Kids learn about healthy living as they prepare to ‘Charge into Summer’

Hundreds of kids got ready to “Charge into Summer” at the YMCA of Manatee County’s annual Healthy Kids event Saturday on the Bradenton Riverwalk.

Ten-year-old Desirea Russell watched as her brother and other children took a turn on the bungee jump. But unlike the dozens of children lined up, she was more interested in climbing the nearby rock wall that was also drawing a small crowd.

But the fishing clinic and dancing had been her favorite so far, the shy Desire said.

“It was really neat,” Desirea said.

Desirea and her family are members of the Bradenton YMCA, her mother Sarah Russell said, and is how they learned about the event. For mom, the exhibitor tents offering information, especially about VPK, was important.

The Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County table saw droves of people, according family service specialist Nakia Jenkins. In addition to distributing about 900 free books to children and their families, Jenkins and others from the coalition gave parents vital information about the VPK programs and other programs available through the coalition.

Despite a threat of rain that held off until after the event, organizers with the YMCA of Manatee County were pleased with the turnout. Organizer Terry Bissell said the event was made possible thanks to 17 community sponsors and 24 exhibitors.

“We’re happy to put on this event for kids in Manatee County,” Bissell said.

Nationally, the event is held on April 29, but in Manatee County it was held a week earlier because of the annual DeSoto Heritage Grand Parade.

Saturday’s event included demonstrations of the kids fitness classes the YMCA of Manatee County offers, including Zumba for kids. Thanks to a grant, nearly 400 children received a free fishing pole during an educational fishing clinic on the Manatee River run by Discount Tackle.

The event is celebrated at more than 1,300 YMCAs across the country in an effort to teach children healthy habits as their summer breaks are approaching. The event’s theme this year was “Charge into Summer.”

“That’s the whole point, what this is all about,” Bissell said.

With children today so focused on playing in the digital world, it is important to teach them healthy habits so they can keep moving all summer long, Bissell stressed.

This story was originally published April 22, 2017 at 2:50 PM with the headline "Kids learn about healthy living as they prepare to ‘Charge into Summer’."