Le Yo Yo Kids Inspires Healthy Fun in Southold

Photo courtesy of Le Yo Yo Kids

Born from her passions for leading a healthy and nourishing lifestyle and being in the company of children, part-time Southold resident Christie Moore is launching a program-based business that combines exactly that. Meet Le Yo Yo Kids.

“Having access to a healthy lifestyle during childhood lays the groundwork for a lifetime of well-being,” said Christie in a recent interview with Petite North Fork. “From physical and mental health to academic success and lifelong habits, the benefits are far-reaching and essential for children's overall development. It's a foundation that shapes not only their present but also their future, contributing to a healthier and happier life.”

Although children-centric programs are plentiful on the North Fork, especially during the summer months, Le Yo Yo Kids is unlike the rest. With three distinct drop-off offerings, which include Fit Kids, Little Chefs, and Pickleball 101, each provides the unique opportunity for forging friendships and camaraderie in an intimate setting while having fun through fitness and food. Both Fit Kids and Little Chefs programs include a dinner session.

“Strategically designed to alleviate the burdens on parents while offering children a communal dining experience, we believe that sharing a meal together not only simplifies logistics for families but also enhances the overall enjoyment of the program for kids, fostering bonds and creating cherished memories around the dinner table,” shared Christie. 

“Fit Kids is an engaging 3-hour session designed to foster exercise, learning, and playful competition within a supportive group setting,” Christie explained. “Our aim is to equip children with the fundamentals necessary for competitive sports by emphasizing proper form and instilling an appreciation for the enjoyable aspects of teamwork. Through dynamic activities, we cultivate not only physical fitness but also the invaluable skills of camaraderie and sportsmanship.”

Fit Kids will be offered on select Mondays through the summer from 4 to 7 p.m. for children ages 5 through 8. Each session will feature games including icebreakers, hand-eye coordination exercises like catch and dribbling, target practice, friendly tournaments, obstacles and relay adventures, and dinner. Team building and leadership exchange will also be a focus. The cost per session is $90 per child, and sibling discounts are available.

“Little Chefs is a captivating 3-hour culinary adventure designed to ignite children's passion for cooking. Throughout our immersive journey, young chefs will delve into the essence of kitchen organization through the concept of 'mise en place' while simultaneously exploring the diverse, local ingredients they'll be working with. They'll embark on a creative exploration, experimenting with new ideas and collaborating as a team to prepare and savor a delicious meal together. Amidst the culinary excitement, there will be ample opportunities for group play and the forging of new friendships, ensuring that every moment is filled with joy and camaraderie,” Christie told us.

Little Chefs will be offered on select Fridays through the summer from 4 to 7 p.m. for children ages 5 through 8. A Little Chefs’ sample dinner menu could include vegetables and hummus, romaine salad with tomatoes and carrot ginger dressing, a build-your-own sushi bar with salmon, cucumbers, avocado, rice, and seaweed, and to finish, fruit kabobs and chocolate-covered strawberries. The cost per session is $90 per child, and sibling discounts are available.

Le Yo Yo Kids will also offer Pickleball 101 for children and adults alike.

“Pickleball's rapid rise in popularity stems from its inclusive nature—requiring no special skills or talents—and its emphasis on strategy and teamwork, making it accessible to individuals of all ages,” shared Christie. “A fusion of tennis, ping pong, and chess, this engaging sport relies heavily on strategic thinking. It offers a holistic workout for both the mind and body, serving as an excellent avenue for social interaction and forging new connections.”

While pickleball has become wildly popular for adults, it’s an excellent sport for children to learn as well.

Christie told us, “The ball in pickleball moves slowly enough to allow children who are developing hand-eye coordination to successfully play while giving them practice to improve their skills.”

Through Le Yo Yo Kids, Christie hopes to “foster a positive self-image for these children, empowering them to make informed choices about their health and inspire a love for outdoor play. By instilling confidence and a sense of agency in their own well-being, we are hoping to equip these children with essential skills for navigating life with resilience and vitality. Our dedication to nurturing not just their bodies, but their minds and spirits, will no doubt have a positive impact on their lives.”

The fine details

The Fit Kids and Little Chefs programs will be hosted at Christie’s Southold residence, with pickleball lessons held at private courts. In case of inclement weather, indoor alternatives will be available. 

Each session will be capped at a maximum of 8 to 10 children to ensure personalized attention and optimal engagement. Additionally, the adult-to-child ratio will always be maintained at a maximum of one adult per five children.

While children do not need to bring anything specific with them for the programs, Christie shared, “We simply request their presence with an open mind, a willingness to engage and learn, and a spirit of kindness.”

She also explained that children should wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Additionally, for Little Chefs, if your child has an apron, they are welcome to bring it along.

To underscore the importance of securing a spot for your child, please be sure to submit an inquiry for the initial session. After connecting with Christie, bookings can be made 30 days before a session. 

Visit Leyoyokids.com for more information and to submit an inquiry form.