Due to high demand at the Kelowna Family Y, the MEND program has expanded to H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre for its next intake in January, 2016. Families can sign up now at either location.
MEND stands for Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do it. It is a FREE 10 week program for families with children ages 7–13 years old who are working towards being fitter, happier and healthier. It began in 2013 and is administered by the YMCA of Okanagan in partnership with the Child Obesity Foundation and Healthy Families BC.
“MEND has been a great success for families who have attended the program at the Kelowna Family Y.” says YMCA MEND program leader, Samantha Blair, “recognizing the increased demand for this innovative health and wellness program, it was clear that offering MEND at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre would allow us to help more families in the Okanagan to live healthier lives.”
“MEND unites families over a common issue; each parent wants to set a positive example for their children,” says Blair. “The idea is to educate families and inspire them to make lifelong improvements in their physical activity levels and nutrition.”
The program is offered three times per year and consists of two sessions per week for 10 weeks. MEND offers a mix of active games for the kids, parent discussions and group educational sessions.
Families do not need to be members of H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre or the Kelowna Family Y to join.
The next intake for MEND is underway. Contact Samantha Blair at 250-491-9622 ext. 211 or email her directly at sblair@ymcaokanagan.ca as soon as possible to find out if your family qualifies for the program. The start dates for MEND’s winter program are January 13 at the Kelowna Family Y and January 19 at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre.
