Y Monthly Monday Mission Update
Y Healthy Kids Day: More than Fun and Games
As the region’s largest and most comprehensive organization serving families and kids, we don’t necessarily need one day designated as Healthy Kids Day (since every day at the Y is that), but nonetheless we held the annual Healthy Kids Day (HKD) festival at all of our Ys on Saturday, April 26th.
Our VP of Marketing, Monica Booker, had the chance to hang out with one family participating in HKD at the Orokawa Y in Towson, and was able to experience it through their eyes. As Chanel and her children, Aliyah (9) and Robbie (7), arrived at the Y with other families looking to enjoy the games, face painting, giveaways, and hours of family fun, it was clear to Monica right from the start that Chanel saw HKD as much more than simply fun and games.
Yes, there was plenty of fun to be had from tie-dye to the obstacle course to the healthy food shuffle. However, it was the intangible benefits of HKD that were most important for Chanel.
“The Y is very much interested in the whole person and whole family,” said Chanel. “Beyond physical health, they care about our well-being; do we have what we need to thrive?” Chanel was very intentional about stopping at each vendor table, not to simply pick up a few trinkets, but to ask questions and engage in conversation. “I appreciate that the Y creates opportunities to learn about what’s available in the community. I didn’t know about the Baltimore County Police Citizens Council or some of the resources at M&T Bank, or that there is a food pantry at the Y in Druid Hill. This is information I like to take back and share with my entire network.”
Chanel also spoke about how important it is that the Y reflects the values she and her husband are instilling in their children. “The Y is a place where our children can experience the values we are teaching and internalize them.”
Aliyah and Robbie also shared thoughtful reflections. When asked why they think HKD is important, Aliyah replied, “It’s important so kids can be healthy and exercise. Kids who exercise can get better grades.” Robbie replied, “It’s important for all kids to have fun. It wouldn’t be fair if everyone couldn’t come here.” (Out of the mouths of babes…truly!)
Chanel and her family made their way through the many tables set up, participating in all of the crafty, messy (you’re not doing tie-dye right if it doesn’t get all over the place) and physical activities along the way, being sure to stop in the Teen Leaders room where Y teens kept up a steady flow of art projects with face paint, markers, and games.
Before leaving, Chanel shared that she also appreciates that her children know they belong at the Y. “They see themselves here, in the general community and in leadership, and that’s important. They can see the possibilities.”
Amid the live DJ, the screams of glee of children catching bubbles, and the constant hum of families learning, laughing, and making connections, Chanel and her family confirmed what we know to be true; the Y’s mission is ever-present. The importance of community-building, being a welcoming place where everyone belongs, and being intentional about health and well-being, are the foundation for all we do.
After all, every day at the Y is Healthy Kids Day!
All the best,
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland