Summer fun for families in Dartford

By Sara Colenutt - YMCA

YMCA Thames Gateway’s recent family fun day in Dartford’s Central Park proved to be a hit with local families. The event, which was funded by Kent County Council as part of their pledge to reconnect children and young people with fun, healthy activities, the environment and their community, was free to the general public.

The event was also supported by Dartford Borough Council, Bericote Properties, Adrian Scripps, McDonald’s Dartford, Asda Greenhithe and Compagnie Fruitiere who donated food and resources for the event.

Over 300 children took part in activities such as dance and Activ8 fitness sessions, built bug hotels, took part in scavenger hunts, painted pebbles and enjoyed creating and eating healthy snacks throughout the day. Children also received YMCA goodie bags filled with resources such as books and sports equipment to encourage activity over the school holidays. Kirsty Doubleday, Senior Regional Fundraiser for YMCA Thames Gateway, said: “The day was a huge success and it was great to see so many families enjoying the range of activities we had on offer. A big thank you to everyone who supported this event.”

YMCA Dartford provides a range of community services including three local nurseries and an after school club. It also offers supported housing, spaces for hire and has a community café at its main hub in Overy Street. For more information visit www.ymcatg.org.