The YMCA of Collier County recently hosted its annual Healthy Kids Day at its Marco Island and Naples campuses, welcoming families from across the community. The family‑friendly event focused on healthy living and youth development and was free to all families, regardless of YMCA membership, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to community outreach and accessibility.
Activities and highlights
More than 200 children ages 4 to 9 participated in a variety of interactive, screen‑free activities designed to promote physical activity, creativity and social connection.
Highlights included inflatable slides and bounce houses, face painting, a photo booth, gardening activities, and an arts‑and‑crafts station where children decorated kites to take home.
Families also enjoyed a book fair and visits from local Fire Rescue personnel, who invited children to explore a fire truck and ambulance.
Each child received a free backpack filled with summer safety and wellness items, including a water bottle, YMCA‑branded sunglasses, toothbrush to encourage healthy habits, jump rope, frisbee, and nutritious snack. Participants also received a free YMCA Summer Camp tee.
Promoting healthy living
YMCA of Collier County’s President and CEO Cindy Love‑Abounader emphasized that healthy living includes more than exercise. “Building confidence, developing positive habits, and reducing stress and anxiety are all essential for a child’s well‑being,” she said.
Community support
The event was organized by the YMCA’s Youth Development staff with the support of volunteers and community sponsors.
“Parents consistently expressed appreciation for a free, safe, and engaging environment for their children,” said Catera Isme, School‑Age Programs Manager for the YMCA of Collier County. She also thanked event sponsors—Mathnasium of Naples, Lifeway Kefir, Inside Out Social Skills 4 Youth, Pediatric Dentistry of Florida, and Fiesta Time Rentals—for helping make the event a success.
Summer programs
As summer approaches, Healthy Kids Day also highlighted the YMCA’s myriads of youth programs, including its popular Summer Camp, which offers children opportunities to stay active, unplugged, and social throughout the summer. Parents can enroll their children for a single week, multiple weeks, or the full 10-week camp experience. “Financial assistance is available to help ensure programs remain accessible to all families,” Love-Abounader added, “thanks to the generosity of our donors and several civic organizations.”
For more information, contact Denise Mendez, southyd@ymcacollier.org for the Marco campus and Drita Bajram, northyd@ymcacollier.org for the Naples campus.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: YMCA’S Healthy Kids Day promotes screen-free summer
Reporting by George Abounader, On behalf of the YMCA / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
