KIDS ARE THE KEY

First Coast Ymca Offers Educational Youth Programming

by Kyle Vinduska, Senior Program Director of Youth Development

Before long, the school bell will be ringing for students, and for nearly 3,000 of them across Northeast Florida, the First Coast YMCA is a safe and nurturing space for daily after school programming. Students ages 5-12 years old participate at more than 40 locations to engage with other children and strengthen not only academics skills but also socialization and character development.

While schools are increasingly implementing technology like laptops, tablets, and even smartphones, the First Coast YMCA is dedicated to engaging, interpersonal activities that incorporate valuable lessons in S.T.E.M, Arts &

Humanities, Outdoor Wellness, Literacy, and Homework Help. We know that the needs of every child are unique and as such, we want to provide a variety of opportunities for them to grow and learn. In addition to our afterschool programming, we also offer our KidZone, where trained YMCA staff supervise children when their parents are exercising. We believe a healthy life includes physical exercise and we want to give parents a chance to do so, even while juggling hectic schedules with their children.

We also want families the chance to have fun with each other. The First Coast YMCA is debuting a new monthly initiative called Families Unplugged. We’re facilitating an outlet for families to participate in activities that don’t involve electronic devices and instead cultivate critical connection. It’s a brief respite for the busyness of everyday life and brings families together outside the walls of the home.

Speaking of growth, we know more and more families are moving to the area and it seems like there’s a new apartment complex or subdivision being built every day. That’s reflected in our afterschool programming, which has nearly doubled at some of our locations, including at the McArthur Family YMCA and the YMCA at Wildlight in Yulee. We’re continuing to accommodate the growing needs of our community and will never turn away a family for the inability to pay for our programming. We offer financial assistance and can set up a payment plan that works for you.

There’s something for every family at the First Coast YMCA. If you’d like to enroll your child in our youth educational programming, or if you’d like to find out more about how to get your entire family involved, please visit our website at www. fcymca.org.

As a therapist, I help clients from all walks of life feel, function, and communicate better; teaching them the skills they need to access their own resiliency and strength, empowering them to be their own best advocates and to mindfully create the lives they desire.

Please call to confirm before driving long distances as some times and details may vary

The Cathedral Basilica Concert

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH

6PM TO 7PM

Fun Things to do

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The performance begins at 6 p.m. and is open to all, free of charge. There will be a free-will offering. 38 Cathedral Place, St. Augustine. 904-824-2806 www.thefirstparish.org

Shark Tooth Exploration

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9TH

10AM TO 11AM

Join the St. Johns County Parks and Rec team on the beach to hunt for sharks' teeth! Learn about sharks and some tips and tricks to finding these keepsake treasures. This program is free; however, registration is required. Trips leave from Mussallem Beachfront Park at 10 a.m. 3365 Coastal Highway, Vilano Beach. www.sjcfl.us/recreatio

First Friday Art Walk

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4TH

5PM TO 9PM

Join Art Galleries of St. Augustine the first Friday of every month from 5-9 p.m. for new exhibits, refreshments and live music at many participating galleries. For easy mobility downtown, patrons and visitors can enjoy the complimentary shuttle service that runs from 6-9 p.m. provided by Old Town Trolleys. To use this service, shuttle stickers may be picked up at any participating AGOSA gallery. Shuttles can be boarded at any of the following stops: in front of Butterfield Garage and ArtBox, the Lightner Museum, Aviles Street, as well as in front of Bold Art Gallery near Hypolita Street.* Tour maps are available at participating galleries or online. 904-824-2310 www.staaa.org/art-galleries-of-st-augustine

Vilano Beach History Walk

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10TH

10-11AM

Interested in our local history and beach walks? Join St. Johns County Environmental Educator, Will Pate for a beach walk to learn the rich history of Vilano Beach. This walk leaves from Vilano Beach Pavilion at 10 a.m. and is free. Registration required. 2752 Anahma Dr., St. Augustine. www. sjcfl.us/recreation