TAKE IT OUTSIDE
Embrace the Outdoors on National Play Outside Day: Unleashing the Benefits of Outdoor Play
In an era dominated by screens and sedentary lifestyles, the significance of outdoor play for children cannot be overstated. But being outdoors is also hugely important for adults and there are many ways adults can get outside to "play"! National Play Outside Day, observed on the first Saturday of every month, serves as a rallying cry to encourage people to step away from their gadgets and immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. In Gaston County, the Family YMCAs have emerged as champions of this cause, actively promoting outdoor play through their Summer Day Camps, Afterschool programs, and Youth Sports, outdoor group exercise and events, and providing our community with enriching experiences in the great outdoors.
The Power of Outdoor Play:
Playing outdoors offers a multitude of benefits that contribute to a person's overall well-being. Let's explore some of the key advantages of embracing the great outdoors:
1. Physical Health: Outdoor play provides an opportunity for children and adults to engage in physical activities that promote fitness and healthy development. Walking, running, jumping, climbing, and cycling help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, enhance coordination and balance, and combat childhood obesity.
2. Mental and Emotional Well-being: The natural environment has a calming effect on one's mind, reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of attention disorders. Exposure to sunlight also increases vitamin D levels, which is essential for maintaining mood stability and promoting positive mental health.
3. Creativity and Imagination: The outdoors ignites a sense of wonder and stimulates our imaginations. Natural settings offer endless possibilities for imaginative play, allowing kids to create their own stories, build forts, and embark on magical adventures and allowing adults to engage with their surroundings in new ways. This freedom to explore and create fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and cognitive development.
4. Social Skills and Teamwork: Playing outdoors encourages children, and adults, to interact and engage with their peers, promoting the development of vital social skills. Team sports and group activities teach cooperation, communication, empathy, and conflict resolution, instilling a sense of camaraderie and fostering lifelong friendships.
The Initiatives of Gaston County Family YMCAs:
The Gaston County Family YMCAs have spearheaded efforts to get kids and adults outdoors through various programs, ensuring that everyone have ample opportunities to reap the benefits of outdoor play. Here are some of those programs and offerings:
1. Summer Day Camp: The Summer Day Camps organized by the Gaston County Family YMCAs provide a rich and engaging outdoor experience for children during their summer break. These camps offer a wide range of activities such as nature exploration, swimming, arts and crafts, sports, and adventure challenges. With a focus on outdoor play, children can embrace nature, develop new skills, and create lasting memories.
2. Afterschool Programs: Recognizing the importance of outdoor play beyond school hours, the Family YMCAs in Gaston County offer Afterschool programs that prioritize active and outdoor activities. These programs provide a safe and structured environment where children can engage in sports, games, and outdoor adventures. By striking a balance between physical activity and academic support, Afterschool programs foster holistic growth and development.
3. Youth Sports: The Gaston County Family YMCAs offer a diverse range of youth sports programs that encourage children to participate in outdoor physical activities. From soccer, flag football, basketball, and t-ball to swimming and gymnastics, these programs emphasize skill-building, teamwork, and healthy competition. By instilling a love for sports at a young age, the YMCAs empower children to lead active lifestyles and embrace outdoor play as a lifelong habit.
4. Outdoor Yoga Series: Outdoor Yoga series brings yoga at the boathouse the third Thursday of each month starting Thursday May 18 and running through September. Bring your mat and water and enjoy the great outdoors while doing a relaxing yoga class with one of our amazing yoga instructors. We culminate the series with our Annual Outdoor Yoga Fest Event that is always one of the biggest celebrations at our Ys!
5. Outdoor Group Ex Classes: When the weather is just right, we take several of our regular group exercise classes outside! Check the Group Exercise Schedule for details.
6. Walk to Run Programs and 5Ks: Every year we host three 5K programs flanked by Walk to Run training programs to get your prepared. Check our Events calendar for details on our Trick-or-Trail 5K, ChristmasTown 5K, and Cherry Blossom 5K events!
7. Walking Trails and Robinwood Lake activities at Warlick Family YMCA: Throughout the seasons, our outdoor spaces at Warlick provide a unique opportunity for people to explore the outdoors. Our walking trails are open most of the year (see more information about our trails below), Robinwood Lake is open during the summer months with paddle board and kayak rentals, and our new George Henry Bass Fishing Tournament are all amazing options to explore the grounds!
As we celebrate National Play Outside Day, let us recognize the profound benefits that outdoor play brings to our children's lives. Let's remember that outdoor play isn't just for kids, but for adults too! The Gaston County Family YMCAs have taken a proactive approach to get kids outdoors through their Summer Day Camps, Afterschool programs, and Youth Sports initiatives. Don't wait to enroll. Find a program that 's right for your child and family. Get outside and find your next adventure and remember to stay active!
SYTZ TRAIL SYSTEM
Walking/Running Trail Around Robinwood Lake
Catch some fresh air, sunshine and nature at it's best on the trail around Robinwood Lake.
The trailhead for the system is located just off the northeast corner of the Y parking lot. You’ll spot a large kiosk there that will show you a map of the three connecting trail loops. The trails are well-signed along the way, well worn and traveled, and it would be just about impossible to get lost. The trail system is open from dawn to dusk each day and is for walkers and joggers only. No bikes. Furry friends are welcome!
The three loops include:
River Loop
River Loop is roughly a one-mile loop, marked in blue signage, and is considered the flattest, shortest, and easiest of the three loops. Highlights include Catawba Creek views and forest views.
Quarry Loop
This 1.66-mile circuit is the longest and steepest loop. Marked with green signs you’ll follow along the Catawba Creek which passes by a rock quarry and certainly some wildlife along the way.
Power Loop
This 1.39-mile circuit is marked with yellow signs. The power loop both begins and ends with the Power Line marker.
Looking for more outdoor activities for your family in the Gaston County area?
Check out GO Gaston NC for every possible event and opportunity to explore the outdoors in Gaston County!