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Tuesday, 07 April 2026
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Written by Amanda Ransom
As spring arrives across the Sandhills and warmer days begin to replace the chill of winter, many families start looking for ways to keep children active, engaged and connected in the months ahead. For the YMCA of the Sandhills, that seasonal shift signals the return of one of its most anticipated community events, Healthy Kids Day. The national YMCA initiative returns on April 18, offering a free, family-friendly celebration designed to encourage healthy habits, strengthen community connections and remind children what it means to simply play.
From climbing walls and bounce houses to STEM activities and family fitness sessions, Healthy Kids Day is more than just an event. It is a celebration of movement, connection and possibility that encourages families to step outside, explore new opportunities and begin building routines that support long-term health and well-being. This year’s Healthy Kids Day will take place on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both YMCA of the Sandhills locations: the Fayetteville branch at 2717 Fort Bragg Road and the Cameron location at 107 Carletta Cagle Drive. Families are encouraged to drop in, explore the activities, meet community partners and learn more about the many programs available through the YMCA.
“In a world where kids spend so much time on screens or communicating through devices, we want families to recognize other options that allow kids to be kids,” said Jeff Darling, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Sandhills. “Healthy Kids Day gives families a chance to experience that together in a fun, safe outdoor setting.”
Healthy Kids Day is celebrated by YMCA branches across the country each spring. While every community puts its own local touch on the event, the mission remains the same: encouraging children and families to build habits that support a healthy “spirit, mind and body.” At its heart, Healthy Kids Day is about reminding families that play still matters.
Darling says the event also helps families discover opportunities available through the YMCA
and its partners.
“This event is really about showing families what is possible,” Darling said. “We want kids to experience the joy of being active and give parents a chance to discover programs and resources that can support their children throughout the year.”
Throughout the event, children will have the opportunity to explore activities designed to spark curiosity, creativity and movement. Attractions include a climbing wall, bounce house, basketball in the gym and interactive STEM learning stations. Outdoor family exercises will also take place throughout the day, including kid-friendly Zumba and line dancing, allowing families to participate together while discovering new ways to stay active. The YMCA pool will be open from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., offering another opportunity for families to enjoy time in the water. Darling notes that families typically spend one to two hours at the event exploring activities and learning about programs that might interest their children in the coming months.
Beyond the activities, Healthy Kids Day also serves as a community resource fair, bringing together organizations that support families across Cumberland and Harnett counties. Families can visit information tables hosted by local partners and service providers. Participants include representatives from medical services, the fire department, libraries, social services, youth sports organizations, educational programs and counseling services, along with groups such as the Boy Scouts and other youth-focused programs. These partnerships help families discover resources they may not have realized were available in their community.
“In many cases, resources are available to families, but people don’t always know where to find them,” Darling said. “Events like Healthy Kids Day help connect those services to the families who need them.”
Sponsors also play an important role in making the event possible. This year’s sponsors include Duke Energy, Bragg Mutual Federal Credit Union, Kidzcare Pediatrics, United Healthcare, AmeriHealth Caritas, Central Electric and Point Church of Fort Bragg. Organizations focused on mental health and family support, including Youth Villages, NAMI of Cumberland County and The Carter Clinic, will also be present to share information and resources.
The collaborative nature of Healthy Kids Day reflects the YMCA’s belief that building healthy communities requires strong partnerships.
“We’ve learned that in order to meet the needs of our community, we have to work together with many different organizations,” Darling said. “Events like this allow families to see the full network of support that exists around them.”
While Healthy Kids Day is filled with fun activities, the event also carries a broader message about the importance of physical activity, outdoor play and social connection. In recent years, many families and educators have expressed concern about the amount of time children spend indoors and on digital devices. Increased screen time is often linked to lower levels of physical activity and can affect mental and emotional well-being. Data from the North Carolina Alliance of YMCAs shows that one in three high school students reports persistent sadness, and about 34 percent say their mental health is poor.
Those concerns became even more visible during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, when many children experienced increased isolation and fewer opportunities for social interaction. Healthy Kids Day encourages families to rediscover the benefits of movement, friendship and outdoor play.
“Since COVID, isolation and depression among kids and teens has been at an all-time high,” Darling said. “Being active outdoors and building relationships goes a long way in creating a healthy balance for children.”
For the YMCA, Healthy Kids Day also introduces families to year-round programs that support youth development and healthy living.
“Healthy Kids Day is really just a taste of what happens in YMCA programs that focus on achievement, relationships and belonging,” Darling said.
During the school year, the YMCA of the Sandhills offers after-school programs that provide homework assistance, structured activities and a safe environment for children. Summer day camps operate at four locations, helping keep kids active and engaged while school is out.
Youth sports leagues and swim lessons are offered throughout the year, providing opportunities for children to stay active and build friendships through teamwork. Teenagers also have opportunities through the YMCA’s Get Summer program, which provides teens with a free summer membership. Participants can attend group exercise classes, special events and field trips while enjoying a safe place to gather with friends. Teens interested in leadership development can also participate in the Leaders in Training summer program, which focuses on mentoring, leadership skills and basic life preparation.
