Summer FUN at the Poe Center’s Healthy Habits Camp!
Kate Jablonski, Nutrition Intern
As summer comes to an end and school is about to start, we wanted to highlight the exciting summer activities we held at the Poe Center. Each year we host Healthy Habits Camp! The Poe Center provides two sessions of the summer camp, which is offered to rising 1st through rising 5th grade students. Each day at camp includes breakfast, lunch, and one (1) snack for each child who attends. Eligible children are able to attend this camp at no cost. Camp staff and campers had an awesome time at the 2014 Camp. Read below to find out what fun and healthy activities we included in this year’s camp!
Throughout Healthy Habits Camp, kids play outside on the PlayWELL Park, create exciting arts and craft projects, and participate in fun lessons and games about healthy ways to take care of their bodies. Each day of camp has a particular body system as its theme, and the activities of each day helps campers understand the system in a hands-on way. Trained and energetic staff members, interns, and volunteers act as camp counselors during the week. On the first day of each camp session, participants receive a Poe Center water bottle and sunscreen; they also get to know the Poe Center better through an entertaining scavenger hunt! During the snacktivities time, campers make creative and delicious healthy 
snacks. Participants also learn all about the MyPlate food groups and the different levels of the Physical Activity Pyramid. Additionally, campers have a chance to visit and explore the Poe and Grow Garden while learning all about plants and their needs. One day of camp is Water Day! Campers and counselors splash around and discover how to protect their skin and eyes in the hot summer sun. Throughout the week, each child has the opportunity to participate in various physical activities including yoga and obstacle courses! On the final day of camp, the campers present a brief program to parents based on what they learned that week.
Not only is this camp full of fun and adventure, it also promotes health education in a way that children can easily understand and apply to their lives. Be sure to think of us next year when selecting summer activities for your children!