By Donna Dass
Somerset Valley YMCA Celebrating Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 16
On Saturday, April 16, the Somerset Valley YMCA is encouraging all kids and parents to come to the Y for a play date and commit to being active every day. It’s all part of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day– the nation’s largest health day for families. The free event will take place at the Somerset Valley YMCA’s three branches located in Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville from 10:00am – 2:00pm and feature activities such as free swim, arts and crafts, healthy snacks, obstacle course, Discovery Scuba (Bridgewater only) and bounce house (some activities will vary from branch-to-branch). A summer camp open house is also scheduled.
As a leading non-profit strengthening community through healthy living, the Y holds Healthy Kids Day to teach healthy habits to kids and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity. At a time when one in three children in the United States are overweight or obese (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), developing healthier habits that include increased physical activity is more importantthan ever.
“ At the Y, we know that parents struggle to find the time to incorporate more active play and healthier habits into their kids’ daily routine,” says Hillsborough Family YMCA’s Senior Director of Children’s Services, Barbara Petrillo. “Doing so doesn’t have to require extra money or resources. It’s as simple as making a play date with your kids, with two key requirements – be active and have fun!”
“Improving the nation’s health and well-being is the Y’s cause. Positive, fun activities that build athletic, social and interpersonal skills bringing families together to have fun and grow together is what set’s the Y apart,” says Somerville Family YMCA’s Youth & Family Director, Dana Scarantino.
As part of Healthy Kids Day, the Y encourages families to make play dates everyday as a simple way to become healthier, more active and connected. The Somerset Valley YMCA recommends five simple activities families can do to play together:
1. Schedule a Game Night: Play games with the kids that incorporate physical activity, such as Charades.
2. Dance, Dance: Turn on your favorite party music and dance! Make this activity more fun with a dance contest.
3. Go Riding: Find a new bike path or park for a fun afternoon outdoors; grab your helmets and go rollerblading or bike riding.
4. Channel Your Inner Youth: Remember playing hopscotch, jump rope, Simon Says or freeze tag as a kid? Teach your favorite childhood game to your kid(s) and play them together.
5. Play Outside: Visit your neighborhood park or camp out in your backyard for some outdoor fun. Get everyone moving with fun sports like soccer, basketball or baseball.
Healthy Kids Day will be celebrated at nearly 1,600 Ys across the country, with more than 700,000 families expected to attend this year. For more information, contact Jim Vaccarella in Hillsborough (908) 369-0490, Dana Scarantino in Somerville (908) 722-4567 or Chris Trigg in Bridgewater (908) 526-0688.
About the Somerset Valley YMCA
The Somerset Valley YMCA believes in strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. As a cause driven charity, we have been serving the Somerset County for over 135 years. By nurturing the potential of children and teens, helping to improve our members’ health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors, the Y hopes to deliver lasting personal and social change. Find out more about what the Somerset Valley YMCA has to offer and visit www.ymcasomersetvalley.org.