While youth programs remain a cornerstone of the YMCA’s mission, the organization also offers programs for adults and seniors, including group fitness classes and wellness activities. Overall, Healthy Kids Day reflects the YMCA’s goal of helping families discover ways to live healthier lives together. Darling hopes families leave the event with more than memories of a fun afternoon.
“We hope parents and grandparents find great options for their children, and for themselves, to begin the journey toward a healthy lifestyle,” Darling said.
Families interested in attending Healthy Kids Day can stop by either YMCA location during the event. More information about YMCA programs and activities can be found at www.ymcaofthesandhills.org under the Events tab. Healthy Kids Day offers a reminder that sometimes the best path to healthier kids begins with something simple: getting outside and playing together.
(Photos: The YMCA of the Sandhills will be holding their Healthy Kids Day at both of their locations. The event will bring together families and members of the community to celebrate healthy kids. Photos courtesy of YMCA of the Sandhills)
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Tuesday, 07 April 2026
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Written by Amanda Ransom
For four decades, the Mid-Carolina Senior Games has brought older adults together to celebrate active living, friendly competition and creative expression. What began as a small local program has grown into one of the region’s most inspiring celebrations of active living for adults aged 50 and over. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Mid-Carolina Senior Games, a milestone that highlights decades of dedication from participants, volunteers and community partners. Coordinated through Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation and Harnett County Parks & Recreation, the games bring together older athletes and artists from across the region to compete, perform and celebrate healthy aging.
LaShonda Gough, Health Coordinator and Senior Games Coordinator for the Mid-Carolina Council of Governments, says the mission has remained the same since the program began.
“Our mission promotes health and wellness for all people 50 and better across our region,” Gough said. “The games unite older athletes and SilverArtists in a program that celebrates discipline, dedication and pride in one’s accomplishments.”
Reaching the 40-year milestone reflects the lasting impact of the program on the community.
“It highlights four decades of dedication to healthy aging,” Gough said. “It reflects the commitment of our participants, volunteers, sponsors and community partners who have kept the spirit of the games alive.”
Throughout the years, the Mid-Carolina Senior Games has grown from a handful of local competitions into a diverse program featuring more than 50 athletic and artistic categories. Athletic events include the fun walk, track and field, pickleball, bowling, swimming, cycling, mini golf, disc golf and cornhole. The SilverArts program highlights creative expression through categories such as acrylic painting, pottery, photography, crochet and poetry.
Participants also showcase their talents in performing arts categories, including vocal solos, comedy and dance. One of the highlights this year will be the SilverArts Performance Show on April 23 at 2 p.m. at the J.D. Fuller Recreation Center at 6627 Old Bunce Rd., where community members can watch local performers take the stage. Participation continues to grow. According to Gough, 432 athletes and artists have registered this year, the highest number in the past five years.
“These participants compete in their age groups and give it their all,” she said. “Many are hoping to qualify for the North Carolina Senior Games State Finals in September.”
The Mid-Carolina Senior Games is one of 54 local senior games programs across North Carolina. Athletes who qualify locally advance to the state finals, where winners may earn the opportunity to compete in the National Senior Games, held every two years. This season carries extra excitement because it is a national qualifying year, meaning successful competitors could advance to the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Beyond competition, the games promote physical health and community connection for older adults.
“Regular participation improves strength, balance, cardiovascular health and overall well-being,” Gough said. “Many participants say they feel stronger, more mobile and more connected to their community.”
Volunteers are also essential to the program’s success. More than 100 volunteers from organizations including Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation, Harnett County Parks & Recreation, Methodist University, Fayetteville State University and Fayetteville Technical Community College help organize and support events each year. The 40th anniversary season will begin with the Celebration of the Games Torchlight Ceremony on April 8 at 9 a.m. at Methodist University, honoring participants and longtime supporters. Among those recognized will be Rhonda Groves and Tracy Honeycutt, who have supported the games for more than two decades.
“For many years they were too young to compete,” Gough said. “Now they are finally able to join the fun themselves.”
They will serve as torchbearers for the 2026 games, recognizing their years of dedication. Gough says the athletes themselves continue to be the most inspiring part of the program.
“Our oldest participant, Mr. Douglas Hepner, is 97 years old and still smashing the bowling lanes,” she said.
For adults considering participating for the first time, Gough offers simple advice.
“Come join us,” she said. “There is truly something for everyone, and you don’t have to be an elite athlete. The games are about participation, fun and challenging yourself at your own pace.”
Community members can also support the Mid-Carolina Senior Games by volunteering with event setup, registration, timing or sponsorship outreach.
More information about the games can be found at www.mccog.org/senior-games.asp, and updates are shared on the Mid-Carolina Senior Games Facebook page. As the Mid-Carolina Senior Games marks its 40th anniversary, it remains a powerful reminder that the spirit of competition, creativity and community only deepens with age.
(Photo: Participants line up for a cycling race at the Mid Carolina Senior Games. The Games are open for those 50 years and older. Photo courtesy of LaShonda Gough.)
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