Childhood Obesity - An Adventurous Solution
Promoting a healthy lifestyle through the summer camp experience.
By Lynda Fishman, M.S.W.
Studies and reports indicate that approximately one third of children in North America between the ages of 2 and 17 are overweight or obese, and only half maintain active or moderate physical activity levels. Obesity costs billions of dollars annually. The effects are more far-reaching than one might expect.
Summer camps and year-round fitness and recreation centers offer an exciting combination of recreation, education, and adventure for kids. Many of these facilities offer swimming, tennis, soccer, nature trails, basketball, baseball, football, volleyball, and much more.
Fortunately, many recreation centers are aligning with schools to offer curriculum connected, team-building, adventure programs. While the combination of "education and camp" and the concept of "learning beyond the classroom" aren't new, recreation centers are often fortunate to have facilities that are so well suited to this concept.
They are creating models that offer a fabulous solution to the latest concerns of educators, medical professionals and parents - CHILDHOOD OBESITY and NATURE-DEFICIT DISORDER (NDD).
Similar to the effects of decreased physical activity, other studies have conclusive evidence related to the negative effects of decreased outdoor and nature experiences. The indications are that decreased experience with nature and the outdoors has led to the development of certain chronic diseases, depression, obesity, laziness, lack of confidence, poor interpersonal and teamwork skills, and an inability to relate to school subjects such as geography, history, science and health. Studies support the positive connection between healthy development and education with increased activity, appreciation for the environment, and participation in dynamic, adventurous outdoor activities. The benefits are numerous, including increased longevity, reduced risk of disease, psychological well-being, promotion of social skills, increased school and work productivity, higher academic achievement, and overall health improvements.
Camps and recreation centers can play a vital role in helping to combat youth obesity and correct this dismal situation, through outdoor, adventurous physical activities and experiences that are exciting and fun and can be done throughout the year.
Outdoor education and environmental programs, and summer day camps, are generally committed to promoting healthy and active lifestyles for kids of all ages, by looking at what appeals to kids at different ages and providing age appropriate, energetic and exciting programs. Enjoying the activities will enhance the desire of kids to become more active. These programs will inevitably instill the values of healthy, active living. While encouraging physical activity, participants will gain knowledge, develop and enhance skills, positive image and self-confidence, support the well-being of others, and maximize their personal potential.
The goal is to promote healthy and active lifestyles for kids by delivering programs that lead to long-term solutions. Camps play a critical role in introducing, contributing to and encouraging children and youth to add physical activity to their daily lives in simple, enjoyable ways.
Lynda Fishman, M.S.W. is the Owner/Executive Director of Adventure Valley Day Camp located in Thornhill, Ontario
