Kids like Connor Schieck, Zachary Williamson and Jazmin Gonzalez are stretching themselves, literally. The pair, along with about 20 of their friends at Kid’s BASE, are finishing an eight-week yoga program thanks to a grant from School’s Out Washington.

The grant purchased yoga mats and instruction through Enumclaw’s Intent Yoga.

“Yoga is something kids can hold on to and grasp onto their while lives,” said Sherrie Belt, After-School Ambassador for Washington state and training resource specialist for Schools Out Washington, who was visiting the class recently. “It’s good to see them interested in other things, than video games.”

School’s Out Washington builds community systems to support quality afterschool and youth development programs for Washington’s 5 to 18 year olds through training, advocacy and leadership.

The Enumclaw-based before- and after-school program for Kibler, Southwood, Sunrise and Westwood elementary school students was one of a handful licensed programs in King County to receive a quality enhancement grant.

Kid’s BASE is a nonprofit organization providing state licensed school-age childcare for preschool through fifth grade. It was created in 1993 by community members, business leaders, early childhood professionals and parents to meet the needs of working families with school-age children.

According to Kid’s BASE curriculum director Heather Osborn, the $3,000 was used to promote healthy living and healthy lifestyles among the students.

In addition to the yoga mats and classes, the money purchased two disaster kits, which will provide 25 people with supplies for three days survival, fitness DVDs, nutrition books and a AeroGarden, where the kids are growing tomatoes and jalapenos to make salsa.

Olson would like to continue to see the weekly yoga class return in the fall.

“We would like to continue next year,” she said. “If we can wrangle the funds.”

Kid’s BASE is not eligible for another School’s Out Washington grant.