Y Kids Academy

According to the 2013 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report, only seven per cent of 5 to 11-year-olds, and four per cent of 12 to- 17-year-olds in Canada meet the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Children and Youth, which recommend at least 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity.  As part of the YMCA-YWCA’s commitment to children and youth, and with growing concerns around inactivity and poor health, the Y launched the Y Kids Academy. This program represents a major step in increasing opportunities for, and reducing barriers to, physical activity for kids. The Y Kids Academy combines physical activity with healthy living lessons and is available at no cost to kids in the 6th grade.

Healthy Habits Start Early – Y Kids Academy:  Grade 6 Initiative

The YMCA-YWCA is inviting ALL local grade six students in the National Capital Region – a priority group of children who generally experience decreasing activity levels – to participate at no cost in the Y Kids Academy. The Academy’s 12 hour program provides kids with instruction on strength training complemented by interactive healthy living lessons to highlight the benefits of being active and making positive, healthy choices.  Once successfully completed, the grade six students will receive a complimentary membership to the Y for one year, so they can stay active and practice their newly learned skills. 

Important Information and Resources:

• Click here to see our Spring and Summer Schedule for 2014
• Click here to see the invitation sent to all grade six student's parents
• Click here to read a letter of support from CHEO
• Click here to download a Y Kids Academy Registration Form

You're invited to our Y Kids Academy Graduation!

Our 2014 Y Kids Academy Graduation is happening on Saturday, June 7, from 11AM-2PM at the Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Education and Leadership Centre in Dunrobin.  This free event is open to all Y Kids Academy participants, past and present, and their families. The afternoon will include fun activities such as high ropes, a rock climbing wall and more. A healthy lunch will be served. Please RSVP online here.

Have you graduated from the Y Kids Academy? Stay connected by participating in a Y Kids Academy 2.0 highlighted class or program. See when Y Kids Academy 2.0 programs are running in our Program Guide.