Skate night at Charles City YMCA offers indoor fun

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

While the weather outside is frightful, indoor skating at the Charles City YMCA is delightful.

Every Friday the YMCA’s gymnasium hosts dozens of kids coming in to enjoy an hour of roller skating, giving youth in the area a place to free skate with friends or join in some group activities.

“We usually try to play one or two games,” said YMCA office manager Spencer Odom.

The long-running program usually runs from October through April, as the gymnasium becomes too hot during the summer months.

It costs $5 for kids to skate for the evening, though YMCA members get three tokens per year to get in for free. Adults are also invited to skate for free to encourage additional supervision in the gym.

Friday night skating is a busy time for the YMCA staff, with anywhere from 45 to 60 kids coming in and out. Odom says that volunteers are always welcome to come in and help distribute roller skates or run activities.

“The kids seem to enjoy it and it makes time go a bit faster for us,” said Odom.

Last Friday night’s skate was promoted as part of the Cabin Fever Weekend events.