The Y in Central Maryland Association

★James Taylor

I write this review after a prolonged and deeply disheartening experience with the YMCA of Central Maryland (including the Pasadena location) involving exclusion, account deletion, and a troubling lack of transparency. As a father and legal guardian, I was denied meaningful participation in my son's summer camp experience. I’m a disabled veteran recovering from my second surgery this year, yet I remain actively involved, having volunteered over 120 hours at my son's school and coached his youth sports teams in limited capacities. In June 2025, I respectfully offered to volunteer, noting my Red Cross certification, active background checks (AACPS, Fort Meade CYS), and educational credentials. I received no response. Instead, I was quietly blocked from my son’s records, my account was deleted without warning, and I was denied updates, even after repeatedly confirming my legal rights. Over six weeks, I made multiple good-faith efforts to resolve the issue. I sent documentation, explained my guardianship status, and asked for access to be restored. I was ignored. Only after some pro se legal escalation did YMCA legal counsel finally respond, but still, no resolution or response was offered. This wasn’t just poor customer service. It reflected a systemic disregard for parental rights and transparency. For someone like me, a Black father to a mixed-race child and a veteran navigating medical recovery and legal barriers, it felt personal and a violation of my parental rights. As of today, September 3, 2025, my responses remain unanswered and my accounts and access to my son remain severed, despite formerly being a paying member. If you’re a parent, especially one in a unique family situation, I urge you to advocate for your place in your child’s life. Institutions should never get to decide how involved a loving, responsible parent is allowed to be. We all deserve better.

★★★★★Jennifer Ball

The Y Before and After Care center at HdG Elementary is truly wonderful! They provide excellent care, their staff is always friendly and they work hard to make sure every student gets what they need. My daughter has loved going there and we will miss the Y staff when she is in middle school.

★★★★★Kaitlin Stella

Absolutely love the summer camp here - my daughter has fun doing activities and swimming and always looks forward to going. The communication with parents is top notch, easy pickup/drop-off process and great hours. Highly recommend!

★★★★★Niteara Mickey

I love my daughters classroom at YMCA Back river Headstart. Her teacher is so attentive and works so well with my child. My daughter has gained so much knowledge since starting at this location. She has been there for 2 years and will he transitioning into kindergarten next year. I definitely recommend this center to families who are serious about their children's education, safety and over all social development.

★★★★★Terry Spiegel

This has been a great experience for my grandson! He absolutely loves his counselors! He comes home each day praising the young men and women that help guide him and work with him. Each day is a new experience. Sometimes he doesn't want to leave because he's having so much fun!