The Bloomington-Normal YMCA is delighted to announce the selection of Paige Thompson as our new Director of Youth Development.
The Director of Youth Development serves an important role in the Y, directly championing one of the organization’s main areas of focus. Thompson will work closely with our Sr. Director of Program Development to provide our community with top-of-the-line youth development programming that promotes the mental wellness and academic enrichment of our youth.
Thompson has been working at the Bloomington-Normal YMCA since August of 2021. She has filled several positions within our Youth Development team during her time here, including working as a Y PALS Site Supervisor and as a Summer Camp Supervisor.
Thompson officially took the position of Director of Youth Development on December 5th, 2022. In that time, she has been working hard to keep our Youth Development programs running smoothly, and has been continuing to develop new Youth Development programming for the coming year including Parents’ Night Out events and Preschool Aged Programming.
“I'm excited to grow and expand the programs that we currently have for youth at our Y while also creating new programs that help the youth of our community explore, create, learn, and grow,” said Thompson. “I hope to grow the Youth Development department at our Y so that youth of all ages can enjoy the programs that we offer. For example, I'd love to start an afterschool program for teens, expand our performing arts program, and offer leadership opportunities for youth in our community. I have a ton of ideas, and I'm ready to get started!”
With her knowledge of our Youth Development programs, and her past experience with the culture of the Y and the members of our community, the Y community can expect Thompson to expand our Youth Development programming, and to continue the Y’s mission to help all of our community’s youth grow into the best version of themselves.
“I am so excited to have Paige take over as the Director of Youth Development,” said Betsy Williams, our Senior Director of Program Development. “She has a passion for youth and an eagerness to serve our community, so I am most looking forward to the great things that she will bring to the Youth Development department. Whether that be to expand and improve current programming, or bring in new ideas for the youth in our community, I have no doubt that Paige will leave a positive impact on our YMCA and the Bloomington Normal community.”
“Naming Paige as the new Director of Youth Development means that the Bloomington Normal Community has one of their own looking to better the services provided to the community,” Williams continued. “Paige and her husband consider Bloomington Normal home and she wants to see our community thrive. I have no doubt that Paige will bring new programs and enhance existing programs all with the goal to serve the community. She is already considering areas that we, as a YMCA, could better serve the youth in our community, and is working hard to bring those ideas to fruition. Her passion for youth, and love for this community is evident and I am confident that those will serve her well in this role.”
Established in 1855, the Bloomington-Normal YMCA is the oldest continually existing human service organization in McLean County. Serving more than 5,000 people annually, the YMCA is dedicated to instilling Christian principles through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. As a charitable, nonprofit organization, the Y seeks to establish programming in the community for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, please visit www.bnymca.org.