Family Fun For All at YMCA Healthy Kids Day

Energy was in the air on Saturday, April 27th, at the La Porte YMCA’S Healthy Kids Day. From 9am-12 pm, families meandered throughout the YMCA hitting various booths and learning about the Y’s activities to jump into summer.

La Porte YMCA Executive Director Cindy Berchem explained, “This is a national initiative from the YMCA to get kids up and moving. Also, it is try to get a jumpstart on summer and get the kids active physically and mentally. We do not want them to become couch potatoes.”

Roughly 200 people attended the event and each had a chance to try many healthy activities. Starting at 9:00 am, there was a one-mile run open to the families. Following, there was Zumba class, family boot camp, hula-hoop contest, and a 3-point shot challenge.

“I saw the advertisements and my kids love coming to the Y so I thought we could check it out. They are having a lot of fun,” said parent Ashley Knoll.

The activities went beyond being physically healthy as well. Kids had a chance to get their creative wheels spinning at one of the various craft tables. Children made paper flowers and windsocks in bright colors that matched the YMCA’s newly renovated walls. Furthermore, the kids got a chance to sit at the wheel of a real police car and crawl through the E.D.I.T.H Smoke House and learn about fire safety from the La Porte Fire Department.

All the learning and physical activity called for a healthy snack to refuel. Al’s Supermarket and Spire Farm-to-Fork catering donated nutritious food and words of wisdom.

Children had a ball in the main gym where they could jump on one of two bounce houses, play basketball, or crawl and jump through an obstacle course. Also parents and kids could take a stop at one of the many booths to learn about various topics such as dental hygiene and skin care. Scoopie, the Culver’s custard mascot, was the special guest of the day and posed for photos ops and got in on the action.

After completing multiple physical activities and stopping at the information booths, participants were entered in a raffle. The prizes included a brand new bike and a free membership to the YMCA Summer Camp.

Overall, the event was a success with a great turnout and an excellent healthy atmosphere. As summer approaches, the games played and lessons learned will be the perfect springboard to an active lifestyle.

The La Porte YMCA would like to thank their sponsors and booth participants: IU Health La Porte Hospital, Al’s, Martinsen Dentistry, PNC, Hicks Chiropractic, Purdue Extension Office, Velvet Skin Spa, Spire Farm-to-Fork, La Porte County Health Department, La Porte Public Library, Bounce-A-Lot Jumpers, La Porte 4-H, and Culver’s Restaurant.

Click here for photos from the event!