Y Stories • YMCA Events
Getting started at the Y: Our June new staff orientation
29 June 2018 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
Earlier this month, the YMCA of Greater Toronto hosted its most recent New Staff Orientation session. At this retreat, which we call Getting Started!, 49 new staff members gathered at our beautiful YMCA Cedar Glen Outdoor Centre to learn from each other and about different YMCA programs, bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences.
Although our orientation sessions run throughout the year, every group and orientation experience is unique. One of the many highlights was our “story session,” in which attendees shared their own personal YMCA story and how the YMCA has impacted them in their own lives, as well a little about what they do at the YMCA and their respective programs. We heard a lot about how staff feel connected to the YMCA’s vision and mission and how they feel that our programs are impacting communities. As participants shared their stories, there was a clear sense of the collective passion and commitment for the work our staff do and the difference they are making in our communities.
“One of the big themes that came out of our two days at Cedar Glen was the idea that the Y fills necessary gaps in the community,” says Juan Delgado, Marketing Manager, Health and Fitness. “Whether it’s night school, child care, or fitness, the Y has always had a variety of programs for adults and youth that have evolved over time. It’s exciting to see what areas of the community we’ll help build, and how I will contribute to this mission.”
At the orientation, new staff also had the opportunity to meet YMCA leaders from across the organization — including our President and CEO, Medhat Mahdy, who talked to attendees about the Y’s Vision and provided context to working at the YMCA. Medhat also shared the 5 priorities staff should have as members of the YMCA of Greater Toronto team, topped by a commitment to Health and Wellbeing.
When not engaging with one another or YMCA leaders at orientation sessions, participants explored Cedar Glen’s 263 acres of beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine, and enjoyed some of the same experiences as our campers and outdoor education groups. Taking advantage of the great weather, our June participants topped off their experience with adventures including high ropes, archery, giant pictionary and cooperative games. There are always plenty of activities to get involved in at every orientation session.
Getting Started! sessions continue to offer new and memorable experiences for our new full-time staff, with opportunities to learn and share collectively, and integrate these experiences and their learnings into their roles at the YMCA. The YMCA of Greater Toronto believes that a strong start leads to a great future — and that, by investing in our staff and creating positive first impressions and experiences, we can help our employees achieve their potential.
Although our orientation sessions run throughout the year, every group and orientation experience is unique. One of the many highlights was our “story session,” in which attendees shared their own personal YMCA story and how the YMCA has impacted them in their own lives, as well a little about what they do at the YMCA and their respective programs. We heard a lot about how staff feel connected to the YMCA’s vision and mission and how they feel that our programs are impacting communities. As participants shared their stories, there was a clear sense of the collective passion and commitment for the work our staff do and the difference they are making in our communities.
“One of the big themes that came out of our two days at Cedar Glen was the idea that the Y fills necessary gaps in the community,” says Juan Delgado, Marketing Manager, Health and Fitness. “Whether it’s night school, child care, or fitness, the Y has always had a variety of programs for adults and youth that have evolved over time. It’s exciting to see what areas of the community we’ll help build, and how I will contribute to this mission.”
At the orientation, new staff also had the opportunity to meet YMCA leaders from across the organization — including our President and CEO, Medhat Mahdy, who talked to attendees about the Y’s Vision and provided context to working at the YMCA. Medhat also shared the 5 priorities staff should have as members of the YMCA of Greater Toronto team, topped by a commitment to Health and Wellbeing.
When not engaging with one another or YMCA leaders at orientation sessions, participants explored Cedar Glen’s 263 acres of beautiful Oak Ridges Moraine, and enjoyed some of the same experiences as our campers and outdoor education groups. Taking advantage of the great weather, our June participants topped off their experience with adventures including high ropes, archery, giant pictionary and cooperative games. There are always plenty of activities to get involved in at every orientation session.
Getting Started! sessions continue to offer new and memorable experiences for our new full-time staff, with opportunities to learn and share collectively, and integrate these experiences and their learnings into their roles at the YMCA. The YMCA of Greater Toronto believes that a strong start leads to a great future — and that, by investing in our staff and creating positive first impressions and experiences, we can help our employees achieve their potential.
