By GAGE WILSON
For Glasgow News 1
The Barren County Family YMCA is opening its gym doors to homeschool students in search of physical education and, just as importantly, connection.
The YMCA is offering P.E. lessons tailored specifically for homeschooled children. The program, overseen by Youth Sports Director Jason Ford, brings structured physical activity to students who may not otherwise have access to organized sports or traditional gym classes.
Currently, around 20 children participate in the sessions.
Ford said he would like to cap enrollment at around 25 to avoid overwhelming himself or parent volunteers while still offering individualized attention.
“Right now we offer classes Monday and Thursday,” Ford said. “But if we start getting more than 25 kids we’ll likely start doing Tuesday and Wednesday classes as well.”
Activities rotate between indoor and outdoor sports, giving students exposure to a range of physical skills. Depending on the month and weather, that can include traditional gym games, team sports and outdoor recreational activities designed to build coordination, teamwork and confidence.
The idea of this program has been in the works since Ford began his career with the Y roughly three years ago. This is when he started building the classes.
While physical health is a central focus, Ford said the social aspect is equally important. Many homeschooled children, he noted, are primarily socialized within their own families.
“It gives them a chance to be around other kids,” Ford said, explaining that learning to communicate, cooperate and compete is a key component of the lessons.
The format mirrors traditional P.E. classes in some respects, with warmups, skill-building exercises and organized games. At the same time, Ford said the environment is intentionally welcoming and adaptable to different age groups and abilities.
The program also extends beyond the gym walls. Ford pointed to a recent fish fry event that invited families of enrolled students, creating an opportunity for parents and siblings to connect as well.
“I’ve got students that have been here since day one that are now mentoring some of our newer kids,” he said. “It’s almost like their own family environment.”
As participation continues to grow, Ford said the YMCA remains committed to providing a space where homeschooled students can develop both physically and socially.
