New app helps plan activities for kids

One app- over 800 listings of activities for kids! It seems RIGHT NOW is the perfect time to download MCCOY’s Youth Activity Directory app, which contains more than 800 listings of activities and programs in central Indiana for youth of all ages.

John Brandon, President and Executive Director, MCCOY (Marion County Commission On Youth) and Jacie Farris, Communications Director, MCCOY, explain more about the app and how the free download can help parents find resources they need, while being updated regularly with new events and opportunities.

Here are a few quick facts about the app:

• The app has gone live in the past year or so, and was developed by a local Indiana company.

• The app is updated several times a week, whereas the printed booklet is only produced once each year, usually in the spring. MCCOY continues to print limited copies of the booklet, but it gets outdated quickly and becomes less helpful to families. The app, on the other hand, is helpful year-round.

• The list of more than 800 activities range from camps to family-friendly programs to volunteer opportunities. Families can search by topic, or they can also view a map screen that shows what activities are close to their locations. Activities and programs of interest provide basic information about each camp, as well as contact info. Additionally, families can see a running list of upcoming events in the central Indiana area, so if they are looking for something to do on the weekend, they can find good options in the app. Families can also see our app sponsors and basic information about MCCOY. Occasionally MCCOY sends push messages through the app to remind individuals of important information that is relevant to them.

• The app is updated several times a week, whereas the printed booklet is only produced once each year, usually in the spring.

• The free app is available on Google Play and the App Store. Individuals can find links to these pages on their website at http://mccoyouth.org/youth-activity-directory.html. The app can also be found typing in “MCCOY Youth Activity Directory” in the search field on Google Play or in the App Store.Statistics:

• The app’s seven community sponsors include WFYI, the Indiana Sports Corp., the Indiana Department of Child Services, Indy Reads, Internet Essentials from Comcast, Reclaiming the village from the Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County, and the Summer Youth Program Fund.

• Currently, the app has nearly 800 downloads.

• It has been on the market for just over a year.

• To get more info, get printed copies or sponsor the app, visit this link: www.mccoyouth.org/youth-activity-directory.html.