As another summer winds down and a new school year is on the horizon, the Y wants to remind parents and caregivers that the Y’s afterschool program is a place and engaged during their time out of school – a critical time for all school-age children. Below, we’ve listed five reasons your child should get involved with Y afterschool programming once school starts!
Physical Activity
The Y’s PHD (physical, healthy & driven) program is combating childhood obesity and teaching kids how to stay healthy for life. The program is composed of assessment, exercise, nutrition and family. It uses everything from old-school playground games to innovative new equipment, PHD gets every kid moving. Each day, we provide physical activity vital to the health and well-being of every child in our program. The PHD on the Move Van allows the YMCA to bring opportunities for healthy play and wellness education right to the doorsteps of local children.
Healthy Eating Habits
Teaching children the importance of nutrition and healthy eating is key to their success – both in and out of school. The Y’s PHD program includes visual aids and creative lessons to teach kids about beneficial and harmful foods. It ensures that kids in our community are provided with healthy afterschool snacks/meals any time they are in our care and are taught healthy eating habits. Check out our program at https://www.ymcadc.org/for-youth-and-families/physical-healthy-driven/.
Academics, Arts & STEM
The Y’s afterschool program offers safe, supervised activities and daily schedules that include sports, group games, homework support, arts & crafts, STEM, and more. It helps fill gaps in schools and communities where some academic and recreational activities may be limited. Kids can improve their study habits and reading skills; gain exposure to the arts; find a love for STEM activities and much more. Check out the program at https://www.ymcadc.org/programs/child-care/school-age-child-care/.
Character Building
Kids in our afterschool program at the Y demonstrate improvement in the values, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed for success in school and in life. Kids and teens can achieve, feel a sense of belonging and explore new interests. Check out some of our social and teen programs at https://www.ymcadc.org/for-youth-and-families/youth-in-government/.
For more information on any of our afterschool programs at the the Y, visit https://www.ymcadc.org/programs/child-care/school-age-child-care/
