YMCA kicks off summer with Healthy Kids Day

STATE COLLEGE — YMCA of Centre County is hosting the Y’s Annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 30, at its State College branch. This event encourages families to take a moment to help kids be kids and set them up for a summer of success.

Nationally sponsored by Howard Johnson by Wyndham, the day-long event will feature activities such as rock-climbing, a Wibit aquatic obstacle course, pickleball demonstrations, giveaways, healthy snacks, activities/information provided by several local organizations and special guest appearances to motivate and teach families how to develop and maintain healthy routines at home.

“At the Y, we believe in nurturing the potential of all children, and each day, we work to help kids find that potential within themselves,” said Jamie SanFilippo, director of community outreach.

“Healthy Kids Day is a fun, free community event designed to kick off summer and remind us how important it is for kids to stay active both physically and mentally throughout the summer.”

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, Healthy Kids Day is the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families.

The Y hopes to use the day to get more kids moving, learning and creating healthy habits they can continue while they’re away from the classroom.

When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential.

With all that’s going on in the world right now, Healthy Kids Day is a reminder to families that we can help ensure all children have access to the tools they need to empower themselves, even during out-of-school time.

YMCA of Centre County’s Healthy Kids Day event takes place at the State College Y from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 30 and features fun, active play and educational activities, such as learning about the direct impacts of stream pollution with the Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, various activities to recognize child abuse prevention month with Centre Safe, sporting equipment giveaways from Replay, and firetruck tours with Alpha Fire Company.

Food will be provided by the Y’s Anti-Hunger Program and sponsors including Wegmans, Red Lobster and Pursuit by You LLC.

Special guest appearances will be made by Ike the Spike, Penn State athletes and several local heroes.

For more information, contact Jamie SanFilippo at [email protected] or visit www.ymcaofcentrecounty.org.