LAKE HAVASU — The Young Adult Development Association (YADAH) fifth annual Hobbies not Habits event will be returning this weekend with many positive endeavors for kids to dive into.
This year’s event will have 40 healthy hobbies in store that kids can explore such as water activities, gardening, 3D printing, creating short stories on film strips from star cinemas, leather making, fitness, arts, crafts, and much more. Additionally, there will be various giveaways like scooters, games, echo dot, bikes, helmets and art kilts. A free lunch of hot dogs, chips, and fruit cups will be served at 12 p.m. for children and their parents.
Program Director Ricarda DeAnda of the nonprofit says that YADAH has gained a steady following of attendees over the years. “The event has grown each year. We do have several people that attend that anticipate the event. Typically, we usually have about 250 attendees,” DeAnda said.
Under the umbrella of the Arizona Youth Partnership, the nonprofit is a community coalition that serves children and young adults with ages ranging from four to 24. The organization strives to promote early interventions for unhealthy habits with their anti-substance abuse programs, resources for homeless youth, and preventing them from entering behavioral courts and juvenile justice recovery.
The purpose of Hobbies Not Habits is also to encourage and instill beneficial options intended to prevent harmful behaviors like depression or anxiety. The event provides a secure outlet to promote individual talents and develop high self-esteem in a supportive environment. DeAnda maintains, it is also beneficial in strengthening relationships between parent and child.
“It’s an opportunity to give them time to engage with peers and their families. Healthy hobbies benefit youth and families by promoting emotional well-being, building new life skills, and creating meaningful opportunities for connections.”
This year’s Hobbies Not Habits event will be taking place on Saturday July 26th from 9:30am to 1:30pm at the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center located at 100 Park Avenue.
One example of the impact YADAH has had on the community is the Blue Cross Blue Shield foundational grant they wrote last year which allowed them to assist children with funding for a sport, club, or hobby, of their choice. The grant reached 60 students in the Havasu community from the pre-schools, grade schools, middle schools and Lake Havasu High School.
