Sussex County YMCA plans Healthy Kids Day

HARDYSTON — The Sussex CountyYMCA will hold a free Healthy Kids Day event on Saturday, April 26.

The event, which is sponsored by Easter Propane, aims to inspire kids to keep their minds and bodies activie. Healthy Kids Day will feature games, healthy cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, a bounce house, open swim time and aims to teach families to develop a healthy routine.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at nearly 1,600 Ys across the country, aims to get more kids moving and learning, so they can keep up the habit all summer long — a critical out-of-school time for kids’ health. Research shows that without access to out-of-school physical and learning activities, kids fall behind academically. Kids also gain weight twice as fast during summer than the school year.

“One in three U.S. children is obese. This statistic, coupled with the fact that once summer hits, children will be more idle, demonstrates why it’s important to help families develop healthy habits now,” said Jennifer Gardner, executive director of the Sussex County YMCA. “As part of the Y’s commitment to healthy living, through YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day our goal is to improve the health and well-being of kids and inspire habits they can continue into adulthood.”

During the Healthy Kids Day celebration, the Y also will host its fifth annual Community Leaders Kickball Tournament. The annual kickball tournament is a chance for adults to “lead by example” and demonstrate that one is never too old or too young to get active. Area businesses and community groups are invited to form teams of nine to 11 players to participate in the event. Teams may register for a donation of $300, which is enough to provide a child with a full camp experience this summer.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day is supported Eastern Propane and also supported by national media partners Sprout and Lazy Town, who are committed to encouraging kids to lead a healthy lifestyle.

For more information, contact Sussex County YMCA at 973.209.9622 or visit www.sussexcountyymca.org.