YMCA Programs to Kick Off With Barbeque

The Triunfo YMCA, serving Westlake Village, Oak Park and Agoura Hills, will hold a free family barbeque on Sept. 8 at Willow Elementary School (29026 Laro Dr., Agoura Hills) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The get-together will be an opportunity for families with young children to learn about and sign up for a number of YMCA father-child programs.

"Triunfo YMCA offers programs for kids in preschool through sixth grades and their dads," says John Napotnik, Triunfo YMCA program director. "Over 1,000 parents and children sign up each year. It's a great way for dads to spend fun time with their children."

The program is divided by grade levels and includes age-appropriate activities. Participants hold in-home meetings, attend local events and have overnight weekends.

The Y-Papooses program is for preschoolers. Kids and dads take part in monthly meetings, arts and crafts projects and field trips. A pool party, gymnastics outing, and bounce house event are planned. Indian Guides and Y-Indian Princes are for kids in kindergarten through second grade.

Each father and child will form friendships with other dads and kids while participating in monthly gatherings, a Pinewood Derby, a Soapbox Derby, bowling and arts and crafts. A Big Bear campout is also planned.

Trailblazers are for kids in third through sixth grades. Kids learn leadership and responsibility skills and are provided with challenging and varied experiences. Planned activities include a weekend camping trip at Camp Surf in San Diego, winter camp, Catalina Island camping and local field trips including an outing to Laser Tag.

Other YMCA branches also offer family programs for mom, dads and their children. For more information, contact the nearest YMCA: Miller Family YMCA of Newbury Park (805-480-0309), Conejo Valley YMCA, serving Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and Santa Rosa Valley (805-523-7613), Simi Valley Family YMCA, (805-583-5338) and Triunfo YMCA, serving Westlake Village, Agoura Hills and Oak Park (818-707-9622), or go to www.sevymca.org for a full fall schedule of programs. Financial assistance is available.