Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gary Takacs, CPRP
Healthy and active programs for children have a pivotal role in today’s recreation industry. The child-obesity rates reflect a lack of understanding, interest, or opportunity in living a healthier lifestyle. It is imperative to reach out to children at their most influential stage in life and provide them with accurate information. When lifelong health and well-being are at stake, this type of healthy lifestyle is both an obligation and a commitment.
Last year, the Lynchburg Parks & Recreation Fairview Center in Virginia hosted its first “Fairview eXtreme” summer camp, which focused on creative thinking and experiential learning. Participants were challenged by numerous activities daily, some of which came as a surprise even to the staff. Campers hit the ski slopes at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre on Candler’s Mountain, navigated across swinging suspension bridges on the Creekside Trail, and reached new heights at an indoor climbing wall!
At another event—Olympic Day—campers were joined by NFL cornerback and Lynchburg native Chris Cook as well as two Lynchburg Hillcats baseball players who discussed the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and athleticism. Campers competed in various events on an “Olympic-based” stage, while being cheered on by the athletes. While this may seem only a small perk, it was a thrill for the campers to get that close to a professional athlete.