Exercise Trend is Becoming Habitual in Recreation Departments

The world is continually learning more about health and exercise as understanding continues to develop. Most people know the basics - eat right and exercise - but many do not understand it; and even more do not attempt to follow good habits. Recreation centers around the nation, though, are trying to help with this by implementing it into the fundamental activities they host.

The Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department has been focusing on children's health for years. Head Director of Fort Kent Recreation and Parks, Ann Beaulieu, says, "It's always been a major focus of the department."

See admits that the trend appears to be going in that direction, saying, "The major focus nationwide has been outdoor physical activity."

Melissa Michaud, the Program Director at the Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department, believes that Fort Kent is actually ahead of the pack, because of the approach they take concerning exercise.

"I think a lot of recreation departments really focus on more of the sport aspect, instead of the exercise aspect. Like teaching children about jogging and running, and the fact that they don't always have to have a ball in their hand or at their feet to exercise," noted Michaud. She went on to explain that some children do not feel comfortable playing sports, and Fort Kent tries to promote the fact that they do not have to be athletic to exercise.

Additionally, she notes that the Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department focuses on the nutrition of the children in their programs as well.

"I think the one thing that we've really tried to encourage children to do, is to start with eating healthy, because obesity is such a large problem in our country, and our goal was to let them know that they can avoid it. We ask them to bring healthy snacks, such as crackers, vegetables, and fruits. In the past, we have done enrichment programs based on healthy eating."

All of their programs focus on exercise as Beaulieu notes, but two of them are more geared towards health than others.

Michaud says, "This summer we started a new program called rope skipping, and we also did the walking club for girls, which were the two clubs that really focused on exercise instead of a sport."

These programs have stood out from the others in their first years of implementation. Michaud says, "I think our exercise programs were very successful this summer...I saw a lot of enthusiasm from the children, and they seemed like they were really enjoying what they were doing."

Two students who excelled this summer in the exercise-specific programs were Amanda Devaney and Shantelle Rioux. Both won awards in the Girls Walking Club for walking over 30 miles a piece. As an incentive to exercise, the Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department offered gift certificates to each girl for their extraordinary efforts.

Devaney looks back on the Girls Walking Club, saying, "It was good exercise because we walked a long ways, and that made it fun and tiring."

Michaud made sure to note, "I'd really congratulate Amanda and Shantelle."

Wishing to recognize all achievers, Michaud explained that the department also offered certificates to all club members individually upon walking over 15 miles.

Possible the most important factor is that the parents have noticed the positive impact of the Girls Walking Club as well.

Michaud explained, "Some parents have told me that they really thought the Walking Club was a great idea, because not only did it encourage exercise, but it gave the girls someone to walk with.

Overall, it is the children who will be the deciding factor of success of this new movement towards exercise among recreation departments. Beaulieu pointed out, "The kids in all of our programs have really been super-positive this year!"

She mentioned that the attendance levels are up this year, as an indication that the programs have been successful and the children have enjoyed them.

While the focus of these programs is on the children, the leaders also reap the benefits. Beaulieu says, "The leaders are active in the program, so they're getting the same benefits as the children."

Clearly, the Fort Kent Recreation and Parks Department is trying to reach out to the whole community, and this year they have been very successful. In the end, their goal is to encourage the children that they can do it on their own.

Michaud says, "The big thing is that they learned ways to exercise on their own at home. I think that's the biggest thing that they took away from it."