 It is time for Halloween at the YMCA. Sure Halloween means bags of treats . . . but it’s also a day for kids and families to use their imaginations in the costumes that they create and wear. Once again, YMCAs, collectively the nation’s largest community service organization, are decorating facilities coast to coast, preparing safe places and creative family activities for that time of year when pumpkins glow and kids masquerade. Ensuring a fun, safe and family oriented Halloween is part of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities for many YMCAs across the country. Tricks and treats take on a new meaning when people come together at the Y to enjoy all of the festivities of Halloween in a trusted location with a host of activities for families and friends to do together.
“And not just safe, exciting places for kids but cool destinations for teens and families where Halloween can be a creative and social experience for all,” said Roxanne Davis, YMCA Marketing Director. “Families want to know that their children are engaged in enjoyable and worthwhile activities in a safe and positive environment on Halloween and any other day of the week. They know that the YMCA is there to do just that – for kids and grown-ups alike!”
 “Halloween at the YMCA” will be celebrated on Saturday, October 24th at the South Montgomery County YMCA in the Woodlands. Beginning at 3:00pm, families are invited to visit the South County YMCA located at 6145 Shadowbend Place. Activities may include spook house, ghost toss, bake walk, face art, photo booth, tattoo art, carnival games, craft table, balloon art, moon walk and much more. Fun for all ages, rain or shine, all activities are inside. Everyone is encouraged to wear a friendly costume and parents don’t forget to bring your camera! Children may participate in as many activities as often as they want! Kids will receive a treat at each activity booth! Halloween at the YMCA is 3:00 – 5:00pm. YMCA membership is not required so bring your family and friends! Admission is FREE but we are asking families to bring a non-perishable food item for the local food pantry.
For kids making their way to Halloween fun, the YMCA offers these safety reminders:
- Wear light colored, flame retardant costumes
- Wear shorter costumes to prevent tripping and with nighttime relectors
- Use face make-up – no hoods or masks that obscure the face and vision
- Take younger children door to door in daylight hours
- Trick or Treat within your neighborhood, only to homes you know
- Ensure young children escorted by adults or responsible older sibling
- Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries
- Be alert to auto traffic, crossing safely according to rules
- Have parents or other adults inspect treats
- Remind children: accept no rides from strangers
Did You Know?
- It is believed that trick-or-treating began in Ireland. In preparation for All Hallow’s Eve, townsfolk would visit neighbors to ask for contributions of food for a feast in town.
- Halloween is second only to Christmas in consumer spending.
- The largest pumpkin and largest fruit on record was grown in Henniker, N.H. and weighed 1,458 pounds.
 For more information on YMCA membership, programs and activities please call 281-367-YMCA or visit www.southcounty-ymca.org. Halloween at the YMCA will be celebrated at the Shadowbend YMCA located at 6145 Shadowbend Place in The Woodlands.
YMCA’s, nationwide, are at the heart of community life, serving nearly 17 million men, women and children with programs designed to foster the five core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith. Y’s are for people of all faiths, races, ages and incomes. Financial assistance is available for Y program and membership to families and individuals who substantiate a need. For more information on YMCA programs and services, log on to www.ymcahouston.org. |
