The Community YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® on April 26 Aims to Build Healthier Happier Kids

On Saturday, April 26, The Community YMCA is hosting a free community event at three locations, to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, features games, physical activities, arts and crafts, healthy snacks and community partners to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home.

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.

Statewide, more than 6,500 children and families are expected to come out to their local Ys to play games, exercise, dabble in arts and crafts, sample healthy snacks and discover that fun and fitness to together.

“Healthy Kids Day is an exciting and engaging way for the Y to bring families together and inspire them to stay active and healthy,” said Rhonda Anderson, President and CEO of The Community YMCA.

Healthy Kids Day was established in 1992 in response to the alarming statistics that one in three U.S. children is obese, and when summertime hits, kids will be more idle. Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically and gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day will help parents begin thinking early about what their kids need to grow and achieve all summer long.

Anderson said The Community YMCA is pleased to connect families to community partners at Healthy Kids Day that “share the Y’s commitment to nurturing the development of kids and supporting families in building stronger bonds.”

Healthy Kids Day activities will be held at the following from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.:

Red Bank Family Health & Wellness Center, 166 Maple Avenue, Red Bank:
Start your day off with a family breakfast! In conjunction with The Family Dinner Project and Cheerios, the Y is hosting a healthy breakfast for familes which includes Cheerios, yogurt and fresh fruit.  The Y’s Counseling and Social Services team will lead an activity on self-esteem.  After breakfast, the Y’s Child Achievement group will showcase non-competitive Healthy U games, to get kids and families moving. Rutgers nutrition students will also be on hand with fun healthy activities.

Camp Arrowhead, 521 County Route 520, Marlboro:
The morning will start off with an obstacle course, followed by basketball games and activities. Nutrition students from Rutgers and Meridian Pawsitive Action Team will have nutritional activities and Colts Neck Center for Orthodontics will be available with advice for healthy smiles. Whole Foods will provide healthy fruit and water.  The camp is also holding Open House tours.

Camp Zehnder, 3911 Herbertsville Road, Wall:
The early bird catches the worm – or fish! Starting at 9 a.m. join the Y at the pond for a Fishing Derby – bring your own pole and enjoy some friendly competition!  Afterward, enjoy “fish” related activities such as making your own lures, fish painting and other activities.  Nutrition students from Rutgers will also be on hand for some fun activities as well. Healthy snacks will be provided and the camp is holding Open House tours.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is supported locally by Hulafrog and nationally by media partners Sprout and Lazy Town, who are committed to encouraging kids to lead a healthy lifestyle.  

For more information, call 732.671.5505.

About The Community YMCA
The Y is a leading nonprofit charity that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA serves more than 20,000 residents in greater Monmouth County through programs such as: preschool, before and after school care, health and wellness, leadership, arts enrichment, personal and family counseling and summer day camp. With a mission to serve all, more than $660,000  in reduced and free membership fees and programs is provided by the YCares financial assistance program to individuals and families in need. For more information, visit TheCommunityYMCA.org.