JumpStart, a program designed for kids’ ages 8 to 12 to become healthier, is offering one-day camps at four locations this summer.
The camps hosted by Sarah Bush Lincoln are intended to motivate kids to make lifestyle changes that will improve their health and self-esteem. Students will learn to cook their own lunch. Four sessions will be offered from 8 am to 4 pm on the following dates: Monday, June 8, at Jefferson Elementary School, Charleston; Tuesday, June 9, at Kansas School; Thursday, June 11, at Arcola Elementary School and Tuesday, June 23, at Monroe Elementary School. Obesity is the number one health threat in the U.S. and the number two cause of preventable death.
More than 9,000 children in the Sarah Bush Lincoln’s seven-county service area, including Coles, Cumberland, Clark, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie and Shelby counties, have been classified as either overweight or obese. This figure represents about 36 percent of all school age children in the area. Research has shown that being overweight coupled with physical inactivity leads to a variety of health risks like arthritis, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. These children are also much more likely to suffer from low self-esteem and other emotional issues. The camp fee is $15 per child.
For more information or to register, contact SBL Healthy Communities at 345-6827 or visit www.sarahbush.org.