Central Bucks Family YMCA, a cause-driven organization for Youth Development, will offer free membership to all students in the seventh grade at private, public and home-schools in the Central Bucks area beginning September 6, 2011. The goal of the initiative is to encourage youth to make healthy choices and avoid risky behaviors in order to succeed in school and life.

7th grade is a critical time in a young person’s life. It’s a time when they get exposed to increased risk factors. Risk factors are conditions or influences that have been shown to increase the likelihood for unhealthy behaviors including substance abuse, delinquency, teen pregnancy, school drop-out and violence. Through the YMCA's positive, proactive and strength-based approach, they aimto buffer young people from the effects of risk exposure by providing them with opportunities to be involved in, and contribute to their community, their school, and their peer group in meaningful ways.

Zane Moore, President/CEO of Central Bucks Family YMCA feels that the program “will make accessible the support and opportunities that empower these youth to reach their personal potential and live life to the fullest through healthy and responsible choices”. It is also during the early teen years that youth begin to distance themselves from family and positive support systems. Moore further states “the initiative will provide the youth with the knowledge, skills, character and passion to be more active in the community as adults.” Through this new initative, which runs each September 1 through August 31, all 7th Graders can receive a FREE membership to the Y.

Dr. N. Robert Laws, Superintendent of Central Bucks School District commented on the initiative, “The Central Bucks Family YMCA’s generous offer to provide memberships for seventh-graders in the Central Bucks School District further exemplifies the on-going and supportive partnership the District and the Y have had for a number of years to support the youth of the community. This offer will support the District’s Wellness Program and give students the opportunity to explore the many fine opportunities available at the Central Bucks Family YMCA.”

Do you know someone who’s going into the 7th grade this school year? Perhaps your own son or daughter, a niece or a nephew, or maybe even a friend or neighbor’s child? If you do, share this article with their parents! If your son or daughter is heading into the 7th grade this year, reach out and sign him or her  up for a 100% FREE membership.

In order to participate, students will need to show a student ID/report card or class roster along with a parental/guardian signature. Those who participate will receive access to the pools during designated hours, the fitness center with a mandatory orientation, the gym, the ability to participate in group exercise classes and sports classes, teen programs, volunteering opportunities and much more!

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