Healthy Kids Day is part of a national effort by 2,500 YMCAs across the country to promote the importance of physical, mental and emotional well-being for children and families in the communities they serve. The activities and events will be motivational, educational and fun for everyone who takes part.

“We want to open our doors to all families in our respective communities on Healthy Kids Day,” said Laurie Goganzer, president and chief executive officer of YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, which serves more than 36,000 people in Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean counties. “It’s vital that everyone knows they are welcome to explore and use our facilities and services. It’s part of our mission and on Healthy Kids Day we want to make sure we provide the support needed to strengthen families.”

All families who attend Healthy Kids Day on April 20 will be given a complimentary one week pass to our YMCA locations. Non-members who attend will also have the chance to win a three-month membership to the center.

The Y has partnered with many local businesses, nonprofits and community groups that will be at Healthy Kids Day sharing resources to help promote healthy habits and lifestyles.

In Red Bank, partners include Lunch Break, Monmouth Council-Boy Scouts of America, Parker Family Health Center, Red Bank Public Library, and Red Bank Police Department.  The Y is also collaborating with the Parker Family Health Center on a sneaker drive to collect sneakers for children and adults in the greater Red Bank community. New sneakers can be dropped off at the Parker Health Center and the Red Bank Family YMCA, located at 166 Maple Ave. The shoes will be distributed during Healthy Kids Day while supplies last.

In Freehold, partners include: New York Life Insurance, Social Spectrum, Stop & Shop, the Society for Prevention of Teen Suicide, Hackensack Meridian Health and the Monmouth County Library.

In Old Bridge, partners include: the Old Bridge Public Library, Old Bridge Fire, Police and EMS departments, Old Bridge Shoprite, Jimmy Jimmy Foundation, Hackensack Meridian Health, and Ellie Mental Health.

In Wall, Camp Zehnder will highlight summer programs at the 140-acre day camp located at 3911 Herbertsville Road. Healthy Kids Day participants will enjoy playing field and sidewalk games, creating nature crafts, planting vegetables that can be taken home, touring the camp, and exploring the volunteer built KaBOOM! playground area. Registration for summer camp will be available at Healthy Kids Day and families who attend can enter to win a free week of camp. Summer day camp will open June 17 and run through August 30. Camp Zehnder welcomes children ages 3-15.

Healthy Kids Day participants will enjoy fitness classes, games, planting, and arts and crafts. The Y will also provide facility tours and information about summer camp programs, mental health resources and job opportunities.

Learn more at www.ymcanj.org/hkd.

About YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
For 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has been here for all – to empower youth and teens, improve health and strengthen community. Over the past five years, our Y has provided more than $5 million in financial assistance and subsidies to Y participants throughout greater Monmouth County. Our life-changing programs and services are anchored in eight communities: health and wellness facilities in Freehold Township, Old Bridge and Red Bank; an outdoor day camp in Wall; counseling and social service centers in Eatontown, Matawan and Middletown; a childcare center in Freehold Township; and integrated in over 100 schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Named a New Jersey Top Workplace in 2024, 2023, and 2022 by New Jersey Advance Media, we’re based in Shrewsbury, NJ. Learn more at www.ymcanj.org.