To kick-start physical activity and learning throughout the summer — a critical out-of-school time for kids — the YMCA of Centre County is celebrating Healthy Kids Day with a free community event on Saturday at both the Bellefonte and State College YMCAs for kids and families.
The event will run from 1-4 p.m., according to the Y’s website.
Summer is the ideal time for kids to get up, get out and grow, but for some kids, exposure to activities that stimulate the body and mind ends with the school year. In fact, research shows that kids are more prone to gain weight and fall behind academically over the summer months.
“At Healthy Kids Day, we’re helping parents take on summer by taking steps to ensure that their kids stay physically and intellectually active,” said Mary DeArmitt, marketing and communications director of the YMCA of Centre County.
“With summer just around the corner, there is no better time than now to begin developing a healthy routine that helps kids be healthier and sharper for when the next school year begins.”
A leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y holds Healthy Kids Day to improve the health and well-being of kids. As part of this initiative, the Y — along with hundreds of thousands of parents and kids nationwide — is taking on summer by addressing critical gaps in health and education that cause kids to be at increased risk for childhood obesity and suffer summer learning loss.
The YMCA of Centre County’s events will take place all three branches and will feature activities such as swimming, dodgeball, arts and crafts, obstacle course, tug of war and more.
For more information, contact YMCA of Centre County at (814) 355-5551 or www.ymcaofcentrecounty.org.
