Parent Teacher Magazine Gaston County School May/June 2015 | Page 5

The Y encourages youth to
HOP THE GAP this summer
Kids and teens need support in the
summer. Without that support gaps appear
and kids fall behind, gaps in learning, hunger,
and safety. In fact, every day young people
face challenges related to HUNGER, HEALTH,
LEARNING,WATER SAFETY and SAFE SPACES,
which prevent them from reaching their
potential. In response, Y staff and volunteers
provide support and deliver programs that
help youth overcome barriers – or gaps –
to achieve more. This summer we will use
“hopping” activities and games such as
hopscotch, as a metaphor for the many ways
we can help youth to hop the gap. By engaging
parents, members, and community leaders we
hope to lessen the gaps in our community.

Why is Hop the Gap important?
Health – Solutions to childhood obesity, lack of physical activity
and food insecurity require lifestyle changes that are hard to
implement.

Hunger – 1 in 5 children
don’t know where their next
meal will come from.
Learning – Most children
lose two months of
academic skills in the
summer.

BEST SU
MAKE F

Water Safety – Drowning is the second leading cause of
accidental death in children ages 1 – 14.

Safe Spaces – When y