02/17/2010: "Teaching Kids About Living A Healthy Life Outdoors"

Childhood obesity in the U.S. is at a record high, but Ground-Breaking Research in Partnership with San Juan Island Park and Recreation District has resulted in a report by the Säjai® Foundation, Penn State University and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), that states” if we give children the chance to learn about living healthier lives, they can turn things around.”

Through NRPA grants to 49 communities, the Säjai Foundation delivered its Wise Kids® programs to more than 3,000 children in summer 2009 recreation programs.

The San Juan Island Park and Recreation District was one of the participating partners running Wise Kids Outdoors at Camp Eagle Rock.

According to Recreation Director Sally Thomsen, Wise Kids Outdoors opened the eyes of many children and adults to a better way of living. Thomsen says of the program, “Through Wise Kids Outdoors we were able to foster kids’ interest in healthy eating and living an active lifestyle, setting the foundation for a healthier future.”

Wise Kids and Wise Kids Outdoors are programs designed to teach children ages 6 to 11 about healthy living and to encourage them to be actively involved in the outdoors. Penn State University worked with the Foundation to analyze data from pre- and post-program surveys, showing what the children learned and what attitudes and behaviors changed.

Among the findings:

• After participating in the Wise Kids program, children ate breakfast and healthy snacks more often and spent more time in physical activity and less time with screens (computers, TVs, video games).
• Those who participated in Wise Kids Outdoors were more likely to recycle, spend time outdoors with their families, and choose healthy snacks.
• 85% of participants said they were interested in learning more about healthy living and the outdoors at the end of the programs.
• Children ages 8 and younger were the most eager learners, with 57.5% saying they wanted to learn more about healthy eating and activity at the end of the program vs. 44% of those ages 9-12. This indicates that the younger a child is reached, the more open they are to learning about health and nature.

As a result of the study, the Säjai Foundation will continue to work with community partners to expand its Wise Kids programs. Efforts include identifying potential funding sources and the addition of a 2010 scholarship program to assist up to 30 agencies showing significant need.

About the Säjai Foundation:
The Säjai Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching children why to value and how to live a healthier life by encouraging them to experience the outdoors, to be active and to make smart nutrition decisions.

About the San Juan Island Park and Recreation District:
Island Rec is a park and recreation district on San Juan Island operating community parks and year-round recreation programs. Camp Eagle Rock is a summer-long day camp operated by Island Rec.