It is hot, hot, hot and hard to believe that back to school is just around the corner. Before you know it the lazy days of summer will be replaced with the hustle and bustle of new teachers, open houses, back to school shopping and more!

Many kids in our community don’t get to experience the thrill of back to school shopping. The Y is partnering with other local nonprofits to help supply much-needed backpacks and other school supplies to children. You can help make back to school special by visiting your local Y with a new backpack to donate.

For new members who make a donation now through August 18, the Y will offer $49 off your joining fee. Joining fees vary by branch, age and whether the membership includes other family members. Membership at the Y provides access to a wide range of activities that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, as well as the opportunity to strengthen our community.

As your schedule fills up, it can be a challenge to maintain balanced physical activity in your child’s schedule. Did you know the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommends that children and teens get at least 60 minutes of activity a day?

Thanks to readers like you, the Y was voted a Triad Moms on Main “Choice Awards” Winner for Best Kids Sports Program/After-School Activity. Youth sports programs at the Y, as well as other branch-specific activities such as youth arts and before- and after-school care can help you include athletic activity, academic enrichment, and character development in your child’s schedule.

Staying active from a young age can set life-long healthy living habits for kids. Getting your child involved in youth sports is a great way to help children grow socially and physically as they make friends, set and accomplish goals, channel energy in a positive setting and learn other life skills through sportsmanship.

Whether your child is interested in individual or team sports, an accomplished athlete or just wants to learn the basics, the Y provides a variety of options for the fall. The Y offers sports programs including baseball, soccer, volleyball, flag football, lacrosse, jump rope teams, basketball, and more for kids at all skill levels and ages. Join the Kung Fu Pandas or Orange Crush and learn what it means to be part of a team as you improve your skills, make new friends, get active with other kids, and learn to love a sport.

With a focus on safety, health, social growth and academic enhancement, Y before- and after-school programs serve kindergartners through middle schoolers with a variety of activity options to explore and develop their interests and talents.

Stop by your local Y to get involved, or call 983-3131 or visit www.YMCANWNC.org for more information. You can also find us on Facebook  and Twitter @YMCAofNWNC.

Sponsored by the YMCA of Northwest NC