As another summer winds down and a new school year is on the horizon, the Greater Scranton YMCA wants to remind parents and caregivers that the Y’s after school program is a place where children can remain active and engaged during their time out of school – a critical time for all school-age children. Reasons your child should get involved with Y afterschool programming once school starts are: Physical activity, healthy eating habits, academics, arts, STEM, character building and safety standards.

The Y’s afterschool program helps fill gaps in schools and communities where some academic and recreational activities may be limited. Kids can improve their study habits and reading skills; gain exposure to the arts; find a love for STEM activities and much more.

The Y’s afterschool program combines learning with play. Each day, physical activity is provided, which is vital to the overall health and well-being of every child in our program. Some physical activities include pool time, outdoor play, gym time and more.

Teaching children the importance of nutrition and healthy eating is key to their success –both in and out of school. The Y’s afterschool program ensures that kids in our community are provided with healthy afterschool snacks when they are in our care and are taught healthy eating habits.

Kids in the  afterschool program at the Y demonstrate improvement in the values, skills, attitudes and behaviors needed for success in school and in life. Kids and teens can achieve, feel a sense of belonging and explore new interests.

It is vital that children have a safe, enriching environment for learning, both in and out of school. The Greater Scranton YMCA’s afterschool program upholds the highest level of safety standards.

For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Afterschool Program, contact Kevin Mellow, Afterschool and Summer Day Camp Director, at kmellow@gsymca.org.