
Sure, summer offers kids more opportunities to be glued to their smartphones. But it doesn't have to.
Health First, Brevard's community healthcare system, is dedicated to improving the wellness and health of Brevard. With one of the county's needs identified as reducing the incidence of obesity and overweight in children, the Integrated Delivery Network (IDN) is working to provide resources to support this mission.
As part of the Community Benefit Partnerships, Health First has offered financial support to various programs, including summer camps. Among these offerings:
- City of Melbourne Parks and Recreation: Summer camps are offered for kids ages 6 to 12 at both Wickham Park and Lipscomb Park, as well as a camp for teens at the Eau Gallie Civic Center. Nearly 200 children are expected to participate. A four-week Family BeFit program will be integrated, which includes games, physical activities and nutrition lessons.
- My Community Cares: Summer camp is held for children ages 12 to 15 at Gardendale Center on Merritt Island. Nearly 100 are expected to take part in the eight-week PLUG (Party, Learn, Understand, Grow) summer camp, which includes a fitness and nutrition instructor.
- Space Coast Youth Multi-Sports: Held at Nance Park in Indialantic, nearly 80 kids are anticipated to take part in the four-week-long camps for ages 7 to 18. Lifesaving skills, swimming and ocean safety will be taught, as well as CPR and first aid instruction.
- Brevard County Parks and Recreation: Health First will be supporting the eight-week Summer Fit Challenge, which encourages campers throughout the county to track their physical activity using pedometers, supplied by the IDN. The goal? Improving youngsters' cardiovascular health and muscle strength.
|