When our children have a strong, healthy start to life they learn good habits that stick with them for a lifetime. Instilling a love of activity and exercise, eating right and robust physical and mental health support system in children is important in creating adults who value the same things. A great place to start is with the South Sound YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day activities taking place this April.
This is the 30th anniversary of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day nationwide, but year one for the brand-new Shelton Family YMCA. Their festivities take place on Friday, April 29 from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. for all kids 18 and under along with their families.
Senior Director Aubree Fudge says that they’ll have different community resources available for kids and families to explore. “Some key groups that will be in our gym during that time will be Family Education & Support Services, Shelton Youth Connection, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mason/Kitsap Kids, and more!” she continues. “Mason Health will also be hosting a vaccine clinic during the time for anyone who is in need of their COVID vaccine or boosters. Additional space in our building will have kid focused crafts and games available. Finally, if someone joins the Y as a new member on HKD we are happy to waive their joining fee.”
A free community event, Healthy Kids Day showcases all the regional YMCA has to offer. “We have a number of kids activities that take place at the Y,” says Fudge. “That said, a lot of folks don’t know that purchasing a Family Y membership helps save a substantial amount of money when signing up for programs like swim lessons, before or after school childcare, and youth sports and thanks to our Annual Campaign the Y has financial assistance so that cost is not a barrier for membership or programs!”
Fudge has worked for the organization for 10 years. “My favorite part of working at the Y are the people you meet. People that come to the Y are genuine and want to help make a difference in their community. I hope to see a ton of new faces during HKD and following; starting at 5 p.m. we have a Free Family Night for the community. Additionally, I look forward to the summer and encourage families to check out our Y summer camp options in both Thurston and Mason County.”
In Olympia, Healthy Kids Day activities will take place at the Briggs Community YMCA on Saturday, April 30 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Senior Director of Branch Operations Michelle Gipson says they’ll have pool activities, a rock wall, dance classes, demonstrations, cooking demos and more. Preregistration isn’t required but they may have an on-site sign-up sheet for the pool and rock wall to manage traffic flow.
Gipson says she appreciates how events like these, “have an impact on the health and wellness of our members and our community, promote current youth programs and upcoming summer programs and connect the Y to more people in the community. Everyone deserves a Y experience.”
Some of the Y’s community partners include Catholic Community Services Foster Care Program, Care-a-Van, South Sound Reading Foundation, Family Education and Support Services (FESS), Family Support Center of South Sound, Pediatric Physical Therapy and Blossoming Kids Therapy.
The Y will soon be offering classes in jiu jitsu, chess and hip hop and Kids Night Out takes place the second Friday of each month at 5:30 p.m.
“At the Y we are proud of our ability to never turn anyone away, regardless of their ability to pay,” says Fudge. “Thanks to our awesome volunteers and community members the Y is able to provide access to all that need it.”
Interested in becoming a member or giving or volunteering to support others? The South Sound YMCA welcomes you as part of the family. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for upcoming events, activities, site or equipment closures and COVID-19 updates. Or sign up for classes via their online calendar.
Kids dive into new things with an exuberant joy that adults remember fondly…and secretly envy. To many of us exercise and healthy eating are chores but when we’re introduced to them growing up, they simply become a way of life. If they’re introduced via something as fun as Healthy Kids Day, it’s even better. So, jumpstart their future success—and maybe even reinvigorate yours too—thanks to the South Sound YMCA.
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