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'Fit as a Firefighter' Camp Helps Kids Lose Weight
Filed under: Nutrition: Health, In The News, Nutrition: Big Kids, Nutrition: Tweens
Louisiana firefighters are saving kids' lives, but not in the usual way. Image: sxc.hu
Kids in the camp learn lifelong healthy living tips: Nutrition, portion control and the consequences of a diet rich in sugar and fat. But they also have classes in rock climbing, karate, square dancing, CPR and first aid. Unlike most summer camps, these kids learn from a unique group of adults -- local firefighters, state police and Louisiana National Guard's Blackhawk Helicopter and Boot Camp.
Weight loss summer camps aren't a new idea, but Slidell's "Fit as a Firefighter" program is definitely innovative. The firefighters focus on diet and exercise, but they tackle a third area that's often forgotten in traditional summer camp programs: Self-esteem. The camp knows that overweight kids often suffer -- or even overeat -- because of stress, poor self-image or teasing. "We try to teach on all the issues that they're dealing with right now," says Morrison. "They are very sensitive children."
It's a formula that seems to be working. Camp leaders say that kids often come back to camp the following year trimmer and more fit.
Diets don't work -- especially for kids -- which is probably why the "Fit as a Firefighter" camp is so successful. Instead of breaking kids down or taking away their favorite foods, Slidell firefighters appear to be focusing more on showing kids how to enjoy exercise in a safe environment and teaching them good nutrition.
If your child is or was overweight, would you consider sending them to a weight loss camp?
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
7-08-2009 @ 4:02AM
damoki said...Seems a great idea, well conceived and executed.
In the "source" document, they mentioned a "parent night" during which parents learn basic nutrition to help support their children's subsequent efforts.
Without parental support, this type of lifestyle change may be limited in the long run.
DaMoKi
Reply