About
At YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, we impact lives, develop youth, and shape leaders.
As a place of retreat and a provider and platform for life-long learning and connection, Blue Ridge is the place where people can truly recapture the joy of interpersonal relationships in the wonder of God’s creation. Our goal is to equip people of all ages not only for success in a global society, but for a well-balanced life in spirit, mind and body. Here, through various programs, conferences and group outings, youth, teens, adults and families are nurtured.
Our Cause Defines Us
Dr. Willis D. Weatherford Sr. founded Blue Ridge in 1906 on five guiding principles:
- There is dignity in labor. Anything that ministers to human need is a God-given responsibility; meaning that we are all called to serve and serving others is that highest form of leadership.
- Each and every person is made in the image of God and worthy of love and respect.
- The study of religion must be intellectually respectable.
- Our values are forged in our faith, not in the secular world.
- In the business of life, we should take time to spend with the Creator in His Creation – whether that is by spending time in meditation, prayer, quiet time, study or fellowship.
These principles are incorporated into our cause and vision; they provide a strong foundation for growth and a value system from which we grow.
YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly has a century-long tradition of impacting lives, serving youth and shaping tomorrow’s leaders. We are proud of our Christian heritage and strive every day to fulfill the cause of the Y by strengthening the lives of all we serve.
Our Mission, Vision, Purpose and Values
Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our vision is to continue to be a premier destination for developing, empowering, and inspiring values-based leaders to strengthen the foundations of their community. Our purpose is to provide a platform, within a majestic environment, where lives are positively impacted for a lifetime. And our values are informed by the Y’s organizational values: we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential and live their best lives. The YMCA’s core values serve as our guide, helping those we serve to be more healthy, confident, connected, and secure.
Our Focus
The YMCA is dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility – and at Blue Ridge, we are too. We live these commitments out every day through our programming and cause. You can read more about what to expect from your Blue Ridge experience below.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen
We prepare the next generation of leaders through tailored leadership programming that keeps them engaged and actively learning through understanding and application. Our teaching model creates confident kids today that will become contributing, engaged adults tomorrow.
HEALTHY LIVING: Improving the health and well-being of those in our community
We help individuals and families build and maintain healthy habits for spirit, mind and body in their everyday lives. We are a place of sanctuary and respite, offering intentional spaces where community, fellowship and discussion may be fostered, and outdoor activities are readily available. The impact, influence and importance of a healthy lifestyle are part of the daily operations at Blue Ridge.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Giving back and providing support for our neighbors
With our neighbors spanning the Southeast United States, we have the unique opportunity to impact more than 30,000 lives every year. These people are our community. Our values of hospitality and inclusion ensure that all are able to experience the character-building programming and events we offer, regardless of financial standing. Blue Ridge is a safe environment for all to connect, grow and thrive.
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