England for the International YMCA Sesquicentennial celebration.
A YMCA Extended Day Collaborative came on line to provide after school enrichment in disadvantaged neighborhoods free of charge. Collaborative efforts among San Antonio and Edgewood ISDs, TEA, CDBG, and the YMCA resulted in YMCA Extended Day serving eight elementary schools. Two more Community Collaborations for Educational Enrichment were implemented by the Northeast Branch at JacksonKeller Elementary, Nimitz Academy, Lee High School in partnership with the North East ISD and Candlewood Elementary in the Judson ISD. The Westside YMCA initiated a swim and gym program for all Edgewood ISD second grade students, as well. The Hill Country Extension established an early childhood development program for infant/toddler and preschool children in collaboration with the Fredericksburg ISD.
The Alamo Branch renamed the Davis-Scott Branch (August 20) in honor of Odie E. Davis, an original founder and executive director of the Branch for 26 years, and Dr. S.T. Scott, an original founder, volunteer leader, lifetime board member, board chair and fund raiser, who held the distinction of raising more money than any volunteer for any Branch year after year during the annual Y Partners Campaign. Dr. Scott passed away August 22, 1994.
The Southside Branch was renamed the Southwestern Bell Branch YMCA on November 1 to honor a grant from the Southwestern Bell Foundation. The Major Gifts initiative to raise capital for renovation, expansion, program supply and staff development reached a third of its goal.
The YMCA of San Antonio & the Hill Country received twelve AmeriCorps volunteers through President Clinton's national volunteer initiative.

1994
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of world YMCA service, the YMCA of San Antonio & the Hill Country focused on the role of women in the Y. Mayor Nelson Wolff proclaimed March 3, 1994 Women in the YMCA Day. The proclamation was accepted by Barbara Roper, immediate past chair of the YMCA of the USA. Camp Flaming Arrow hosted campers from around the world and participated in World Camp at Camp Cullin, Texas. Camp Flaming Arrow opened a new environmental and outdoor education center on its premises. Larry Crutsinger, president, and Pete Martinez, chair, attended a Tea at Westminster Abbey hosted by the Queen of England, which marked the 150th anniversary of the YMCA, while in England for the International YMCA Sesquicentennial celebration.
A YMCA Extended Day Collaborative came on line to provide after school enrichment in disadvantaged neighborhoods free of charge. Collaborative efforts among San Antonio and Edgewood ISDs, TEA, CDBG, and the YMCA resulted in YMCA Extended Day serving eight elementary schools. Two more Community Collaborations for Educational Enrichment were implemented by the Northeast Branch at JacksonKeller Elementary, Nimitz Academy, Lee High School in partnership with the North East ISD and Candlewood Elementary in the Judson ISD. The Westside YMCA initiated a swim and gym program for all Edgewood ISD second grade students, as well. The Hill Country Extension established an early childhood development program for infant/toddler and preschool children in collaboration with the Fredericksburg ISD.
The Alamo Branch renamed the Davis-Scott Branch (August 20) in honor of Odie E. Davis, an original founder and executive director of the Branch for 26 years, and Dr. S.T. Scott, an original founder, volunteer leader, lifetime board member, board chair and fund raiser, who held the distinction of raising more money than any volunteer for any Branch year after year during the annual Y Partners Campaign. Dr. Scott passed away August 22, 1994.
The Southside Branch was renamed the Southwestern Bell Branch YMCA on November 1 to honor a grant from the Southwestern Bell Foundation. The Major Gifts initiative to raise capital for renovation, expansion, program supply and staff development reached a third of its goal.
The YMCA of San Antonio & the Hill Country received twelve AmeriCorps volunteers through President Clinton's national volunteer initiative.

