Our Mission
The Strafford County YMCA is committed to creating a place where all are welcome. The YMCA builds a healthy spirit, mind, and body in individuals and families by instilling the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through our practices and programs.
Our Vision
The Strafford County YMCA will be the leading community-focused organization committed to the lifelong character development and well being of individuals and families.
History
The Strafford County YMCA was founded in Dover, NH, in 1921. The facility operated as a branch of the NH State YMCA in the 1960s and 1970s, eventually separating as an independent association in 1975. In 1980, the Y merged with the Rochester Boys' Club, taking ownership of the Lowell Street site and ice rink. But following changes in leadership, the organization ran successive and serious operating deficits in the 1990s.
In an attempt to turn Strafford County around, the facility signed a management agreement with the Greater Manchester Family YMCA in 1996, eventually merging two years later. At the same time, the hockey rink and five acres were sold back to the City of Rochester. Since 1998, the Strafford County Y built Camp Coney Pine and now offers many day camps.