Village of Hempstead Launches Fitness Camp for Kids

Village of Hempstead, New York (June 12, 2015) – As part of a new initiative to fight childhood obesity, Village of Hempstead Mayor Wayne J. Hall Sr. announced a new partnership with celebrity fitness expert Cara Castronuova to bring Camp Kid Warrior, a fun fitness camp for children and teens 8–16 years old, to the Village of Hempstead. Mayor Hall’s goals include not only reducing the rate of obesity and teaching children about the value of proper exercise and nutrition, but also involving the parents of the community in a comprehensive outreach effort. The camp’s primary goal is to teach children about fitness and nutrition. Additionally, the camp offers an exciting boxing and martial arts program.

“With the rate of obesity on the rise, it is essential for tomorrow’s generation to learn how to maintain active, healthy lifestyles,” said Mayor Wayne J. Hall Sr. “According to the CDC, more than one third of American children are obese and suffer from the health ailments caused by obesity. That’s why we’re also giving parents the opportunity to get involved. It’s not solely about exercise; it’s also about nutrition and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.”

Campers will have the opportunity to learn workout routines directly from camp director Cara Castronuova and her qualified staff. There will also be celebrity guest trainers such as current female boxing world champion Keisher “Fire” McLeod-Wells, former Miss New York and figure skating champion Stephanie Jill Chernick, and award-winning Hempstead Police Department officer Robert Van Wyen. Campers will participate in two fitness classes per day, three recreational activities per day and one nutritional or empowerment class per day. Parents are encouraged to get involved by joining campers in learning how to shop for affordable healthy snacks. Each camper will receive a grocery store gift card and a specific grocery list at the beginning of the camp with suggested healthy meals and snacks. To promote nutritional accountability, each camper will prepare a lunch and snack from the approved list every day.

The camp costs $500 and runs for five weeks between July 6 and August 7, 2015. Campers must have their own transportation, and registration is on a first come first serve basis. The first four weeks will focus on fun fitness and nutritional activities such as dances, talent competitions, cook-offs and capture the flag, while the last week will focus on field trips as a reward for all the children’s hard work. Prospective campers may apply for a need-based scholarship by emailing changelives@knockoutobesityfoundation.org or calling (844) 227-2348.

“Learning how to maintain a healthy lifestyle is important for all children, no matter their weight or social status,” added Mayor Hall. “The children and teenagers in this program will learn how to fight for their health, and the lessons they learn will stay with them for their entire lives.”

For more information, please call the Incorporated Village of Hempstead at 516.489.3400 or visit the website at www.villageofhempstead.org.