‘Lights On’ spotlights how YMCA cares for kids
Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, October 27, 2009
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Kelly Easton, director of the YMCA's child development branch, urged the kids to work their muscles!
According to children at Millcreek Elementary, participating in the YMCA’s after-school program is the bright thing to do.
“All these people are here to help us have fun and be safe at the same time,” said third-grader Sara Campbell. “You can make crafts, do music and puppet shows, and just be creative!”
On Oct. 22, several local schools with YMCA of Central Kentucky connections marked the 10th annual “Lights On Afterschool,” a nationwide celebration that emphasizes the importance of after-school programs for children, families and communities.
“Today’s the day we celebrate that we don’t have to go home all alone,” Sara explained.
The YMCA recognizes that many families have limited options for childcare, and studies show that 3 to 6 p.m. are the peak hours for youths to make unwise choices and get into trouble.
The afternoon programs provide a structured and healthy solution.
Millcreek second-grader Jakobe Coles called it a privilege to attend, saying, “It’s really fun to stay after school while your parents are working. We get to have snacks and do homework and everything.”
Lights On Afterschool, which is sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance, gives the YMCA an opportunity to spotlight how its programs positively affect children’s lives.
“We really wanted to put the focus on all the things that go right,” said Kelly Easton, YMCA director of child development. “We wanted to show after-school programs are not just for help with homework or physical activity or to learn social skills. They come for all those things.”
The past two years, the YMCA has sponsored rallies at each school site to showcase the curriculum for parents. This time, the schools each hosted three “thons” such as a read-a-thon, bowl-a-thon or dance-a-thon.
At Millcreek, the kids painted murals in an art-a-thon and broke a sweat in the gym with a hula-hoop-a-thon. Several schools also held a serve-a-thon, in which students collected canned goods or coats for the needy.
“They’re thinking about ways they can make a difference,” Easton said.