Southeast
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Playing at the park is exercise for parents, too!
Posted June 17, 2013 in
By Nicole Pratt, Senior Child Care Director, Spartan Stores YMCA {image_1}
Dashing through the playground, hanging upside down, and racing to the nearby swings – no wonder the playground offers a place for childhood delight.
But what about the parents? Are you one to sit back and indulge in a cup of calorie-rich coffee while watching your child swing to the next bar on the monkey bars?
If so, it might be time to lace up your tennis shoes and jump in.... Read More
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Farmers Market Gears Up for Third Season
Posted June 03, 2013 in
The YMCA Farmers Market is an integral part of the YMCA’s Community Outreach Department, which strives to give all people opportunities to pursue a healthy lifestyle. In addition to increasing the accessibility of fresh, local food in our community, the YMCA Farmers Market creates entrepreneurial opportunities for small and beginning farmers and food producers.
As the local-food movement continues to flourish in Grand Rapids, the YMCA Farmers Market remains committed to satisfying a unique niche. Many of our shoppers are Westside residents and Y members, for whom weâ€... Read More
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Farmers Market Sets Opening Date for 2013
An Event taking place on June 6, 2013
Posted May 31, 2013 in
Be sure to visit our market every Thursday from June 6 – September 26 at the David D. Hunting YMCA.This market is in its third year and is unique in a number of ways:
The YMCA Farmers Market bridges the gap between West Michigan’s urban and rural communities. The Y Farmers Market will feature live music at one market every month, and we’re welcoming vendors with new products, such a farmstead goat cheese, hummus, and all-natural soaps. Our market has a cooking demonstration and food-tasting every... Read More -
2013 Suits From Suits Kick-Off
Posted May 30, 2013 in
The Paul Goebel Group has joined with the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids for the sixth year in a row to sponsor Suits From Suits, an innovative program to collect and distribute gently used swimsuits for boys and girls, ages 6 to 10, so that children will have the proper swimwear needed to participate in YMCA aquatics programs.
Meg Goebel, President of the Paul Goebel Group, states, “It’s estimated that the approximately 15,000* children, ages 6 to 10, who live in the core city of Grand Rapids, have never taken a... Read More
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Step into Nature Through Camp Experience
Posted May 28, 2013 in
By Nicole Pratt, Senior Child Care Director, Spartan Stores YMCA
The warm weather has finally arrived bringing thoughts of summer along with it. With summer fast approaching, have you begun to plan your summer activities? What about planning your child’s activities?
As it stands today, more and more children are spending less time in nature than ever before. And no wonder, with the increase in technology from video games to iPods, to smart phones, it has become harder to limit screen time. But what... Read More
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Keep Kids Safe Near Water
Posted May 20, 2013 in
By Joe Edger, Director of Aquatics and Youth, David D. Hunting YMCA
Drowning is preventable, that is why at the Y we have been teaching generations lifesaving skills through swim lessons for more than 100 years. This summer when it comes to keeping your loved ones safe, keep the following in mind and take action:
FIRST, whenever you are near a pool or body of water, watch the kids every minute. At gatherings with several adults, take turns being the one responsible for supervising the kids.... Read More
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How to choose the right camp for your child
Posted May 13, 2013 in
By Greg Dodd, Executive Director, YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin {image_1} For parents, extra support to keep kids healthy can go a long way. According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot, a survey that gauges children’s activity levels during the school year, nearly 50 percent of U.S. parents say technological distractions such as television, cell phones or video games make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their children. With more free time in summer, ensuring that kids practice healthy habits could be a... Read More
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Hello Summer Camps!
Posted April 29, 2013 in
By Molly Schmid, Associate Executive Director, Wolverine Worldwide YMCA
{image_1} Although most are dreaming of spending the days soaking up the sun, the reality is most continue with their weekly work routine leading many parents to begin to worry about how to keep their children from spending all day playing video games and watching TV, and for good reason. Today the average child watches 1,680 minutes of TV each week. An alarming statistic that coincides with the fact that many children are spending more time indoors and less... Read More
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Y Service Club’s White Elephant Sale
Posted April 22, 2013 in
By Greg Dodd, Executive Director, YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin {image_1}
I fondly remember a time long ago when I was a child. Engulfed in the great outdoors, I can remember feeling the breeze gently caress my face and the sun beating down on me, as I ran to my next hiding place in a game of capture the flag. Now think back to a moment in your childhood – what was your most memorable experience? Did it involve playing outdoors?
As it stands today, children are losing contact with... Read More
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Finding the Right Sport for Your Child
Posted April 15, 2013 in
By Rebekah Mittner, Marketing Assistant, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids {image_1}
From basketball to soccer to gymnastics, there are so many different options when it comes to sports for your child, leading many to wonder, which sport is right for my child. As a mother of an active preschooler myself, I have found it to be a challenge when it comes to helping my child find the right sport.
Why you may ask? Because, like every other parent, I want what is best for my... Read More