Start with simple goals. That’s the community message the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA likes to promote when it comes to integrating physical activity into our sometimes immobile,technology-based lives. Each year those goals become the theme of the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day Initiative, which is the nation’s biggest family health day.
This year the Y is making that simple goal three-fold, yet still simple: Play, Learn, Connect. They hope this simple message will inspire local families to incorporate physical activity year-round, commit to educational activities during the summer months and create closer community connections. It’s not as complicated as it sounds. The simplest of things can accomplish the goal: a walk to the store or coffee shop; a game of ping-pong or twister; finding a good book to read in the summer sunshine; smiling at a neighbor while walking; calling your favorite barista or grocery checker by name. All of these things accomplish Play, Learn and Connect.
Valley residents can join the Healthy Kids Day festivities at the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA this Saturday, April 28th, from 10AM-1PM for games, fun activities, healthy snacks and facility tours. During the event, the Snoqualmie Y will feature many local businesses, organizations and partners – all to help strengthen community ties and further the goals of Healthy Kids Day.
This year, Healthy Kids Day events also take place at 1,900 Y’s nationwide. The event is jam-packed with fun activities to help parents improve their kids’ lifestyles for the long-term. Research shows that without access to activities that stimulate both the mind and body, kids are more prone to gain weight and fall behind academically over the summer months.
“Healthy Kids Day opens families to all the activities the Y has to offer to keep them moving during our rainy, blustery seasons and to prevent learning loss during the summer. We strive to keep kids and families physically and intellectually active throughout the year,” says Milissa Morgan, Snoqualmie Valley YMCA Director of Membership and Family Programs.
The Snoqualmie Y will offer a “no joining fee” promotion all Healthy Kids Day weekend for family memberships. The first 100 kids in the door this Saturday also receive a free t-shirt. The facility is located at 35018 SE Ridge Street on Snoqualmie Ridge. For more info visit www.seattleymca.org.
