It is a well-known fact that many American children struggle with weight and diet-related issues. Children spend nearly 8 hours a day in front of a screen, including television, video games, tablets, computers, and smartphones. Although many parents mean well, many parents also tend to work full-time jobs which can get in the way of proper nutrition and exercise routines. For those busy parents looking for a healthy daycare alternative, there are kids camps designed with health in mind.
A Balanced Diet and Exercise
Studies show that only one out of every three children are physically active each day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least an hour of exercise per day for both children and adolescents. Many children do not have a nearby area to play; only one in every five homes has a park or recreation center within a half of a mile. Nearly 40% of daily calories for children ages two to 18 come from added sugars and solid fats, leading to an obese lifestyle for those without proper exercise.
More Fun
Summer camps are established for helping kids stay healthy and fit with fun activities. Experts suggest that children participate in muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening activities like jumping rope, climbing trees, and other camp activities three times per week. Many camps have beaches with professional lifeguards dedicated to helping kids learn how to swim; by participating in formal swimming lessons, experts suggest that the risk of drowning for children ages one to four is decreased by as much as 88%. Aside from the nutritional and health concerns addressed by children’s camps, sending your children to camp for the summer or afternoons will help them to build lifelong friendships and experiences outdoors. Get rid of the screen and give your kid the gift of the great outdoors.
