On Saturday April 12th over 700 parents and children enjoyed a fun, free, informative Healthy Kids Day at the Camarillo Family YMCA/Hiji Center. This annual event with the theme of "Put Play in Your Day" was celebrated nationwide by over 1700 YMCAs.
The YMCA bustled with exhibitors, parents and children, activities and festive balloons. A number of community health, education and safety organizations were on hand to share information with the public. The American Red Cross held safety classes, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department processed fingerprint id cards for children, and the Ventura County Fire Department had on display a fire truck and their "smoke house" which demonstrates what to do in case of a home fire.
Happy kids left the Wells Fargo booth with their faces adorned with butterflies, stars and other colorful designs, while representatives from the Ventura County Fusion gave soccer tips. Other exhibitors hosting booths with information and giveaways included Children's Dental Group, Road Runners Football, Ventura County Health Department Safe Kids and Healthy Families, Pan Chiropractic, Rosewood Dental, Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic, and Pleasant Valley Neighborhood for Learning.
Kids enjoyed bouncing and sliding at Grandpa's Jumps, dancing and bowling at the Hollywood Video Game/Crazy arcade, shooting hoops on the outdoor basketball court, and hopping across the lawn in the sack races. While searching for the pharaoh's treasure in the Great Pyramid Quest, kids could stop and take their photos against a back of the pyramids at Giza. Later they could hop into the YMCA's pool for a fun swim with the crocodiles! Families also had the chance to sign up for YMCA summer camp which starts in June.
During the day, drawings were held for a number of kids' prizes including Dodger, museum and movie tickets, a YMCA kid's birthday party, a beautiful gift basket from Margo's Miniatures and More containing craft kits and a puppet, an autographed New Orleans Saints' football autographed by Camarillo's own Scott Fujita, a gift certificate from Build-a-Bear Workshop, and Egyptian themed books and games. The grand prize was a kid's bicycle by Giant generously provided by Camarillo Bike Company and presented by owner Ted Saville. All attending families received a free DVD of the Bee Movie from Technicolor, 2 for 1 passes for Legoland California's new Egyptian Land of Adventure and kids' safari hats.
The YMCA would like to thank all those who contributed to the success of this event: the major sponsors - Aloha Steakhouse, Camarillo Bike Co., Technicolor, Hollywood Video/Game Crazy, Legoland California, Grandpa's Jumps, Hiji Bros and Sam's Club; the many generous prize donors; the wonderfully informative exhibitors who endured a very hot and very windy day; and the hundreds of people who spent their day having fun playing and learning at the YMCA.
The Camarillo Family YMCA is located at 3111 Village at the Park Drive in Camarillo. For information about membership or YMCA programs and events, please call 805/484-0423 or visit www.ciymca.org.
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