Starting Sept. 1, the Boothbay Region YMCA will offer free memberships to all high school students in the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb and Southport. The initiative is made possible through the support of Southport philanthropists Paul and Giselaine Coulombe and is a landmark chapter in the organization’s long-term strategic goal of engaging 100 percent of youth in the community. 

“We believe in membership for all and this removes a huge barrier for teens,” said Y Executive Director Andy Hamblett. 

Hamblett estimates two-thirds of Boothbay Region High School students are currently without a membership, roughly 160 in total. 

“This does include local teens who may not attend Boothbay Region High School,” said Hamblett. “They are also eligible.”

The process is simple. A student fills out a form, has their picture taken for the YMCA card and becomes a full-fledged member with all the privileges. The cost for a youth membership is $15 a month and that can be prohibitive for some families, said Hamblett. The support of the Coulombes will also have a trickle down effect on other YMCA services. Extra staff can now be hired, additional programs added, and services expanded to meet the changing needs of the Boothbay community. In particular, Hamblett is excited about the return of Youth In Government, a program which allows students in grades 9-12 to experience how Maine’s legislative process works. The program culminates with teens serving as delegates to the State House in Augusta with peers from across Maine. 

“Boothbay used to have a strong representation with this program,” said Hamblett.  “It’s great to have it back.”

While the monetary donation makes the free memberships possible, the result is also the culmination of a community having come together to identify needs. Hamblett attended a conference at the Spruce Point Inn last year with fellow community leaders. 

“We identified gaps including those for kids who don’t play sports,” said Hamblett. “We thought about after school programs for them. It’s about engaging everybody.”

For BRHS Principal Dan Welch, the news was almost overwhelming.

“I’m still processing it now,” he said. “I’ve been a part of many communities and can say this area is the best. It’s a tremendous development.”

In addition, having a strong community center like the YMCA will hopefully retain and attract younger families to what is statistically one of the oldest regions in the United States, according to the latest census numbers. The Coulombes have made a three year commitment to the program.

“Paul is very interested in giving young people a reason to stay here,” said Hamblett. “The gift is solely about the kids and the opportunities we can create for them. This community identifies problems and provides solutions.”

For more information, visit www.boothbayregionymca.org/