We talked to Roxanne Davis, Community Liaison Director at the YMCA, to get the scoop on YMCA Healthy Kids Day and why families should participate.
What is the event, YMCA Healthy Kids Day, about?
YMCA Healthy Kids Day is the 25th annual event with YMCAs all over the country on April 30th designed to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies healthy and to help improve and inspire wellness and a healthy lifestyle.
What type of things are going on that day?
We’re going to host the event at the South Montgomery Creekside location which also houses all of our summer day camp, so it’s an opportunity for parents and children to see where summer camp is held and what a day at camp might feel like. In addition, we will be doing all types of demos of different games and activities to keep children active and engage and show parents how to keep their kids active and to show that it can be fun and that going outdoors and playing with children is very valuable
Is this indoors or outdoors?
It is indoor and outdoor.
We will also have a health and safety fair, so we have community partners representing something that has to do with health and wellness, and it could be environmental or the arts or safety, spiritual, or emotional wellness; it is all encompassing. The fire department will be there, we’ll have finger printing ID from the local sheriff’s office and organizations there doing blood pressure and eyesight screenings for kids and parents. We’re going to have games and face painting and balloons and clowns and giveaways. There will be healthy snacks and everyone will walk away with a free gift and you can take pictures with mascots and just get information to start a healthy lifestyle.
So this isn’t just for kids?
Not at all! It’s very family oriented, and it encourages kids to get moving and families to get healthier and to know the summer programs the YMCA has to offer.
What do you think is the most exciting thing for families at this event?
It’s free and brings families together, and you don’t have to be a Y member, and you get to experience and learn more about the YMCA whether it’s sports or teen camp or the arts, and the event really spotlights everything it has to offer.
A lot of people don’t realize we have a performing arts program, so were going to highlight that and have all types of vendors. It’s all encompassing so it’s a well-rounded event to keep everyone entertained.
How can we encourage kids and families to make healthy choices after the event is over?
That’s what the YMCA is here to help with because if a family becomes a member there are so many opportunities to work out together whether its swimming or playing basketball or they’re taking age specific classes. We provide lots of information and activities to encourage families to be active together whether its riding bikes or walking the dog or dancing or playing soccer. We have all become so sedentary and so attached to mobile devices, and playing is very important for how kids learn and grow, and its missing from today’s society, so the event is about finding something that’s fun to get you moving and doing it together.
Come dressed and ready to play at the YMCA Healthy Kids Day—bring friends of all ages from 10 to 1!
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