As the school year wraps up and summer approaches, Kids Run Clubs will be ending for the year for kids in 37 schools and community groups throughout the state. There are still lots of ways for kids to keep up with being active in the summer months! Active SWV has some exciting events and opportunities for kids and families to take advantage of as we cruise into warmer weather.
Finns Up 5k and FREE Kids Splash Dash
Active SWV is hosting a 5k Fundraiser event at Lake Stephens to support the Kids Run Club program. This event on July 20th will feature a beginner friendly 5k trail race with views of the lake, followed by a FREE Kids ‘Splash ‘Dash’ fun run. Kids Run Club participants from around the state are encouraged to attend and run with their peers! Learn more about the Finns Up 5k and Free Kids Splash Dash and sign-up here.
Bridge Day 5k RUN Youth Art Contest
The Bridge Day 5k Run is another race event fundraiser that Active SWV puts on to support the Kids Run Club program and the Mini-Grants that go out to schools. The Youth Art Contest is an opportunity for any kid under age 18 to win two free entries into the race! Active SWV will select four winners total.
Interested youth can submit a drawing, painting, collage, or any other piece of original art 5″x7″ or larger inspired by one of the following prompts:
What does running the Bridge Day 5k RUN look like to you?
What does a more active West Virginia look like to you?
Art pieces should be accompanied by a brief youth artist bio, a description of the art piece, and a photo of the submitter being active. Find the full contest details and how to submit here.
Community Captain Programs
The Active SWV Community Captain program trains volunteers to lead free activities for people in their communities. These Community Captain volunteers lead a variety of programs based on their personal interests, ranging from hikes, walks, stand up paddle boarding, water aerobics, biking, yoga, Zumba, pickleball, and much more!
Many of these free programs are perfect for families to attend and get active together. See our website calendar for a list of programs updated monthly, and sign-up for a free membership to register for programs.
Youth Climbing Opportunities
Community Captain Mitch is passionate about getting kids introduced to the sport of Rock Climbing, and leads free intro programs throughout the year for kids to try it out. Thanks to a partnership with Adventures on the Gorge, all equipment is provided, and the programs are led by volunteers specially trained in climbing. Check our website calendar to see when youth programs are happening, and register for programs by signing up for a free Active SWV membership.
