The Sturgeon Bay YMCA is rolling out a new program aimed at helping young adults build connections and feel more engaged in the community. On this week’s Y-Wednesday podcast, Mission Advancement Director Brett Cleveland and Marketing and Events Coordinator Makayla Thoma announce the launch of the Door County Social Collective, a low-pressure social group designed for people looking to meet new friends, try different activities, and get involved without long-term commitments.
The program officially begins Tuesday, January 6th, and offers a rotating schedule of casual, drop-in events throughout the month. Cleveland said the idea grew from conversations with young adults who were looking for welcoming spaces to connect. “Not everyone wants a formal club or league,” he said. “This is about showing up, having fun, and feeling like you belong.”
Weekly activities kick off every Tuesday with pick-up basketball in Gym C at the Sturgeon Bay YMCA from 6 to 8 p.m. All skill levels are welcome, and participants can join for a relaxed game without registration. On January 15, the Social Collective will host Game Night in the YMCA community room, featuring competitive board games in an unplugged setting. This month’s featured game is cribbage, and the event is open to everyone.
The program also includes a Monthly Social on Thursday, January 22, at 6 p.m. at Bridge Up Brewing in Sturgeon Bay, offering a laid-back evening of conversation at a local brewery. Rounding out the month is a Book Club meeting on January 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stone Harbor Resort, focused on casual discussion and shared recommendations, January's featured book is "The Housemaid".
Thoma said the goal is accessibility. “You don’t have to attend everything. Just come when something sounds fun.”
More details, including a full discussion of the program, can be found on the latest Y-Wednesday podcast.
