Get a Jumpstart on Summer Adventures

The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County invites area children and families to Healthy Kids Day, a free and fun-filled event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday April 26, at the Red Bank Family YMCA, 166 Maple Ave.

The Y’s signature annual event is open to all and aims to kick off a summer season of active play, learning, and connection for local children.

“The Y knows that keeping kids moving and learning during the summer months is key to avoiding the learning dip known as the ‘summer slide,’" said Laurie Goganzer, president and CEO of the YMCA Greater Monmouth County and the Ocean County YMCA.

“Research shows that students benefit from quality summer experiences and extended learning, especially children in less-served communities who often lack the resources to continue their development when school is out,” Goganzer said. “Healthy Kids Day helps families take the first step toward shaping a summer filled with growth, discovery, and making new friends.”

Healthy Kids Day will offer families a chance to explore summer possibilities at the Y while enjoying hands-on activities and community resources.

Parents can learn about YMCA summer camps and swim lesson options while kids take part in free activities such as a bike rodeo and bike safety skills clinic, fitness classes, games, and arts and crafts. Families can also enjoy time together in the pool, on the basketball court and on yoga mats.

A variety of local partners, including Hackensack Meridian Health, Brain Injury Alliance, Lunch Break, and Nike will be on hand with health and safety resources.

The Y will also share information about its current job openings and mental health support services. Families can get a free behavioral health toolkit to support positive outcomes for youth and teens.

As part of its focus on social responsibility, the Y is collaborating with the Parker Family Health on a sneaker drive to collect sneakers at Healthy Kids Day for children and adults in the greater Red Bank community. New sneakers can be dropped off at the Y and will be distributed by the Parker Family Health Center.

All non-member guests will be invited to tour the Y, receive a free one-week pass, and enter to win a three-month family membership at one of the regional Y locations.

The Red Bank Y’s Executive Director Sally Darrow emphasized that the YMCA is open to all, and as a charitable organization, offers financial assistance for membership and programs on a needs-based, sliding scale.

“YMCA programs are designed to nurture the potential of every child and help families and communities grow stronger,” Darrow said. “We encourage all families to come out to the Y on Healthy Kids Day to play, learn, and plan for a summer of fun and connection.”

Healthy Kids Day events will also take place on April 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the following YMCA of Greater Monmouth County locations:

• Freehold Family YMCA, 470 East Freehold Road, Freehold, 07728

• Old Bridge Family YMCA, 1 Mannino Park Drive, Old Bridge, 08857

• YMCA Camp Zehnder, 3911 Herbertsville Road, Wall, 08724.

For more information on Healthy Kids Day visit YMCANJ.org.

About YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
For 150 years, YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has empowered youth, improved health, and fostered connections that unite and uplift the community. Serving 42,000 people annually, we’ve provided over $5 million in financial assistance in the last five years. With locations in eight communities and programs integrated into more than 100 schools across Monmouth and Ocean counties, we are dedicated to strengthening communities. Named a New Jersey Top Workplace for three consecutive years by NJ Advance Media, we’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.