FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT®FOR HEALTHY LIVINGFOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

ALWAYS HEREFOR YOU

DECATUR FAMILY YMCAddy.ymcaatlanta.orgwww.ymcaregistration.comwww.facebook.com/DecaturYwww.twitter.com/atlantaymca

a newsletter for Y members and volunteers July/August 2016

WHY IT MATTERSYMCA Annual Fundraising CampaignWe need your help! All donations made to our Decatur Y Why It Matters Campaign stay at ourbranch and allow more children and families to participate in our programs. Donations made to our campaign are tax-deductible. Our goal thisyear is $225,000.

Did you know:

$81 = one week of after-school care for a child

$165 = one week of summer day camp for a child

$500 = half of the cost of one week of residential summer for a deserving youth

Every gift makes a difference in the lives of ourcommunity members! So please donate today. You can pick up a pledge card at the Decatur YFront Desk or donate online now! Be sure to designate the Decatur Y in the branch drop-downbox!

LETTER FROMTHE DIRECTORDue to the advances in cell phone and video/picture technology, ourYMCA has instituted a cell phone policy for the protection of eachMember’s privacy and safety as well as to maintain a peaceful environment for all to enjoy. Cell phone use is prohibited in all Wellness Centers, fitness and program areas and all locker rooms.Common social areas such as hallways and lounges may be used forconversations. We appreciate your adherence to this policy on behalfof your fellow Members.

If you must use a cell phone, please do so discreetly and move to theglass enclosed area at the front entrance of the building. Again, inan effort to protect the privacy of our members and guests, anyonewho is using a phone in any of our “phone free” areas may be askedby our staff to move to the designated area. Thank you for yourcooperation in this matter and your adherence to this policy on behalf of your fellow members.

Bill McKoy, Decatur Family YMCA Executive Director

HOLIDAY HOURS - July 4th

Facility Hours 5 am – 2 pmPlay Center ClosedMembership Desk ClosedGroup Exercise Classes None

There will NOT be swim lessons on this day, but we will be holding lessons on July 1, 2 and 3.

ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU | a newsletter for Y members and volunteers

HEALTHY STARTS HERE!Battling Childhood Obesity The Youth Fit 4 Life Program targets children ages 5 - 8 and 9 - 12, with separate curriculum for each age group. The program has been designed toprovide a fun after-school experience with 4 days of nutrition and physical activity habits within our Y After School Program.

The Decatur Y After-school Program has had the opportunity for the last 4years to be a part of this great research conducted by the University of Texasand Oregon Research Institute along with other institutes. It is best describedas a fun, healthy, physical activity to help engage children to learn how to havea healthier life style throughout their entire lifetime. The long term goal is toincrease their overall fitness and educate them on health and proper exercise.

The Decatur Y After-School Program received an “Outstanding Work Certificate” for the 2015-2016 school year, receiving 90% or higher during the quality assurance observation conducted the nine weeks of the program.

Kilometer Kids/ Atlanta Track ClubKilometer Kids is a Youth Outreach program created by the Atlanta Track Club.The club seeks to improve participant’s health and make a positive impact onimproving the alarming statistics on childhood obesity. The Center for DiseaseControl stated, “there is a lack of physical activity among many children thathas led to an obesity rate of more than 30% for children in the United States.”

Decatur Y After-School has had the opportunity to participate with severalraces led by our great staff. The kids train months before the race and are excited to participate and get their medal at the end. The kids train together,encourage each other and learn the value of hard work and team work. “Seeing our children ranging in ages from 4 to 12 run to the finish line with fellow students is just amazing,” states Program Director Rachel Taylor.

The Decatur Family YMCA After School Program is operated by the State Bright From the Startguidelines. Daily activities includes homework assistance, character development, Youth Fit 4 Life, Kilometer Kids, Swimming Fun Fridays, snacks, and outside play.

Early registration begins July 9.

KEEPINGYOUINFORMEDFall Soccer: Register Now!Our Fall 2016 Recreational Soccer Program is for ages 2 - 16 years old.The program kicks off in late August and runs through mid November.

Registration is open now online or inperson at the Decatur Family YMCA.Don’t forget to visit our soccer website at www.ddysoccer.org.

Farmers MarketStarting Monday, July 11, Bread andButter Farms will be in the lobby from 4 - 8 pm selling fresh fruits, vegetables and butters. Be sure tostop by and take advantage of thelocal produce!