YMCA in Salem Offers 7th Graders Free Membership!

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Seventh grade is a crucial time in the development of a child. That’s why after school fitness programs and initiatives that introduce kids to healthy eating habits are crucial at this age.

According to a story from the Salem News, 41% of children in Salem are considered obese, a number higher than the statewide average of 33%.

In order to keep kids on a path to good health, the YMCA of Salem received a $20,000 grant from North Shore Medical Center. Already the grant has helped fund a mobile farmer’s market and an urban garden, built by students at Salem High. Now, these funds will be used towards providing at least 275 seventh grade students with a free membership to the YMCA. Ordinarily, memberships cost $264 per year.

The YMCA will provide each participating student with a health-and-wellness coach who will work with them and their families to teach them how to lead a healthy lifestyle

Along with the free memberships, the students will participate in weekly classes such as teen spinning, yoga and fitness boot camp. They will also be invited to participate in monthly family events like cooking, hiking and water polo.

Read the full article here.