The YMCA is a committed place that is nurturing of every child and teen. From cradle to long term career, the Y helps young people to lead inspired, successful lives. At the YMCA of Skagit this is no different as they put a heavy focus on hitting all the mission goals.
Recently with the inclusion of the Exergame room, they are now not only hitting the Youth Development area, but the Healthy Living as well. The YMCA aims to improve our nation’s health by providing programs and activities that promote overall well-being, no matter what age you are, but especially kids!
Exergaming, which combines exercise and gaming through interactive technologies, can align perfectly with the YMCA mission of youth development and healthy living in several ways:
- Promotion of Physical Activity: Exergaming encourages physical activity in an engaging and entertaining manner. By incorporating video games that require physical movement, such as dancing, running, or jumping, exergaming motivates youth to be active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This aligns with the YMCA’s goal of promoting physical activity among young people.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: Exergaming can be inclusive and accessible to a wide range of youth, regardless of their athletic abilities or interests. It provides opportunities for all individuals to participate in physical activity in a non-intimidating environment, which is consistent with the YMCA’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
- Skill Development: Many exergames require players to develop physical skills such as coordination, balance, and agility. Through regular participation in exergaming activities, youth can improve these skills, leading to enhanced physical literacy and overall development. The YMCA emphasizes the importance of skill development in its youth programs, making exergaming a natural fit.
- Social Interaction: Exergaming often involves multiplayer modes or cooperative gameplay, fostering social interaction and teamwork among participants. By engaging in exergaming activities together, youth can develop important social skills such as communication, cooperation, and leadership, which are integral to the YMCA’s focus on youth development.