From YMCA of Reading & Berks County
On Saturday, April 26, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County and Berks County Parks & Recreation are partnering to host Healthy Kids Day & Color Fun Run, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Berks County Heritage Center, 1102 Red Bridge Road, Reading.
Healthy Kids Day is a family-friendly day outdoors and features a variety of engaging activities to encourage healthy kids, healthy families, and a healthy start to the summer season. This rain-or-shine event is open to the public.
Kids Color Fun Run & Activities
At 11 a.m., the Kids Color Fun Run will begin for ages 12 and under, where children run to the finish line while they are showered with color. Registration is $5 per child for the run and a white Healthy Kids Day T-shirt (while supplies last). All proceeds from the event will benefit the Y’s Open Door Scholarship Funds, which helps kids and families benefit from the Y’s programs and memberships regardless of their ability to pay.
Throughout the event, there will be featured activities, including inflatables, games, and activities. In the spirit of this colorful day, Berks County Parks & Recreation will have a Kite Building Station and face painting for kids. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County will display:
- Summer Camp Sneak Peak: Get a flavor for this year’s Summer Day Camp and Playground programs, meet some staff, see the themes, games, swimming and water days, and exceptional weekly field trips in Berks and neighboring counties. Register on the spot or learn more about the Summer Camp Open House dates. Families who register at Healthy Kids Day will be entered for a drawing for one lucky family to have 50% off per kid for a week of camp. The winner will be announced at the end of the day or contacted if they are not present at the time of the drawing. The winner will be posted on the Y website.
- Spin Art Bicycle: Spin up your latest work of art with some extra muscle.
- Smoothie Cycle: Pedal your way to a healthy, sensational snack.
- Parenting Pathways Program: Learn about the free classes and resources we have for parents, caregivers, and guardians to give their children a successful start on life and learning.
- Preschool & Pre-K Counts: YMCA Early Learning Centers will have super activities for budding preschoolers, such as superhero mask decorating. Families can register for preschool at our Fleetwood and Reading ELCs as well as Pre-K Counts (Reading Y) and learn more about how the Y activates preschool superpowers, nurtures and motivates learning, and prepares students to thrive in school and beyond.
- Yoga and/or fitness class demonstrations for anyone to join in.
“It’s the perfect time of year to go outdoors with your family and discover the beauty of your local parks! We’ll have local organizations with booths featuring activities for kids. They’ll be entertained and unplugged from their devices so you can make lasting memories together,” said Lisa Gauker, Recreation & Special Events Supervisor, Berks County Parks & Recreation.
Local businesses that have booths at Healthy Kids Day will have everything from giveaways and information to demonstrations and activities. Some booths and food vendors will have items for sale; families are encouraged, but not required, to bring cash/cards for any purchases. To date, the following organizations have registered, and more are still signing up:
- Amos Lemon Burkhart Foundation – Inspiring Teens to Stay Alive and Make Art
- Berks County Dairy Promotion Program
- Berks County Park Rangers
- Berks County Sheriff’s Department
- Berks Technical Institute
- The Camel Project
- The Candy Crusher Crew
- Girls On The Run Berks County
- Middle Creek K9 Search and Rescue
- Jefferson Health Plans
- King’s Academy – toss/cornhole game
- PaperPie
- Renewal by Andersen of Central PA Berks County Public Libraries
- Lucila Ruiz – author, featuring books in English and Spanish
- Safe Berks
- South Mountain YMCA Camps
- SunFamUniCreations
- Target – lawn games, coloring, and pin the name tag on Bullseye the Target Dog
- Yocum Institute for Arts Education – martial arts for kids to punch and kick
“Preventing summer learning loss is one of the greatest things we can do for our kids over the summer. We want to give families fun for the day, but we also want Healthy Kids Day to be a place they can see and try new things that might interest them locally to stay active over the summer, both physically and mentally,” said President & CEO Phillp Borup, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County.
Calling All Vendors: Free Opportunity
Local businesses are invited to set up a table and activities to showcase their offerings, engage with Berks families, and contribute to the festive atmosphere of the day for free. Participation is free, but all vendors must register at www.YMCArbc.org/hkd.
For more information or to register for the event, visit www.ymcarbc.org.
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Source: bctv