The following is a press release from the South Mountain YMCA:
When James Goodger began working at the YMCA Park Street Branch in Montclair as a lifeguard in 1999, he had no idea it would start a career with the organization that brings together his lifelong interest in sports, summer camp and community development.
Goodger, who was recently hired as South Mountain YMCA’s new Executive Director, can still remember his first impression of the Y when a friend brought him to the Park Street branch.
“It was the hub of the community,” he said, recalling the energy and excitement. He spent three years working as a lifeguard, aquatics school group teacher and New Discoveries Camp Sports Director.
Goodger, 41, grew up in the United Kingdom and first began working at a New Jersey summer camp in 1993 as part of an international camp counselor program.
“After I finished high school, I decided to take a gap year and do some traveling,” he said. “I fell in love with summer camp.”
Goodger returned to the U.K. to study theater and performing arts at Warwick University where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He finds many opportunities to use his love of performing arts and sports to impact children’s lives. His theater experience, in particular, taught him the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
“You’re thrown onto a stage with a bunch of strangers and you’re all working towards one common goal… to produce this magical piece of artwork,” he said.
He added that it’s also helped with public speaking, confidence and creativity.
Since beginning as a lifeguard, Goodger has gone on to serve within the Y as a School Age Child Care Program Director, and later, a Youth and Family Senior Program Director at the Park Street Branch.
Goodger joins South Mountain YMCA from the Montclair YMCA Geyer Branch, where he spent nearly eight years as Executive Director and Director of Camping Services.
When he first arrived, the branch had 800 members, he said. It’s since grown to 2,400 members and includes a School of the Performing Arts. The branch now offers year-round performing arts classes for all ages, including dance, music and yoga, in renovated facilities complete with two dance studios.
“We expanded at a rapid rate over seven years,” he said. “We upped the level of professionalism… People are staying.”
Goodger said that the arts, which may be “overlooked sometimes,” are crucial to children’s development.
“It helps them express themselves. They’re tapping into their imagination and creativity,” he said. “You can’t be wrong when it comes to art… That’s a beautiful thing.”
Summer camp, which Goodger called “an experience like no other,” also allows kids to be themselves and try things that they might not otherwise get to experience, whether it’s archery, swimming or a ropes course. What sets the Y’s summer camp apart, he said, is the focus on values, character-building and development that “brings children from all different areas together.”
“Kids are really regimented in school by classrooms and testing. If you have the right environment, everyone can be who they want to be,” Goodger said.
The Y’s summer camp, he said, also prevents “summer learning loss.”
“They’re not home watching TV,” he said. At camp, they’re “unplugging and connecting.”
Goodger said that he’s looking forward to working with the team at the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges and South Mountain YMCA “to ensure we’re having the most impact for everyone in our community.” He’s currently in the process of moving from his Blairstown home to the Maplewood area.
“I have a lot of ideas,” Goodger said. “I want to see where we are, and be a resource for my staff.”
When he’s not at the Y, Goodger loves to run, play sports and spend time outdoors. He plans to run in the New York marathon for the first time this November.
ABOUT THE Y
Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is the largest association of YMCAs in New Jersey, serving more than 35,000 individuals and providing more than $1.2 million in financial assistance. Its six YMCAs, located in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne, are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. They offer an array of programs that build spirit, mind and body for people of all ages and all circumstances.