1993
The YMCA of San Antonio changed its name to the YMCA of San Antonio & the Hill Country to include both the Hill Country Extension and Camp Flaming Arrow Branch. The Hill Country YMCA provided Prime Time After School Child Care for three elementary schools in the Fredericksburg and Ingram ISDs. The Alamo Branch returned to Floresville with Prime Time and began youth sports basketball leagues, mentoring local youth and coaches in Floresville and Poth in Wilson County.
As part of the Association's goal to develop collaborative funding and functions to provide after school enrichment free of charge in disadvantaged neighborhoods, Community Collaborations for Educational Enrichment planning and advocacy began.
The Northeast Branch initiated Youth Volunteer Corps. The Jackson-Keller, Nimitz Academy, Lee High School Collaborative began to develop. The Hy-Life adventure-based academic enrichment program at Camp Flaming Arrow enlisted over 800 at-risk students from the Hawthorne-Twain Collaborative and Southwest ISD Enrichment Center.
A Board of Governors was recruited to provide strategic guidance, assist with major financial development and recommend future leadership to the Board of Directors. A Major Gifts Committee was organized and launched a Major Gifts fundraising initiative to raise $9.8 million by 1998. The YMCA Heritage Club came to life as the Planned Giving Committee and participants were honored for including the YMCA in personal estate and annuity plans.

1992
The Cardinal's Nest Infant/Toddler/Preschool Center opened on the Southside High School campus to provide early childhood development and care for the children of teen parents earning their high school diploma and working parents in the Southside school district area. Camp Flaming Arrow initiated an outdoor education program in collaboration with Ingram High School. A model farm and gardening project to upgrade Camp and provide meaningful projects for Hy-Life and high school students was initiated. The Camp Flaming Arrow Hy-Life program served over 1600 students in an ongoing effort to keep disadvantaged kids in school. The Northwest YMCA Breezewood Outpost initiated Youth Volunteer Corps service learning project for at-risk youth in collaboration with several Northside middle schools. Structured Youth Employment Readiness programs such as More Than a Job pre-employment training sessions were implemented. YMCA Youth Apprenticeships and Employment received new emphasis. Northwest also extended its Prime Time program to provide Intersession Child Care and Day Camping for elementary and middle school students in Year Round Education in collaboration with the Northside ISD. The Kerr County Extension was renamed the Hill Country YMCA to reflect expanded program service from Kerrville to Ingram and Fredericksburg. The Alamo Branch reached over 600 children in public housing with its Drug Abuse Prevention and Education program in collaboration with the Palmer Drug Abuse Prevention program and the San Antonio Housing Authority. A comprehensive financial development program was initiated Association-wide.

1991
Camp Flaming Arrow established the HY LYFE Alternative Learning Program to help keep at-risk elementary/middle school children in school and successful in school. With a grant from San Antonio Housing Authority the Alamo YMCA established a substance abuse prevention program for at-risk middle school students initiated at Mark Twain Middle School in a collaborative effort with Trinity, San Antonio ISD and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Breezewood Center was refurbished and reopened as the Breezewood Outpost, providing leadership to the Youth Development program. The Southside Branch entered into a collaboration with Harlandale ISD with corporate sponsorship from US Long Distance Corp. to provide care during the intercession of the year round school project. A teenage parent child care center was established with Edgewood ISD at the Cardenas Center. Child care expanded to 93 centers. The YMCA hosted international guests from Kumamoto, Japan and participated in the Mano-A-Mano partnership with the Mexican Federation of YMCAs.

1990
The Kerr Country Extension was chartered in Kerrville. Camp Flaming Arrow received the YMCA "FAME" Award for Marketing Excellence for the second year. A Texas Education Agency grant for a pilot child care early learning program for poor, English deficient three year olds in collaboration with Edgewood Independent School District was received. The Alamo Branch gained local and national recognition for its leadership in combating crack, cocaine and crime through community organization efforts. The YMCA hosted the Kumamoto, Japan-San Antonio Goodwill Baseball Games. Association staff participated in international conferences with the World Urban Committee, the Latin American Confederation and the Mexican Federation of YMCAs. Prime Time expanded to 81 sites located in 14 school districts as of September 1990.

1989
The Association's marketing and communications programs received both national and local recognition including awards by local AMA to the Downtown Branch for marketing staff and marketing program of the year; a YMCA FAME Award for Camp Flaming Arrow's brochure; and a Silver ADDY for the gala invitation. Extension development began in the Randolph Metro-Com area and Southeast San Antonio communities. Prime Time expanded to 71 sites as of September 1989. A pilot summer leadership program for high school youth was conducted. A Public Policy Committee was formed to deal with legislative issues at the local, state and national levels.

