So, what are we going to do about childhood obesity? This is a very sensitive, but important topic to discuss, and more importantly address. High blood pressure, diabetes, and various other health ailments are affecting our youth -- cutting the opportunity of living healthy lives shorter than desired.
I am the Founder and Executive Director of World Wide Community, a youth centered organization I established in 2006 for the benefit of students in elementary, middle, and high school to experience various sports, athletic and academic challenges, in a positive and motivational environment. I expanded my vision in 2010 and started "Camp Fit"; a 13 week program designed to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic by challenging kids in the area of mind, body, and spirit.
Children have entered the Camp Fit program 60, 70, and even 100+ pounds overweight. For me, the icing on the cake was when a certain child was contemplating suicide because of the disgust and lack of self-esteem they had in themselves because of their current weight condition. Their self-loathing was palpable. My heart broke for this child. At that moment, I knew something had to be done and had to be done now.
There are countless reality TV programs that are watched by millions of people each day. Our Camp Fit show will not be more of the same. Instead we will challenge youth to break the couch potato cycle by explaining and encouraging them to focus on their fitness and wellbeing. We will show them what can be.
Camp Fit will create opportunities for young people to get in shape while competing to achieve their goals and win a grand prize, with no eliminations. Sort of like a Biggest Loser show for Kids! A program unlike any other because not only do you have kids getting fit, but you have parents learning how to support their children to live healthier lives -- all while facing the reality of the day to day challenges the kids, parents, and even the trainer's face. Thirty minutes of nonstop excitement and progress! What more could you ask for?
You see at "Camp Fit" -- Winners Can't Lose... all the participants will get to compete to achieve their goals. The winner will receive a grand prize of a $1,000 shopping spree to celebrate and reward their achievement; and enjoy a trip with a friend and their parent/guardian at a major amusement park! The judging criteria for the participants in the Camp Fit: Winners Can't Lose Series will include their relative weight loss, and the team work, and attitude they exhibit. To find out more go to our Campfit.tv website. All Camp Fit participants receive personal and group training, nutritional education, and life coaching to support their self-esteem and their ability to sustain a healthier outlook.
Ironically, First Lady Michelle Obama is hosting a contest to see who can create the most creative video in support of the fight against childhood obesity, which is right up Camp Fit's alley! You can view and vote for our video here.
You can vote everyday up until the deadline of May 10, 2012, so vote now and often!
I am a true believer that things happen for a reason and I cannot imagine any of the pieces falling together more perfectly then sitting down with the First Lady of the United states of America to discuss tackling "childhood obesity."
So, please support our mission by voting and tuning in on May 7, 2012 at 7:30pm at www.Campfit.tv to watch the world premiere of our series "Camp Fit: Winners Can't Lose".
It would be nice to see some hard evidence attesting to the effectiveness of you work.
www.daddingdudes.com
The NAAFA Child Advocacy Toolkit shows how Health At Every Size® takes the focus off weight and directs it to healthful eating and enjoyable movement. It addresses the bullying, building positive self-image and eliminating stigmatization of large children. Additionally, the CATK lists resources available to parents and educators or caregivers for educational materials, curriculum and programming that is beneficial for all children. It can be found at:
http://issuu.com/naafa/docs/naafa_childadvocacy2011combined_v04?viewMode=magazine&mode=embed
It is my hope that you will take this opportunity to look at the information held in the CATK and keep what is included in mind when making decisions regarding the children in your charge.