By Donna Dass
Most Y programs have their beginnings in ideas that were meant to help a need in one community that turned into a need in many communities. YMCAs defined the solution for ‘latchkey’ children through before and after school programs that keep children safe so their parents can work.
Now, as then, the Y listens to the needs of the community and then takes action. The Kids Day Out program is another great example of how the Y can help families every day while strengthening the foundations of community.
Kid’s Day Out is a full-day of school-age child care held at the Hillsborough Family YMCA and Somerville Family YMCA on ‘no school’ days. Children ages 5 – 12 enjoy a variety of fun, enriching activities while parents enjoy peace of mind knowing their child is safe and well cared for. Fully qualified staff provides strong leadership and a caring environment. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, games, movies, gym activities, and more. Hours are 9AM – 6:30PM when schools are closed due to weather and 7AM – 6:30PM for school holidays.
At the Y, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. As a cause-driven charitable organization, we are committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Kid’s Day Out Program is open to everyone in the community.
For more information about Kids Day Out, contact Jim Vaccarella at the Hillsborough Family YMCA (908) 369-0490 ext. 616 or Dana Scarantino at the Somerville Family YMCA (908) 722-4567 ext. 611. The Hillsborough and Somerville YMCAs are branches of the Somerset Valley YMCA. Visit www.ymcasomersetvalley.org to discover all the Y has to offer.
