First Kid Fit Camp a success

By Jen Horton
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Oct 6, 2008 - 7:48:02am

Five children between the ages of 11 and 14 lost 116 pounds in 12 weeks. It sounds like the basis of a reality show. But these weren't Hollywood kids; they are five West Volusia children who spent 12 weeks this summer changing their lives for the better.

Premier Rehab completed its first Kid Fit Camp in September. Kid Fit Camp was designed to help young folks learn about healthful lifestyles, and how to make positive and permanent changes in their exercise and eating habits.

Personal trainer Charles Paiva worked with the children during the camp.

"We started in June and had a weigh-in," Paiva said. "Taylor, 11, weighed in at 197; Janet, 12, was 224.5; Matt, 13, weighed 171; Kayla, 14, weighed in at 253; and Cheyenne, 12, weighed 194."

At the end of the 12 weeks, he said, the differences were amazing, and they weren't just physical: The children had more energy, a better sense of self-worth, better self-images, and positive foundations for a healthy lifestyle.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, based on a 2003-06 study, 16.3 percent of children ages 2-19 are obese — their weight is above the 95th percentile of the body-mass index for age-growth charts.

That's about four children out of 25, or about four children in most classrooms.

Premier Rehab based its trial on five children.

For eight weeks, the children learned about nutrition and exercise at Premier Rehab. The best part, according to Paiva, was that each child continued the lessons when he or she went home. The last four weeks of the program were self-monitored. Premier Rehab gave the children tools to change their lives, and the children embraced those changes.

"They did incredible," Paiva said. "The happiest part was, they continued the program on their own. They made lifestyle changes."

"There was a huge difference in their self-esteem. They dressed differently, acted differently; it was just amazing," he said. "All of them have so much more energy."

The program was intense. The children had to create menus, prepare food, review fast-food menus for more healthful selections, and learn about exercise. Kid Fit Camp wasn't a diet program; it was a lifestyle program.

And, Paiva said, they made it fun.

"Every Friday for the eight weeks of the program, we had a weigh-in. The participant that lost the greatest percentage of body weight received a $25 gift certificate to Wal-Mart," he said. "Every Wednesday, we had a fitness challenge. The winner of the fitness challenge won either a gift certificate or savings bond from a local business."

The prizes were donated by the community.

"The top overall winner received a Nintendo Wii with the fitness bundle and numerous sports games, along with $300 in Visa gift cards. The second-place participant received $200 in Visa gift cards," Paiva said. "The third-place participant received $100."

Paiva said more Kid Fit Camps will probably be scheduled, but because of the intense time commitment, these may be limited to a summer program. Premier Rehab's gym is open to youngsters year-round for fitness training.

"It's the first time we tried this precise program," he said. "This was a good reinforcement."

The camp cost is $460 per week per child; through fundraising, the cost was reduced to $30 a week for four of the children, and $100 a week for one child.

Paiva said fundraising efforts will continue, in an effort to be able to offer the camp to any children who need it.

Sponsors of this Fit Camp session included Winn-Dixie, Riverside Bank, Teresa Apgar, A Crooked Stem Florist, Health Foods for Life, Fogleman Studio, Bill and Frank’s Brickhouse Grill, Subway, DeLand Bakery, Mainstreet Grill, Super Duper Inc., and All-American Advertising.

For more information about Kid Fit Camp, call Paiva at (386) 736-3108.

— jen@beacononlinenews.com

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