Celebrating afterschool programs with 4th Annual Happily Haunted Hike

The Duluth YMCA commemorated “Lights On Afterschool” with their 4th Annual Happily Haunted Hike Tuesday, October 29. “Lights On Afterschool” is an annual nationwide rally that highlights the work done by afterschool programs to help young people.

“It gives those families that need extra care; an opportunity to have really good high-quality programming for their kids,” explained Leslie Bucar, the Community Services Program Director for the Duluth Area Family YMCA. “Our emphasis is in environmental education at our at our after school site, which is why we really like to use the woods.”

For the Happily Haunted Hike, costumed families got to follow the lighted luminaries through the Stowe School Forest and “trick or treat” from bins of treats donated by local businesses and individuals. They then got to participate in a “trunk or treat” sponsored by the Stowe PTA.

“In Minnesota, unmet demand for afterschool programs has reached an all-time high, with more than 325,000 children who would be enrolled in a program if one were accessible to them,” explained Heather Drangin, Marketing Director for the Duluth Area Family YMCA. “Demand for afterschool in Minnesota surges as parents see key benefits from afterschool, including keeping kids safe, helping them learn and grow, and providing peace of mind for working families.”

Those interested in getting more information on the Duluth Area Family YMCA and what they offer can call 218-722-4745 x124 or click here.