The Y’s mission is focused on improving the well-being of families and communities, with a particular goal of facilitating experiences, opportunities and programs that bring a diverse group of families and people across the community together to initiate and/or deepen relationships.
After 18 of the strangest and most challenging months most families have ever experienced, the newly-created Y Family Palooza provided opportunities two Saturdays ago for hundreds of families and community members across central Maryland to converge on their local Y for games, crafts, giveaways, and good old-fashioned family fun. Between the parent vs. child sports challenges, the games, music, and Kona Ice, there was lots of needed laughter heard throughout the region. Attendees also had a chance to learn about Y programs that support busy families, such as our Before & After School Enrichment program, and try out some of our health and wellness programs available this fall, such as small group training and Fit ‘N Fun.
While the Y Family Palooza was certainly geared towards simple fun, the larger goal was to motivate families to commit to staying active and connected as the busy school year kicks off (as it has today for many children) and summer vacations start to fade into memories. For families, keeping up with the busy schedules of kids, parents and the family pup is a full-time job in and of itself. It can be easy to lose sight of the joy of simple family togetherness; unstructured time that tightens familial bonds. The Y is and always will be a place where families can connect, engage and achieve more together, in so many dimensions of well-being.
Thank you to all of the hard-working associates who made the inaugural Y Family Palooza a great success! As we close a hectic, hot and busy summer, please know that your efforts are appreciated and your dedication is unparalleled!
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland