Fun with a Purpose – “Play Day” at the YMCA

For years the YMCA has dedicated their mission to promoting a healthy and sociallly responsible lifestyle to children and their  families. That dedication provides a space where families become closer and a platform for kids to embrace diversity and wellbeing at an early age.

Continuing in that motion, the Y teamed up with McDonald’s and the Greater Chicago Food Depository to launch the “Fun With A Purpose – “Play Days” program.  The energetic program fuses healthy eating and living habits with playtime, simultaneously  using these tactics as vehicles to show how being active is beneficial in everyday life.

The initial program launched Friday, August 24 at the Southside YMCA located at 6330 South Stony Island, and highlighted a newly built playground – vibrant in color with yellow, blues, and reds, a swirl slide, swings,  monkey bars and much more.

I arrived while  the kiddies were taking in their meals which included sandwiches, veggies and fruits. Huddled together and spread across tables and the open grass space, it put a smile on my face seeing how easily most of the children embraced healthy foods and really enjoying the meal. Some even created cucuumber sandwiches.

Soon after the eating was done, YMCA volunteers gathered the kids and divided them into groups – it was officially game time!

Groups of kids followed their instructors for games of duck-duck goose, Simon Says, Basketball,  and various other activities. Voices filled the humid air with laughs, chatter and screams of fun and excitement.

The McDonald’s Foundation, YMCA and Greater Chicago Food Depository are making positive moves to create a safe place for children and families in the community.  The next Play Days event willbe held at Irving Park YMCA on October 20, 2012.

For more information visit www.ymcachicago.org.

Play Day- Video Experience!

Image Experience!

video| images – LaToya Cross