Helping kids beat the heat

Multimedia package by Liz Dixon, Angelique McClain and Dave West

It’s summer in Phoenix and the heat is dangerous, especially for kids who are having too much fun to notice.

On Thursday June 16 at the Downtown Civic Space Park in Phoenix, dozens of YMCA day camp children spent an afternoon frolicking in the water.

Along with Civic Space Park’s splash pad, the YMCA set up water slides, a human car wash and a water gun maze.

With all of the running around, climbing and screaming, the kids were obviously enjoying the day. “It’s a great opportunity to get outside and just have fun and be something different from the everyday,” one child said.

Keith, YMCA counselor who coordinated the event, said that the children were taught the importance of staying hydrated and cool prior to the afternoon’s activity.

Along with plenty of water, the YMCA provided kid-friendly sno-cones and fruit to help the children stay hydrated.

Keith explained that vigilance during the hot weather is especially necessary with young children. “With kids, you gotta keep an eye on them. They don’t know that their back is burning because they don’t have sunscreen on or they’re warm or something. They’ll play all day.”

Keith and the YMCA program also made sure that the kids had shaded areas and an air-conditioned place to get out of the heat and sun if they needed a break.

After a few minutes inside or in the shade to cool down, the Phoenix YMCA children were off again to the more pressing need: playtime.

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Phoenix YMCA children slip and slide away from the heat. (Photo by Angelique McClain)

Two boys find a way to be the heat. "Go ahead, give me your best shot."

(Photo by Angelique McClain)