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…
Exergaming, or exercise gaming, involves physical activity through video games that require movement and engagement of the player’s body. Integrating exergaming into healthy lifestyles programs within Boys and Girls Clubs can offer several benefits focused on team building, cooperative games, and social skill development. Recently at the Boys & Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck Valley we discussed how active gaming…
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arkansas provides kids and teens with a safe, fun, and challenging environment with experiences and opportunities that focus on three core areas of development. Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Character & Leadership. Exergame has a long history of working with Boys & Girls Clubs to integrate our equipment into their healthy lifestyles programs.…
One of the hardest things for many non-profit organizations is to inspire more donor dollars to support their cause. While many non-profit programs can have a tremendous impact on the community, finding ways to continue to get them to give back can be an uphill battle. Recently in our work with the the Boys & Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck…
One of the big questions I see continually throughout the YMCAs is, “How do I show value to the teens when trying to sell a family membership.” Many teens might not find the fitness center interesting, or may feel to old for the childcare spaces. So the big question becomes “how can I give them an active space that they…
We are hearing more and more from Boys & Girls Clubs of America the need to turn their underutilized spaces into active areas that support healthier lifestyle goals. Many clubs might have outdated weight rooms that are not only absent of use, but can also be unsafe for a variety of age levels. This is the exact scenario we had…
The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley has been providing kids with hope and opportunity for 65 years—inspiring and empowering our members to reach their greatest potential in a safe, affordable, fun environment. A few years back we had the opportunity to meet with the Operations Director Jim Queen at one of the Boys & Girls Club…
The YMCA of Central Florida recently opened their newest family center which serves residents in the Packing District, a transformational redevelopment coming to life through Dr. Phillips Charities, and surrounding communities. This 33,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility utilizes high-end wellness technology, has a boutique fitness studio, and provides services for all generations to enjoy. In hopes of trying to connect with. a…
Exercise and exergaming can be beneficial for building social skills in kids by providing opportunities for interaction, teamwork, communication, and the development of important interpersonal abilities. Recently we were able to take part in a full Exergame room experience at the YMCA of Skagit Valley. Here we were able to talk with their Executive Director on the benefits for a…
At the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo, one of the hardest things for them to be able to do; was finding something that ALL ages and ALL ability levels could play. This is why Exergame became a perfect fit for their club. Exergaming at your Boys & Girls Club has the potential to make physical activity more enjoyable and…
Having programs for teenagers at a YMCA can be incredibly important for several reasons. YMCA programs for teens serve as a valuable resource for personal growth, community building, and skill development. Recently the Skagit YMCA polled some of their members to see what they could do to improve their Y. The polls came back resoundingly for more options for youth,…
Exergaming, which combines exercise and video gaming, can be a beneficial addition to YMCA facilities for several reasons. Exergaming encourages physical activity in a fun and engaging way. It appeals to individuals, especially children and teenagers, who may be reluctant to participate in traditional gym workouts or sports. By offering exergaming, YMCAs can attract and engage a younger demographic that…
