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Healthy kids mean a healthy community. It’s a top priority for the YMCA as a national organization, and the Kokomo Family YMCA is totally committed to it. In that light, the Healthy Kids Day returns to Kokomo this Saturday, and everyone is invited to attend.
According to Tony Budenz, YMCA communications director, the event is a national promotion that is making its return in the wake of the COVID pandemic. And Kokomo is excited to take part in it.
“The idea is to make it open and free the community,” said Budenz. “A lot of people see us like just a ‘swim and gym.’ We want people to know what we try to do, really, is to strengthen the community. There is a lot of stuff happening here that impacts individuals and the community as a whole.”
Healthy Kids Day will have plenty of evidence on display to prove the point. Running from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., the YMCA event will include kids hip hop, an inflatable obstacle course, free haircuts, an ice cream truck, cornhole, a Pop-Up Adoption Center by the Kokomo Humane Society, a Wibit water obstacle course, face painting, and other interactive demonstrations and activities.
And it’s all free and open to the entire public.
“There are no barriers for people and families to come and have a good time,” said Budenz. “We want kids to learn healthy habits. We want to keep them active. We really hope a lot of people from the community who haven't experienced the Y will come in and just have a good Saturday with the family and let the kids run around and have some fun.”
And if those who attend like what they see, they can sign up for a membership with the YMCA on the spot. For those who may have difficulty with annual or monthly membership fees, there are scholarships available.
There also will be opportunities to sign up of the YMCA’s many programs, such as youth sports, swimming lessons, and summer camp. Budenz explained that there will be a booth specifically devoted to the YMCA’s summer camp, and they will give away a free week of summer camp as a door prize.
Aside from a few dollars for an ice cream treat, visitors need not bring anything with them to participate in Healthy Kids Day. There are plenty of safe, monitored activities for the kids so that moms, dads, and caregivers can tour the facility and get to know the YMCA. And if that leads them to join, an ID is required.
“We want people to come away with the idea that health can be fun, and it can be done as a family,” said Budenz. “We want people to know there's a safe space here in Kokomo to bring your kids and your family. It’s the YMCA.”
Healthy Kids Day will take place at the Kokomo Family YMCA, 114 N. Union St., on Sat., April 20, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. For additional information, visit www.kokomoymca.org or the Kokomo Family YMCA Facebook page.