Navy Office of Community Outreach presents

NAVY VOLUNTEER WEEK at the Y!

Oct. 28, 29 & 30

The Eugene Family YMCA is—and always will be—a welcoming space for all. In a time when our country feels divided and divisive, we believe strongly in creating opportunities for people to connect, learn from one another, and engage in open dialogue.

Our participation in Navy Volunteer Week is not an endorsement of any political or military position and it isn’t about recruiting or promoting the military—it’s about people. Similar to our Promoting Community series that engages people on topics such as racial and gender equity, religious inclusion and disability awareness, Navy Week is a part of our ongoing commitment to building bridges and fostering understanding. Service members visiting the Y are sharing their personal experiences, volunteering alongside our members, and engaging with our community in meaningful ways.

At the Y, we know that empathy grows through connection. By engaging with people whose life experiences differ from our own—even those sometimes misunderstood or portrayed negatively—we nurture mutual respect and understanding. By spending time together, we hope our members see the humanity in one another, even when perspectives differ.

Navy Week began in 2005. It provides an opportunity for Navy service members to volunteer in communities throughout the country. With most of the Navy's personnel and equipment concentrated on America's coasts, the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) oversees a number of community outreach programs designed to bring America's Navy to cities with a low Naval presence—such as Eugene. There are more than 300 Navy Weeks held in 95 different U.S. cities.

FAQs

Events at the Y

Event Who Date Time How to attend
USS Constitution Current enrolled YMCA preschoolers Monday, Oct. 27 10:30 to 11 a.m. N/A
Monday Make and Take: Navy Pumpkin Carving + 3D printing Middle & high school Monday, Oct. 27 4 to 5:30 p.m. N/A
Ninja Navy Workout Current enrolled YMCA preschoolers Tuesday, Oct. 28 10:30 to 11 a.m. N/A
Pizza with a Sailor High school Tuesday, Oct. 28 3:30 to 5 p.m. Drop-in! No registration required.
Swim with a Sailor Current enrolled YMCA preschoolers Wednesday, Oct. 29 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. N/A
MS/HS Navy Workout Middle & high school Wednesday, Oct. 29 3 to 5 p.m. Drop-in! No registration required.
Coffee with a Sailor All ages Thursday, Oct. 30 8:30 to 10 a.m. Drop-in! No registration required.
Navy Band performance at the Halloween Block Party All ages Friday, Oct. 31 6 to 8 p.m. No registration required. 

 


 

Some events scheduled for the week of Oct. 27 have been canceled due to the federal shutdown. Three events are still scheduled.

USS Constitution 

Enrolled preschoolers will meet real-life sailors dressed in authentic 1813 uniforms from the oldest commissioned warship still afloat! Kids will enjoy hands-on rope-tying demos, explore fascinating historical artifacts, and hear exciting tales from the high seas—all brought to life by our friendly crew. Navy Week sailors enjoy visiting schools and youth programs, sharing their love of history and mentoring young learners through fun, interactive experiences.

Date: Monday, Oct. 27
Times: 10 to 10:45 a.m. (Friends Classroom) | 11 to 11:30 a.m. (Rainbow Classroom)
Who: Current enrolled YMCA preschoolers 


carved pumpkins on a stoopMonday Make and Takes - US Navy Pumpkin Carving

Middle and High schoolers are invited to join Navy sailors for a hands-on experience in 3D printing model ships! In addition to 3D printing, we'll also have pumpkin carving! This special Make and Take blends creativity and seasonal fun 

Date: Monday, Oct. 27 
Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Who: Middle and High schoolers


Ninja Navy Workout

The Navy is taking over NinjaZone, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. Open to enrolled Y preschoolers, Navy Week sailors will help your kiddos navigate through "treacherous waters," and get them moving in an organized, yet playful structure. Sailors will help them to learn and understand what it means to follow instruction, and of course, get them moving! 

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 28
Time: 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Who: Rainbow Room Preschoolers 


Pizza with a Sailor

High schoolers, come hungry and curious! Join us for an afternoon of free pizza and real conversations with U.S. Navy sailors on Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Corner Hut! Whether you're here for the food or the fun, this weekly hangout is the place to be. 

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 28
Time: 3:30 p.m. until the pizza runs out!
Who: High schoolers 


Swim with a Sailor

Calling all little swimmers! Dive into a morning of splashy fun with a U.S. Navy sailors! Join us for water play, giggles, and waves of excitement as enrolled preschoolers get to swim, explore and interact with Navy sailors — all in a safe and joyful environment. It's a morning of maritime magic you won't want to miss! 

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 29 
Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Who: Rainbow Room Preschoolers 


Middle and HS Navy Workout + Pick-Up Basketball 

Ready to train like a sailor? Jump into an action-packed afternoon of training alongside U.S. Navy sailors! Middle and high schoolers can rotate through high-energy circuit stations. Half of the gym will be used for circuit stations, including push ups, sit ups, vertical jumps and pull-ups. The other half of the gym will feature pick-up basketball with Navy sailors! No registration required, just drop-in, gear up and get moving. Challenge yourself, meet inspiring mentors and get ready to sweat!

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 29
Time: 3 to 5 p.m.
Who: Middle and High Schoolers 


Coffee with a Sailor

Start your morning with a warm cup and even warmer conversation. Drop by on Thursday, Oct. 30, for coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a chance to chat with Navy sailors. Hear their stories, ask your questions, and enjoy a relazed, come-and-go gathering that's all about connection, curiosity and community. 

Date: Thursday, Oct. 30 
Time: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. 
Who: Open to everyone! 


Halloween Trunk or Treat - Navy Band Performance! 

Navy Week joins the Y for a Spooktacular Trunk or Treat Block Party! On Friday, Oct. 31, sailors from Eugene Navy Week are rolling in with a decked-out, candy-filled vehicle with plenty of treats to share. But that's not all — a Navy 5-piece woodwind quintent will be putting on a show-stopping performance. You won't want to miss it! 

Date: Friday, Oct. 31
Time: Block Party from 6 to 8 p.m. | Navy Band performance time TBD 
Who: Open to everyone! Families must accompany their children.