On April 26, the YMCA of the Blue Water Area is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active.
Healthy Kids Day is part of the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being. The day will feature games, healthy eating samples, arts and crafts and more to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home.
YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at nearly 1,600 Ys across the country, aims to get more kids moving and learning, so they can keep up the habit all summer long – a critical out-of-school time for kids’ health.
Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year.
“One in three U.S. children is obese. This statistic, coupled with the fact that once summer hits, children will be more idle, demonstrates why it’s important to help families develop healthy habits now,” said Denise Brooks, director of the YMCA of the Blue Water Area. “As part of the Y’s commitment to healthy living, through YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day our goal is to improve the health and well-being of kids and inspire habits they can continue into adulthood.”
In celebration of YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, the Y offers the following tips to help families develop healthy habits:
» High Five the Fruits and Veggies – Make sure kids get at least five servings a day, the minimum number nutritionists recommend to maintain healthy childhood development.
» Foster an Early and Onging Passion for Books – Read to and with your kids. Help children read at every age and every stage of their development.
» Team Up for Athletic Events – Set a family goal of great health by teaming up for community or charity events like races, walks, fun runs. Bike rides, etc.
» Volunteer Together – Find a cause that matters to the kids. Open their eyes to a world beyond themselves and the rich rewards that come from making a difference.
» Lead By Example – Be a good role model – kids can be influenced by seeing how hard their parents work at home or on the job, and how rewarding that experience is.
The event will take place at the Y, 1525 Third Street, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It will be a day of fun for all ages featuring a variety of activities from crafts and floor hockey to basketball skills, strength training and a bounce house.
The Y’s Healthy Kids Day is supported locally by Advia Credit Union and Meijer Inc., along with national media sponsors Sprout and Lazy Town. Like the Y, our partners are committed to encouraging kids to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Local vendors include:
» Advia Credit Union
» Child Abuse/Neglect Council, Inc.
» Community Mental Health
» Department of Human Services
» Early On/Great Start – RESA
» Meijer Inc.
» Michigan State University Extension
» Port Huron Hospital Bicycle Safety
» Port Huron Library
» Port Huron Museum
» YMCA
Learn more about membership and programs to help your family take on summer by calling the Y at (810) 987-6400 and visiting us on line at www.bluewateymca.com.
0-5 years old:
Time Program Location Age
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Camp Wanacombak St. Clair Room 0-5 years old
Crafts & Games & Campbell Room
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Bounce Obstacle Course Gymnasium 3-5 years old
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Basketball Skills Gymnasium 4-5 years old
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Floor Hockey Gymnasium 4-5 years old
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Hula Jump Gymnasium 4-5 years old
6-12 years old:
Time Program Location Age
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Camp Wanacombak St. Clair Room 6-12 years old
Crafts & Games & Campbell Room
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Basketball Skills Gymnasium 6-12 years old
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Bounce Obstacle Course Gymnasium 6-10 years old
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Floor Hockey Gymnasium 6-12 years old
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Hula Jump Gymnasium 6-12 years old
11:00 am – 1:00 pm Circuit Training Aerobics Studio 6-12 years old
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Kids Zone Kids Zone 6-12 years old
13-17 years old:
Time Program Location Age
10:00 am – 1:00 pm Youth Strength Exercise Wellness Center 13-17 years old
11:00 am – 1:00 pm Circuit Training Aerobics Studio 13-17 years old
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