Kids Get Ready for School at the Back to School Rally in Michigan City

The end of summer vacation is a time children dread. With the days getting shorter and the nights getting longer, the end of summer vacation means one thing – heading back to school.

To ease kids back into the routine, the Michigan City Area Schools held its annual “Back to School” Rally Thursday afternoon on the Elston Middle School track and football field.

Lines stretched all along the middle school grounds as families waited patiently to be admitted by Michigan City Police officers to take part in a fun filled day full of activities for kids of all ages.

“The purpose of having this event in Michigan City is that all kids are going back to school,” La Porte County YMCA Marketing Director Vanessa Franklin said. “All kids are going back to school and we want to remind them and their families that once school starts, here are some healthy habits that you can keep up with.”

Attracting thousands of Michigan City’s youth, the event featured many different organizations, including the La Porte County YMCA.

“We just love to spread the word about teaching kids about living healthy and positive youth development,” Franklin said. “And social responsibility. And we get to interact with families and get to talk to them and find out what they were doing to stay active and healthy this summer.”

Like most organizations, Franklin said the programs at the Y are designed with the best interests of the kids in mind.

“We have youth co-ed soccer for kindergarten through fifth graders,” she said. “And it is also the first season out on our Andrew Avenue facility. That offers kids the opportunity to get out on the soccer field and experience nature trails, get out on an open air pavilion and play basketball. And we also hosted a summer adventure camp this year and we had fun being silly and learning, growing and achieving all summer long.”

Once the school day ends, Franklin said kids don’t have to get in the habit of getting home and sitting in front of the computer or watching television. With the number of programs at the Y, Franklin said the activity options are endless.

“What the Y has to offer in terms of healthy living, social responsibility and youth development we can guide them through the busy school year and get them moving even when winter comes,” Franklin said. “You walk in the doors, I guarantee that you will have everyone in your family will have something that (interests them). Whether it be open gym or swimming lessons or using our cardio equipment in the wellness area.”

The featured attraction in front of the Y booth was Zumba, the latest craze in getting in shape.

“It’s a fun way to get moving with the family,” Franklin said. “Get moving while listening to great music and working up a sweat.”

Franklin said anyone from La Porte County can go to the Y and take advantage of the number of activities.

“We got all kind of things going on,” she said. “Shooting hoops and we also have a teen center. They can talk about teen issues and talk to people who really care and really help them out and guide them with the issues that teens face.”

Those interesting in visiting the Y online can do so at WWW.LPYMCA.ORG  or call the Y at (219) 325-9236.

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