Nurture The Potential of King County Kids

Only 1 in 5 kids in King County gets enough exercise, and only 1 in 4 gets enough fruits and vegetables—leading to greater risk of chronic diseases, like diabetes and obesity. When kids are hungry or battling health issues, they can struggle to develop to their full potential.

How We Will Do This:

Expanding child care and before and after school programs:

Children are like sponges, they watch and absorb knowledge, skills, and values from everything and everyone around them. At the Y, we believe the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks for quality of life and future success. That’s why our child care, afterschool and Child Watch programs are staffed with people who understand the cognitive, physical and social development of kids, the need children have to feel connected and supported in trying new things and the caring and reinforcement parents and families need to help each other. We provide affordable, reliable child care options, providing a safe place for young ones while parents are at work.

Providing more leadership opportunities to young people:

Thanks to the Y, 4,300 middle and high school students learn about government, public speaking, and debate; plan for college and explore careers; and develop their leadership potential. Teens that go through our programs are more prepared for college and life after school. Your support will give an additional 2,500 young people opportunities to develop into tomorrow’s leaders.

Enhancing three camps and building a brand new one for better outdoor experiences:

More than 29,000 kids of all ages learn about teamwork, diversity, and build character in the great outdoors through our overnight and day camps, outdoor education programs, and leadership development programs. Your support will give 16,000 more kids each year camping opportunities, and enhance the camp experience for thousands more.