[October 04, 2008]  Children in the YMCA Preteen After School program attended a special one-hour "Safe Kids Buckle Up" event on Sept. 24, hosted by the Logan County Department of Public Health and Graue Inc. The program goal was to increase the number of preteens who buckle up in a back seat and to give them the tools to encourage peers and family members to do likewise. Preteens experienced three different interactive stations to promote the message "Buckle up for safety."

The YMCA is now accepting late registrations for the YMCA Biddy Basketball program. This program is designed to teach 4-year-old through kindergarten children the skills necessary to play basketball, while having a great time. Teams will practice once a week, with games played on Saturday mornings at the YMCA Activity Center, 719 Wyatt Ave. Sign up today to join the learning and fun. This Y program is sponsored by Lincoln IGA and Adam Schmidt at Country Financial Services.

YMCA Youth Paintball is expanding to include 9-10-year-olds. Get ready for paintball fun -- maneuvering around obstacles, shooting from various distances and working together as a team while engaging your targets. Each week there's a different scenario. This program meets on Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. for 11-15-year-olds and 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. for 9-11-year-olds. Prices vary; call for more information. Space is limited, so sign up today at the Y office.

New sessions begin Tuesday for Hip-Hop Dance and Thursday for Turbo Jam Fitness. In Hip-Hop Dance you will get a great workout, dance to the hottest music and meet new people, while Turbo Jam Fitness is a mix of kickboxing, dance and martial arts, not to mention HIGH ENERGY! Space is limited, so register NOW!

School's Out Fun Days for kindergarten through sixth-grade children are being offered on Oct. 10 and 13 from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Y Activity Center. Fun-filled activities are themed around the fall season. Registration deadlines apply.

In addition, Origami Art for first- to sixth-grade children will be offered Oct. 13 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the art room at the Y Activity Center. Instructor Lisa Madigan will teach students about origami and will provide opportunities to fold paper into a variety of shapes and objects.

YMCA Youth Volleyball program registration will run until Oct. 22. Forms received after Oct. 22 will require a $10 fee increase. This program is for children in first through sixth grade who are interested in improving their volleyball skills. This instructional program will run on Tuesdays, Oct. 28-Dec. 2. Instructor Krista Hoban will work with each child to improve their individual skills. Reserve your child's spot today.

The next YMCA Party Night will be on Oct. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the YMCA Activity Center. This party will have a Halloween theme and will be for children in first through fourth grade. Register your child before Oct. 21 to avoid any fee increase. The evening will include Halloween games, contests, prizes and, of course, pizza. Spaces are limited and children must be registered beforehand to attend. Register your child today to join us for this night of eerie fun.

A YMCA Youth Dodgeball program is being formed for children in third through sixth grade. Participants will meet at the YMCA Activity Center from noon until 1 p.m. on Saturdays from Nov. 1 to Dec. 13. Teams will change each week, with games supervised by YMCA staff members. If your child is interested, please come by the YMCA to register.

For more information on Lincoln Area YMCA programs and events, come to the downtown office, 604 Broadway St., Suite 1; visit www.lincolnymca.org; or call 735-3915.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Area YMCA]