Hands on learning keeps students engaged!

Schools out, it’s been over 100 degrees for almost two weeks straight, and the days are long! But for 50 families in the city of Fresno, that won’t stop them from having a healthy summer! These families are participating in a no-cost Healthy Lifestyle Fitness Camp (HLFC).

For the past four years, The City of Fresno Parks and Recreation Department has collaborated with the UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program to provide a summer camp that promotes well-fed, healthy, secure families.

Campers this year are wearing camouflage style t-shirts with the quote: “I don’t do it because it’s easy, I do it because I am worth it.”

The camp, which runs 6 weeks in length, has one mission: to provide a fun-filled summer fitness program that promotes weight loss, positive self-image, and the importance of embracing a healthy lifestyle for children 10-13 years old.

How is the accomplished? With FUN of course! Exercise, traditional and non-traditional sports, cooking classes, nutrition classes, science, water aerobics, bike riding, dance and a number of exciting field trips are all part of the HLFC experience.

Students use EatFit workbooks to learn about goal setting.

The students aren’t the only ones having fun! Relay races in heels and slacks is not an uncommon sight during the weekly parent component. As part of a family-centered approach, parents are also learning how to make healthy choices on a limited budget and participating in planned physical activity. At the end of camp, parents will participate in the “Annual Parent Cook Off.” During the Cook Off, parents will re-create healthier versions of their favorite recipes, which will be judged on flavor and creativity. The winning chefs will win prizes that will help to reinforce what they have been learning at camp.

Parents enjoy the healthy recipes they have learned to make!

Parent lessons teach food preparation skills.

Parents learned how to make hummus.

Looking for ways to have a healthy summer with your family? Here are 10 tips from choosemyplate.gov to help you and your family have your healthiest summer yet!

1. Set specific activity times
2. Plan ahead and track your activity
3. Include work around the house
4. Use what is available
5. Build new skills
6. Plan for all weather conditions
7. Turn off the TV
8. Start small
9. Include other families
10. Treat the family with fun physical activities

Missed out on camp this year? No problem!

UC CalFresh offers no-cost adult nutrition education classes throughout the year and nutrition education materials for low-income k-12 schools in Fresno County.

For more information contact: Shelby MacNab, smacnab@ucanr.edu 559-241-7531