South Effingham Middle School “Y” Club recently attended District Rally presented by the State YMCA of Georgia. The District Rally was held Sept 17 in Vidalia at J. R. Trippe Middle School and hosted by the J.R. Trippe Middle “Y” Club.

This rally was held in conjunction with other rallies around the state to attract new members to “Y” Club and to excite old members for the upcoming school year. This year’s theme is “The Amazing Race.”

The State YMCA offers “Y” Club programs to students in grades 6‑12 throughout Georgia.  The organization’s Hi‑Y, Tri‑Hi‑Y, and Co‑ed “Y” Clubs involve several thousand members statewide. Its stated purpose is “To create, maintain, and extend throughout the home, school, and community high standards of Christian character.”

While at the Rally, “Y” Club members learned more about what “Y” Clubs have to offer in the way of conferences that members may attend. Two of the most educational conferences are Junior Youth Assembly for middle school members and Youth Assembly for high school members. This model legislature places students in the House and Senate chambers to debate bills that they themselves wrote.

The State YMCA also offers a basketball tournament, youth leadership training conference and Christian life conference.

Each month the “Y” Club is required to do a local school and community service project.  Even though these events usually are planned in advance, the SEMS “Y” Club is always looking for new ways to help the school and community. If you have any ideas, get in touch with Bev Donaldson, SEMS “Y” Club advisor at SEMS.

For more information about the “Y” Club and its activities, or the State YMCA in general, go to www.yclub.org.