Earlier this month, MSU Extension hosted the Friend's Day Camp; a camp that focuses on health, nutrition and keeping kids active.
The major goals of the camp, according to Suzanne Pish, Extension Educator, are to teach kids that physical activity can be fun and affordable and you don't have to go to the gym to stay active. They also learn about nutrition, 4-H and being a good friend.
The camp relies heavily on the support of the community, volunteers and grants to keep growing but this year they were able to hire summer help to assist with the program. They utilize youth assistants, many of who are past participants in the camps. When they are too old for the camp, and not old enough to become a counselor, they can still participate as volunteers and Pish says that's one of the most positive experiences from the camp. "We've had participants who have gone from campers, to volunteers, to counselors. It's great to see their willingness to come back."
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The coordinators of the camp are always trying to top the previous year, and this year the campers were given the opportunity to visit the MSU Gardens. Pish says, "For many it was their first experience on a college campus."
The program also has scholarship opportunities for those that can't afford it, "We don't ask questions, we just offer the scholarship."
Source: Suzanne Pish, Extenstion Educator
Writer: Allison Monroe, Innovation News Editor
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