The 30th annual Healthy Kids Day will be celebrated at YMCAs across the country, including the Gloucester County location in Woodbury.
The day celebrates children’s mental and physical health, with the county taking a special approach on Saturday, April 30.
“This year for Healthy Kids Day, the Gloucester County YMCA is partnering with the Gloucester County National Guard to celebrate everything our community is and stands for,” said Cameron Baker, executive director of the county location. “The National Guard will be hosting a job and college readiness fair for young adults.”
Alongside the inflatable bouncy houses and crafts for kids, community resources for adults, such as financial literacy information from Republic Bank, will also be offered. If you don’t have a membership to the county Y, don’t fret: The celebration is free to the community.
Baker highlighted the importance of a community-bonding celebration.
“As a community organization, we think it’s important to bring everyone together and celebrate all the great stuff that happens in Gloucester County,” he explained. “We will also be waiving the joiners’ fee for anyone who does sign up for a membership.”
A membership to the Gloucester County YMCA provides access to the location’s swimming pool, basketball courts and discounts on all programs offered, including before-and-after school programs, youth basketball and cheerleading. Coming up is a blood drive on Thursday, May 5, and the start of a blood pressure monitoring program on Tuesday, May 31. The latter is for any adult diagnosed with high blood pressure.
“The class is $50 and provides the participant with a four-month facility membership, a free blood pressure cuff and tons of other amazing resources,” Baker noted.
The mission of the YMCA is to strengthen the community through youth development and healthy-living programs, and Healthy Kids Day having been celebrated for 30 years only enhances those goals.
The Gloucester County location merged with the YMCA of the Pines in October, but its location remains 235 East Red Bank Ave. in Woodbury.
Hours for Healthy Kids Day are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on the event and other Y programs, visit ymcagloco.org or call (856) 845-0720.
