Missoula YMCA Celebrates 6th Graders with Free Active 6 Kick Off Event

The Missoula Family YMCA is celebrating sixth graders with its very first Active 6 Kick Off on September 23 from 2:00–5:00 p.m.! Active 6 is a program through the YMCA that offers free Y memberships and after school activities for Missoula-area sixth graders. While families may sign up for the full Active 6 program any time during the year, the Y will be hosting free activities and a giveaway during its kickoff event.

“This is our first Active 6 Kick Off and we’re excited to provide sixth graders with a taste of the Active 6 program. During the event, we’ll have lots of fun activities going on like Gaga Ball, Sizzle Ball, and rock climbing,” said Nick Wagenius, YMCA Youth Program Coordinator. “We’ll also be hosting orientations to our workout equipment for students interested in using our Health & Wellness Center. And, to round out the evening, we’re going to be cooking up homemade veggie quesadillas and smoothies.”

In 2010, Dr. Steven Gaskill conducted a study that indicated that biggest drop in physical activity for students was in sixth grade. The Missoula YMCA created the Active 6 program in response to Dr. Gaskill’s study as a way for students to get—and stay—active and healthy. Today, the program offers free YMCA memberships, structured after school programming in all MCPS middle schools, and activities at the Y.

The Missoula YMCA's Active 6 Kick Off event is Thursday, September 23, from 2:00–5:00 p.m. at the Y. The event is free and open to all sixth graders. The event is designed to give students a snapshot of the full Active 6 program, and to help them find fun ways to incorporate healthy activities into their day-to-day lives.

Additionally, registration for the free year-round Active 6 program is going on now. Click here to learn more.