We recently finished a year-long strategic planning process that resulted in a updating CCBA’s mission, vision and values.
MISSION
The CCBA is a non-profit organization that promotes healthy lifestyles, personal development, and community connections by offering recreational, fitness, and educational programs for people of all ages and abilities.
VISION
We envision a community where all people thrive physically, socially, and emotionally.
VALUES
Culture of Positivity: We believe positivity is contagious and leads to better mental health and well-being.
Inclusivity: We strive to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
Community: We aim to foster a sense of community by providing opportunities for interaction and engagement.
Innovation: We are committed to meeting community needs by continuously improving our programs and services through innovation and creativity.
Sustainability: We believe in working towards a sustainable future, where our actions and decisions take into account the long-term well-being of our organization, community, and planet.
Professional Excellence: We seek excellence in everything we do by fostering a culture of care, communication, and continual self-improvement for everyone who enters our doors.
HISTORY
Founded in 1919, the CCBA provides the Upper Valley with a multitude of recreational, fitness, family, and youth development opportunities. Our primary purpose is to provide a welcoming environment with a variety of opportunities to support the community’s well-being. We encourage people of all ages and physical abilities to gather, play, learn, exercise, and compete. Our unique role in the Upper Valley has been, and continues to be, our appeal to people of all ages, abilities, and income levels. Our inclusive and positive environment also encourages participants to connect and grow together.
The CCBA’s initial facility, (known as the “CCB”), was gifted by Lebanon’s William S. Carter family in 1919. The CCB was established “…for the purpose of furnishing the young people of Lebanon a healthful and uplifting club life, following in its line of work that of the Y.M.C.A. and kindred institutions.” Activities at the CCB have ranged from Junior League meetings, competitive nights of card games, scouting troop gatherings, sports instruction, and celebrations of many sorts. For several decades, we have also provided opportunities for children outside of school, a program that morphed into our no-charge Youth Drop-in Center. Over the years, participants have cherished the lifelong lessons and relationships built at the CCB. In addition, for almost 25 years, the original building has also housed the CCBA’s state-licensed preschool, a critical resource in our region where childcare and early childhood education programs are in dire need.
With the addition of the Witherell Recreation Center in 1987, the CCBA grew significantly in scope, established itself as a region-wide resource, and became a true campus featuring multiple buildings, playing fields, and community spaces.
Today, we are the only organization in the Upper Valley to offer the broad range of recreational programs and amenities we maintain. We serve people ages six weeks to over 100 years old, and are open to any who wish to join. Fifty percent of our members live in Lebanon or West Lebanon. Ninety-five percent of our members live within 20 miles of the facility.
Our Witherell Recreation Center features the 6-lane, 25-yard, Lane and Elizabeth C. Dwinell Pool, a favorite for lap swimming and aqua fitness. We are the home of Lebanon High School’s swim team, and the site of swim meets for both Lebanon and Hanover High School’s Swim and Dive Teams. Our Group Fitness Studio hosts over 30 group fitness classes per week, and individuals use our free weight, strength training, and cardio rooms throughout the day with state-of-the-art equipment. We also have a Training Studio, which is frequently used for personal training sessions, and a Mind+Body Studio with Pilates Springboards, TRX, and yoga classes. We also offer basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and futsal on our newly refinished double indoor basketball gym. Outside we have a basketball court, tennis/pickleball courts, two turf sports parks for soccer, a playspace for kids ages 5-12, a pavilion and a large grass field. Our summer campers, which hundreds of local youth participate in each year, take advantage of many of these spaces during our 9-week full-day camp.
The Witherell Recreation Center has approximately 2,500 fee-paying members, and at least 5,000 additional people across the region enjoy our programs, including discounted and free events and services.
ORIGINAL CHARTER AMENDED IN 1982