Bainbridge-Decatur County YMCA CEO Kevin Angell talked about the programs the YMCA offers for youngsters and adults during a Wednesday address to the Bainbridge Lions Club.

“Our YMCA opened on June 20, 1986,” Angell said. “Next year, we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary. We have a very strong youth soccer program and a strong after-school program for school age children. During the summer, we have youth camps where youngsters can fish, exercise and just generally have fun.”

Frank Godwin, one of the YMCA’s staff members who is a successful professional bass angler, has a popular “Fishing with Frank Camp” for youngster. The kids learn to cut their own bamboo poles, bait their hooks and pull in their fish. The summer swim team is also extremely successful.

“During the school years, we have an after-school program where youngsters can come in after school, do their homework and have some play time,” Angell said. “They also have access to a computer.”

Angell also talked about the silver sneakers program, one of the most popular YMCA   programs for older adults.

“Our silver sneakers participants exercise at their own pace and really enjoy themselves,” Angell said. “This summer a lot of youngsters attended our always-popular and successful youth basketball camp, instructed by highly successful Bainbridge High School Bearcats head basketball coach Rickey McCullough, who had an outstanding career at Chipley Florida High School before coming here and is a member of the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches Court of Legends Florida Circle of Champions Hall of Fame.”

Angell, who is also a college football official in the Gulf South Conference, told the Lions that YMCAs are located in 25 countries where they promote Christian values and sports.