MISSION/CULTURAL EXCHANGE TRIPS Mission trips and cultural-exchange programs can be a life changing experience. International program goals include: building relationships, gaining international awareness and understanding, taking part in a mission/volunteer project, appreciation of cultural diversity and acceptance, gain a better understanding of the world that we live in and, cultivating the meaning of healthy spirit, mind. The Somerset Hills YMCA is proud to promote the following International Programs: Click here for mission trips that are being organized locally. (coming soon) The International Branch of the YMCA in New York offers life-changing cultural exchange programs for young people globally. Working within the YMCA network and with local, national & international partners, they bring people together through summer camp, work and travel, internships  and volunteer programs. Click here for more information. A different kind of mission trip - If you are between the ages of 12-17 years old and would like to take part in week long international program while never leaving the country, join us as we take part in a Heifer International project. Heifer International offers a powerful global education experience at its Learning Center at Overlook Farm, located in Rutland, MA. The Heifer program provides an interactive learning experience and introduces participants to the idea that one person can make a difference in ending hunger and poverty. Participants prepare a meal with limited resources, care for the farm animals, harvest vegetables and sleep in simple housing such as a Thai home made of Bamboo. The service activities will allow participants to give back as well as provide great educational tools. For more information contact Sylvia Velez at  or tel. 908-630-3530  CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT MISSION TRIPS

MACEDONIA The Somerset Hills YMCA offers a wide variety of community based and international programs, including:  Partnership with the YCS YMCA in Skopje, Macedonia The Somerset Hills YMCA has formed an official partnership with YCS YMCA in Skopje, Macedonia. Goals of this Partnership: To further the worldwide YMCA movement by providing support for the emerging YMCA movement in Macedonia. To broaden the worldview of YMCA members by providing cultural exchanges and information. To expand the work of both partner YMCAs by sharing best practices and program ideas, goods, and resources. Specific areas of collaboration include: Youth Leadership Training, Staff Development, Volunteer Development and Long Range Planning. History of Partnership: May 2006: YMCA Board Chair and staff person visit YCS in Skopje, Macedonia and several other Balkan YMCAs to learn about Balkan YMCA movement and explore potential partnerships January 2007: YMCA Board approves partnership February 2007: Partnership Agreement signed by YMCA president Bob Lomauro and YCS General Secretary Alexandar Kirkovski June 2007: Two young leaders from YCS work in YMCA summer camp program August 2007: Four YMCA teens and chaperones attend Balkan Youth Festival February 2008: Two Leaders from YCS, Aleksander Kirkovski and Ljuben Tevdovski, visit Somerset Hills YMCA and attend the Annual Meeting. Click here for Aleksander's Speech during the Annual Meeting, February 19. August 2008: Youth Festival in Prague. Teens and adult chaperones traveled via Macedonia to Prague. Click here for the pictures! Click here for the 2011 Application Forms! For more information and to learn more about getting involved in the Somerset Hills YMCA’s International Initiatives, please contact Sylvia Velez, Director of Volunteer Services at 908-630-3530 or email INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Come join the celebration! Somerset Hills YMCA's  Annual International Family Day "One World, One Family"  Sunday, October 9, 2011 (1:00 pm -4:00 pm) The International Festival is a wonderful event the Y presents every year. The Y brings people and families of diverse backgrounds together in celebration of our differences and cultures. The International Committee plans International Festival as well as other worthwhile programs. If you are interested in being a part of this committee or interested in participating in this event, please stay tuned for details. A celebration of cultures featuring food samples, dance, music and art from around the world. Door prizes will be awarded. Suggested donation: $10 per family, and $5 per individual. All proceeds go to the YMCA World Service Fund which provides needed services in developing countries.  For more information, please call Sylvia Velez (908) 630-3530. Click here for more pictures of our previous festivals.