Have you ever played a game called Evolution where you are asked to act like an egg, a dinosaur, a ninja warrior or a zen master? Do you have any awkward family photos after hearing the shocking news that “Grandma is pregnant?” What is the story of your name? If you could have a super-power, what would it be and why?

These prompts, and more, were part of the YMCA’s staff ice-breakers during an annual in-service day on Monday, Feb. 19. As part of the Y’s commitment to professional development, team work, and communication, the Y closed its facilities to bring staff and program volunteers together. One of the day’s key-note facilitators, Patrick Connolly of Connelly Consulting Group, who presented on communication techniques, was impressed with the group’s willingness to listen, share, and learn. He shared that this day indicated how much the Y values the staff and created a full day of information and activities for the people who work at the Y so that they, in turn, can better serve the community.

The Y has a number of different departments who work a variety of shifts. In addition to regular business hours, staff and volunteers prep the pool starting at 5 a.m., daycare at the Child Enrichment Center starts at 7 a.m., and several custodial workers have a shift that ends at 11 p.m. Due to these varying working hours, the fact that the Y has two campuses, and programs that happen at different times of the day and week, some of the Y staff had actually never met each other before. This day enabled people to meet and connect with each other, to share information, and to participate in important discussions. In addition to the communications seminar, there was a workshop on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and a session on cybersecurity. While it was a difficult topic, Sergeant Jacob “Jake” Powers of the Boothbay Harbor Police Department reviewed “ALICE” active shooter protocols. In addition, each table had a Mason jar available for participants to write in “appreciations” for departments or people that they admire at the Y. Two examples included: “My colleagues are kind and polite. Everyone makes you feel like we are a community” and “I appreciate everyone who enjoys the 5 to 7 a.m. shift.”

Many of the Y staff facilitated the workshops and discussions to share their expertise and to keep the costs down. The Y is grateful to J. Edward Knight for underwriting the keynote speakers and lunch from Subway so that there were no expenses associated with the professional development day.

The Y thanks members for their patience as the Y was closed for the day to enable this important training. While the Y was closed, it was wide open for learning, connection, and understanding among the staff, especially about the ways that they can continue to serve the important community to which the Y belongs.