Another Great Week at the YMCA

April 16th 2007
Volume 1, Issue 3

Kids and families come out for Healthy Kids Day

Thousands of kids and families came out Saturday for Healthy Kids Day activities at all our of branches. Healthy Kids Day is the nation’s largest initiative designed to help children and families discover and sustain healthier activities and habits. More than 1700 YMCAs across the nation participated.

Branches had an assortment of activities throughout the day, including community fairs, medical screenins, water safety demonstrations, arts & crafts, summer sports league signups, summer day camp signup, and many other activities. The Ahwatukee YMCA held a 5K and family fun run, with more than 400 runners participating. Hundreds more came to visit community booths, play games, and learn about healthy snacks and foods. The teens pictured at right were among those attending.

The Tempe YMCA held a Kids Triathlon. Participants swam 50 meters in teh pool, ran a half mile, and rode their bikes for one mile. Below, Bob Doyle, a member of the Tempe board, helps a group of kids across the finish line.

Thanks to all who attended our Healthy Kids Day events, and thanks to the volunteers and staff who worked to make it so successful!

Gene deManincor, Executive Director of the Southwest Valley Regional YMCA appeared on Channel 3 to discuss Healthy Kids Day. Click here to view the segment.

Register now for Summer Adventures at Chauncey and Sky-Y Camps

YMCA Camps Sky-Y and Chauncey Ranch offer dozens of exciting activities that will provide campers with an experience of a lifetime this summer. In addition to the many great activities and features, YMCA Camp teaches the positive values of caring, respect, responsibility and honesty in all activities.

Camp Sky-Y is a beautiful overnight Camp in the Bradshaw Mountains above Prescott. Chauncey Ranch is near Mayer at the intersection of I-17 and Hwy 69.

Activities at both camps include: canoeing, archery, paintball, a climbing tower, giant swing, ropes course, horseback riding, a swimming pool, fishing, campfires, arts & crafts, mountain bikes, sports, overnight campouts, a camp dance, chapel, great meals and more. New activities include: mountain boarding, a high ropes course at Sky-Y, Trap & Skeet shooting at Chauncey.

For more information, or to register on-line, visit http://www.azycamps.org/.

i-Learn program provides teens opportunity

Two students from the i-Learn program had the opportunity to attend the Town Hall on Comprehensive Gang Prevention and Intervention at the Capitol last Tuesday.

Eric Diaz and Patrick Dougherty, both 10th graders, attended the forum, which included panelists form valley police agencies, social service organizations, state corrections and DPS, and school district representatives.

Eric and Patrick agree that more programs are needed to give teens more activities and venues for positive interaction. Both students participate in the programs at the YMCA and enjoy playing basketball, football, ping pong, and working out on the fitness equipment and the pool. However, they know that not all kids have access to a safe, supportive environment like the YMCA.

The i-Learn program at the YMCA provides students a flexible way for students age 21 and under to earn a high school diploma. Students are encouraged to participate in new activities such as the forum. For more information about the i-Learn program, call Matt Sandoval at (602) 252-2963, ext. 111.

The Valley of the Sun YMCA has launched this E-newsletter to keep you informed about 
YMCA news, programs accomplishments, and upcoming events.  For more information,  
please contact Norma Salas at njsalas@vosymca.org, or (602) 257-5135.