In August 2005 the Metro Los Angeles YMCA held its first annual “Y’s World of Kids Day,” and 726 youth day camp, child care, and teen participants attended. The theme was character development, and as Christine Watts says, "We celebrated and enriched the lives of YMCA youth participants by gathering together to build friendships and fun in a day that built character."

The event featured astrojumps, booths with "character bucks," and friendship bracelets with “CHARACTER COUNTS!” on them. In addition, a YMCA branch spirit/character stick competition took place. The branch with the most spirit took possession of the Character/Spirit Stick until next year. "It was a great event and enjoyed by all," says Ms. Watts.