Providing youth with opportunities to continue to learn and engage in meaningful activities at the end of the school day can boost their academic success. To help motivate and inspire kids to learn, the Kosciusko Community YMCA is offering an after school program for school-aged children throughout Warsaw Community Schools and beyond.

The Y’s after school program combines academics with play and offers a caring and safe environment for youth who may otherwise be left unsupervised. Eisenhower, Harrison, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison and Washington Elementary Schools all host the YMCA’s Kids’ Club sites from 6 a.m. until school starts and again after school until 6 p.m.

Pierceton and South Whitley will add before and after school Kids’ Club care this year on-site at their elementary schools. Claypool and Leesburg will also offer care for 3 to 5 year olds in addition to the elementary school-aged students from 6 a.m. until school starts to accommodate the Claypool and Leesburg preschools. There is no after school care at Claypool or Leesburg.

More than just babysitting, Kids’ Club has a curriculum involving arts, humanities, health, science, and conflict resolution. Time is scheduled for homework and the Kids’ Club Caregivers are there to help. There is also plenty of time for fun with group games and activities.

Kids’ Club will continue the Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Program. CATCH is an evidence-based program that has been adopted by many Ys across the US. CATCH is fun and encourages participation in over 300 non-elimination games and 32 nutrition activities that help children make healthy choices.

Along with the CATCH program, children will be encouraged to be active for 60 minutes per day. As a result of the CATCH program we hope to develop children who can make positive lifestyle choices, who are more active and who can bring a contagious love of health and wellness back to their families.

The program fees have changed this year to better accommodate those who need care every day of the week. The YMCA also provides financial assistance for those who qualify. Please apply 3 weeks in advance. We want to make sure that your children can be involved in a program that will benefit their character and educational development, instead of staying home alone.

Register at the YMCA at 1401 E. Smith St., Warsaw. Contact Tonya Douglass at 574-269-9622 with any questions. For further information see www.kcymca.org.