Military Initiative

Deployment can be stressful for Vermont's servicemen, servicewomen and their families—especially with no dedicated military base in the state. In partnership with the Armed Services YMCA and the Department of Defense, we're proud to offer free memberships to eligible military families to give them extra support during this difficult period. It's our way of giving back to those who dedicate themselves to serving our state and our country.

On an ongoing basis, we also offer free programs—above and beyond membership—to families with a deployed parent. Please click here to learn more.

About Y Memberships

We understand that military families are under enormous strain. By joining the Y, you and your family can spend quality time together—and enjoy fun activities—in a warm, supportive environment. You might also meet and connect with other Vermont military families who can relate to your unique situation.

How can I determine eligibility?

We extend free Y memberships to:

• All family members (spouse and dependent children) of deployed National Guard and Reservists (all military branches). The actual service member is eligible for the 3 months prior to and the 3 months following their deployment.

• All Active Duty Independent Duty personnel and their families

• All relocated spouses and dependent children of deployed Active Duty personnel

How do I sign up?

Because we need to verify your eligibility, you must register for membership in person at either our Burlington or Winooski locations. When you come, please be sure to bring a copy of your Deployment Orders and a military ID.  We do not copy these documents, but we must visually verify them.

You will also need to complete this Eligibility Form.

If you have any questions about this program, please email Larry Edelson or call him at 802 862 8993 ext 141.

What's Included?

You will have a full Greater Burlington Y membership for 6 months.  We can renew your membership, in 6 month increments, for up to 18 months total, provided that you check-in to one of our locations a minimum of 8 days per month, during each of the previous 6 months.

As a member, you're also eligible for the discounted member rates for any of our programs and classes.

I'm not in the military - but would like to support this program. Can I do that?

Your unrestricted philanthropic support of the Y helps keep everyone in our community—children, teens, seniors and adults—healthy and strong in mind, body and spirit. This generosity helps us extend free memberships, and other financial assistance, to more people—including Vermont's military families. If you'd like to make a donation to the Y, you can do that here.

Free Programs for Families with a Deployed Parent

On an ongoing basis, we also offer free programs - above and beyond membership - to families with a deployed parent. These include our Family Gym and Family Fun Nights that are offered during the school year.

You can learn more about Family Gym here, and you can learn more about Family Fun Nights here.