Posted: 6/10/2015
Register now for June, July sessions
Childhood obesity continues to be a major problem in the United States today, and lack of physical activity and nutrition knowledge often are major culprits. With summer vacation providing even more time for snacking and watching television, it’s important that young people find better options.
That’s where Camp CHAMPS steps in. CHAMPS, which stands for Choosing Healthy Activities, Meals and Positive Self-Esteem, is an annual event of Parkland Health & Hospital System in partnership with organizations such as the Dallas Independent School District, Salvation Army and several area churches. It is open to children ages 7 to 16 and is a great way for girls and boys to learn about positive and healthy habits – all in a fun and entertaining way.
“Camp CHAMPS is all about helping kids learn healthy behaviors,” said Jeff Howard, Parkland community development specialist. “Camp CHAMPS helps kids understand what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. And they learn through a lot of different activities, games and exercise, so it’s a lot of fun, as well. You can never start too early to teach kids about making good choices.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the incidence of childhood obesity has doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years. The percentage of children aged 6 – 11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7 percent in 1980 to nearly 18 percent in 2012. And, the percentage of adolescents aged 12 – 19 years who were obese increased from 5 percent to nearly 21 percent over the same period.
Camp CHAMPS brings in Parkland physicians, educators, social workers and dietitians to provide the valuable educational activities and services. During the four-day camp, each day is dedicated to teaching a different element of a healthy lifestyle. The campers rotate through four classes that focus on health, nutrition, self-esteem and physical exercise. In addition to the fun and educational portion of the camp, children also will be screened and evaluated by physicians and nurses for any previously undetected conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or high Body Mass Index (BMI), as well as high blood pressure.
“When Camp CHAMPS shares such wonderful information and they do the medical tests for children, it makes a huge impact on the staff, the children and the parents,” said Edward Franklin, executive director of Voice of Hope, a faith-based non-profit organization in West Dallas.
Voice of Hope has been one of the camp sites each year since Camp CHAMPS was started in 2010.
“When you have the opportunity to interact with quality professionals from Parkland who are concerned about the health of our children, you jump at it,” Franklin said, adding that he sees the increased excitement and enthusiasm for healthy food and exercise in his own three children who have attended Camp CHAMPS.
The enthusiasm extends to the community, as Voice of Hope provides fresh fruits and vegetables weekly to West Dallas residents. The organization also has a community garden that helps educate children about growing their own healthy food.
Each day’s activities at Camp CHAMPS are structured to give the program a camp-like atmosphere and last from 8 a.m. to noon. The program is offered at no cost thanks to a generous grant from the Children’s Health Fund, an organization dedicated to providing healthcare for the most medically underserved children in the country. All classes are offered in both English and Spanish.
“Parents are encouraged to attend with their children,” Howard said. “Parental involvement increases the likelihood that children will incorporate the changes into their lifestyle.”
This year the camps will be held:
- June 15 – 19 at Gospel Lighthouse Church, 5525 W. Illinois Ave., Dallas, 75211
- June 29 – July 2 at Santa Clara Regional Community Center, 321 Calumet Ave., Dallas, 75211
- July 6 – 9 at Tony Shotwell Life Center, 2750 Graham St., Grand Prairie, 75050
- July 13 – 16 Voice of Hope, 4120 Gentry Drive, Dallas, 75212
- July 2 – 23 at Salvation Army, Pleasant Grove, 8341 Elam Road, Dallas, 75217
For more information or to pre-register, contact Jeff Howard at 214.266.1120 or Jeffrey.Howard@phhs.org. See a detailed list of Camp CHAMP times and locations at www.parklandhospital.com/calendar.