1988
The "Focus 2000 Strategic Plan" was published. The YMCA became the largest recipient of United Way funding in San Antonio. A new board development process was implemented, strengthening both the Association Board and our Branch Boards. O. P. Schnabel Park, a joint project with Little League, Beautify San Antonio, and the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department, was opened under the supervision of the Northwest Branch.

1987
At Camp Flaming Arrow, roads were paved, new bathrooms constructed and barrier-removal for handicapped access was completed. The Children's Greenhouse Day Care Center was completed at Northeast; a new Southside Building, including a child care center, was constructed in Southcross Park; and a site was purchased in Stone Oak for a future north central branch. A new strategic planning process was begun, and $75,000 in gifts were received as "seed money" to establish an Association Endowment Fund.

1986
The Camp Flaming Arrow reorganization study was completed. The conversion of the Downtown Branch to full co-ed service was completed. The Century II Capital Campaign was completed at $2.1 million.
100th anniversary of operating in San Antonio is celebrated.

1985
The Southside Branch was chartered and a "storefront" office opened. The Century II Capital Campaign began. Prime Time became a "Target 90" model program and expanded to 40 sites in nine school districts. A comprehensive, co-ed Nautilus/Aerobics center was completed at the Downtown Branch. Construction of a sports and outdoor center began at the Northeast Branch.

1984
The Northeast Branch relocated to Lady Bird Johnson Park. Negotiations began with the City for sites in the Southside and far Northwest. A new computer system was installed at the general office. The H.B. Zachry Employee Fitness Center began operation.

1983
Operation Prime Time After School Day Care began a pilot program at three schools in North East Independent School District and one school in Judson Independent School District. The Century II long-range study was completed.

1982
Women’s locker rooms were expanded at the Downtown YMCA.

1981
The Association began an exchange program with the Torreon, Mexico YMCA.

1980
The Northwest Branch facility opened, dedicated to "Poppa" Joe Ward, founding staff member at the Northwest "Y". The Alamo Branch facility opened. Citywide competitive swim program and a free Learn-to-Swim campaign were initiated.

1979
A new, city-funded Westside Branch Building opened in Rosedale Park at Ruiz and General McMullen. Construction began on a new Northwest "Y" at Wurzbach and Evers Roads on 18 acres of land. Construction began on a new, city-funded Alamo Branch facility in Pittman-Sullivan Park at New Braunfels and Iowa.

1978
The Northwest Branch YMCA site on Sunshine Road was sold. The Association acquired four pools as a gift from Ray Ellison Industries.

Mid 1970's
Women invited to join YMCA.

1971
The new Downtown Branch building opened at 903 North St. Mary's.

1966
The Northeast Branch was formally created.

1961
The 75th Anniversary of the San Antonio YMCA was observed on March 6, 1961.

1955
The Alamo Branch properties were purchased on East Commerce Street for $33,000.

1951
The Northwest Branch was formally created, and the Alamo Branch campsite was purchased.

1949
The Westside Branch was formally created.

1946
Community Extensions were established in Los Angeles Heights, Harlandale, Highland Park, West Side, and Alamo Heights.

1944
The Centennial of the YMCA movement was observed with a banquet on June 6th, with Governors Robert Kerr of Oklahoma and Coke Stevenson of Texas as honored guests. In October, the Alamo City Branch for Negro citizens was organized.

1927
A permanent Boys' campsite and buildings were purchased in Hunt, Texas.

1924
Construction started on the new Central Building at Martin and Navarro, following a successful, $400,000, fund-raising campaign.

1918
Negro Boys' Clubs and Boys' Community Program began.

1916
The first High School clubs were organized, later called Hi-Y Clubs, and Army-Navy work was expanded. A large field staff covered military camps in South Texas.

1907
The first YMCA building was completed at North Alamo and Third Streets.

1898-1900
The first Boys' Camp was conducted at Landa Park, New Braunfels.

1890
A Boys Department and a Physical Department were started and a Ladies' Auxiliary was organized.

1886
On March 3rd, at Paine Methodist Church, a permanent organization was launched under the inspiration of Evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Approximately 100 men enrolled as members. On April 16th, C. T. Williams was employed as the first General Secretary.

1876
On February 22, a group of 31 men met to organize the first YMCA work in San Antonio.