This year marks the 24th year that Healthy Kids Day has been nationally recognized. The La Porte County Family YMCA promoted healthy living and well-being by inviting all local parents and their children to make a commitment to stay active and healthy throughout the summer months. The YMCA also welcomed businesses in the area to assist families by providing them with information about how they can prepare for a safe and healthy summer vacation.
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The community came together in support of the Hop the Gap promotional campaign, which launched April 25 and extends throughout the month of August. The YMCA will help the youth "hop the gap" on multiple issues that impact them during the summer months by engaging members, parents and participants in fun activities that will help others understand and support the cause.
"The summer months are times where children typically are not active and lose the knowledge they learned in school. We want to instill positive physical and mental health habits in children so we can help them fill the gap in the summertime. At summer camp, we plan on filling their education gap by providing them with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning activities to keep their mind active during the summer months," Member Engagement Director Ben Fout said.
During the YMCA's summer camp, children will also be taught healthy eating habits through nutritious and delicious snacks. Campers will also learn water safety skills and will be taught how to access safe spaces.
"It will be my first time leading summer camp, so I hope to keep the same traditions, but I also hope to change it up a bit and bring new ideas. There is always room for improvement, and my main goal is to keep the kids healthy and happy," Camp Director Reece Arthur said.
In addition to summer camp, parents and children were introduced to other positive ways to keep mentally and physically fit. The concepts of planning for the future, eating right, standing up to bullying, ending obesity and expanding knowledge by reading more frequently played an active part in how to keep a healthy mind and body.
Sarah Brown, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, promoted 529 plans, which are college savings plans for children who intend to further their education after high school.
"Children today need to think about their future. Part of being a healthy kid is being informed about the options available to them and knowing a little bit about how they can start planning ahead," Brown said.
Kids also had the chance to participate in Zumba and tae kwon do martial arts.
Mary Crosslin, who has taught tae kwon do at the YMCA for 22 years, firmly believes in the importance of promoting health in today's adolescents.
"I like to promote good eating habits, good exercise, physical fitness, and ways to maintain a healthy mind and body. We have all kinds of kids pass through our program and it is important for us to teach them about their health and the steps they can take to improve it," Crosslin said.
Another booth stressed the importance of preventing bullying and teen suicide. The space provided children with the chance to answer trivia questions and win candy. Children also had the opportunity to sign a pledge, promising that they will not only stand up to bullying, but will also stop bullying themselves with negative self-messages.
"We are here to inform kids about how they can stand up to bullying. They need to know that if they see someone being bullied, there is something they can do about it. Bullying leads to more bullying and it is a contagious cycle that needs to be stopped," Jessica Swisher, Outreach Coordinator of Hey U.G.L.Y. said.
The mental health of an individual might coincide with their eating habits, leading to obesity.
"I am employed at HealthLinc, and in addition to that, I have started a children's media company called GenUWin Health to help children fight the obesity crisis we have in the country," Gerard Roberts said.
Due to this growing issue, he has produced an app that is on Google Play and Apple iOS, named U of Chew.
"I wanted to do more in medicine than I am already doing. After seeing children who have challenges with weight and struggle with it on a daily basis, I wanted to connect with them by using the new vehicles we have through social media," Roberts said.
Take part in the Hop the Gap campaign by promoting health and wellness to both children and adults. The YMCA staff and volunteers make it their goal to provide a safe place to learn, stay healthy, and grow.