KidSTRONG

In 2009-2010 school year we will increase physical activity, provide engaging activities related to nutrition and health, and implement recreational applications that inspire self confidence, friendship and integrity in the hearts of all children involved through a new initiative called KidSTRONG (Kids Stronger Through Recreational Opportunities & Nutritional Guidance). During existing out-of-school time programs, preschool, elementary, middle school students will participate in weekly programming throughout the year that increases physical activity, expose youth to new recreational opportunities and teach youth and their families how to make healthy lifestyle choices. The KidSTRONG initiative is the result of a collaborative with Eagle County Schools and Vail Valley Medical Center, and the Colorado Health Foundation working together to identify needs and identify ways to fill the needs for local youth. 

During the first phase of this program, we are focusing on programming during out-of-school times, with a long term goal of establishing a coordinated approach with the schools, families, nonprofits, local government and community. CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health), a highly researched and evidence-based program provides the curricular foundation for the KidSTRONG programs. CATCH evaluation tools are utilized for pre and post surveys among all participants at all levels of programming. 

Through the KidSTRONG programs, participants are exposed to a variety of physical fitness opportunities and encouraged to try new things.  Participants might be playing soccer and learning agility skills one day, playing fun fitness games and learning about nutritional habits another day, and learning the concentration of tae kwon do and increasing their flexibility, or gaining life skills through the game of golf yet another day. The fitness opportunities are endless!