Santa Maria Valley YMCA launches Get Up & Go to help kids “re-socialize” during pandemic
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - It’s a special hour for Zoe Chavez along with all her kindergarten classmates.
"I’m just playing with kicking the ball," says Zoe.
As kids spend more time on their computers learning virtually due the pandemic, the Santa Maria Valley YMCA is helping kids take a break from technology and step outside through “Get Up and Go.”
“This program was created to get kids outdoors. It is an opportunity to step away from technology and create a healthy lifestyle doing such things as playing soccer, playing basketball, running," says Program Coordinator Richard Batalla of the Santa Maria Valley YMCA.
For kindergartner Zoe, it’s cheering on her classmates.
“Go Mariana. Go Mariana. Go Mariana,” says Zoe.
Managers at the YMCA believe the physical activity and active play will also be a source of joy for the kids.
"Kids love it. They enjoy it. Some kids asked me what about Saturday and Sunday haha. But we just say oh no it’s just Monday through Friday," says Batalla.
The goal is to help kids learn how to re-socialize while developing good habits during these disconnected times.
"Get Up and Go" is being implemented to kids in Guadalupe and Los Alamos.
