SUMMER CAMP ‘BOUNCES’ INTO
GOOD HEALTH, SELF-ESTEEM AND FUN
Summer camp is a rite of passage for children, but it seldom looks
like this. Yoga, spinning classes, salsa and hip hop dancing are
on tap for middle school girls attending BOUNCE summer camp at the
University of Houston. The week-long program teaches the importance
of physical activity, healthy eating and positive body image.
“It’s our hope to change perceptions and behaviors
about eating and physical activity, so that these young girls learn
to make healthy choices,” said Norma Olvera, director of the
program and associate professor in the UH Department of Health and
Human Performance. “These are the years when the girls will
develop habits that could follow them into adulthood. We want those
habits to be good ones.”
This is the third year for BOUNCE, which stands for Behavior Opportunities
Uniting Nutrition, Counseling and Exercise. The summer camp also
features nutritionists and counselors who advise the girls on how
to create healthy eating habits and how to develop healthy attitudes
about goals, talents and body image.
While the camp is for girls, a portion of one day during the week
is devoted to their moms. The time recognizes the influence mothers
have in the nutritional choices for their families. Together, mom
and daughter learn about healthy alternatives to fatty foods, ways
to stay active…and a few new dance moves.
“It’s beautiful to see the mothers with their girls
laughing and dancing and having fun,” said Olvera. “When
they go home, they tell us they use what they’ve learned to
try to stay active and healthy.”
For more information about BOUNCE, visit http://bounce.uh.edu/.
For more information about the UH Department of Health and Human
Performance, visit www.hhp.uh.edu/.
WHAT: |
BOUNCE Summer Camp for Middle School Girls |
WHEN: |
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 23 – July 27 |
WHERE: |
UH Melcher Gym
For directions and parking information, visit www.uh.edu/campus_map/buildings/MEL.html. |
WHO: |
UH Department of Health and Human Performance |
For more information about UH visit the universitys Newsroom at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom.
|