BET Summer Camp for Girls Returns to Alabama

The fourth annual BET Summer Camp for Girls, sponsored by the BET Foundation (BETF) and General Mills, will be held July 20 - 27 at the 4-H Center in Columbiana, AL.

This year, up to 150 girls, ages 10 to 12, will be selected for an all-expense-paid trip to the program.

Winners will be chosen based on a 150-word essay (submitted by parents or legal guardians via www.AHEALTHYBET.com or by mail) that describes why they should be chosen to attend and how their family will make healthier living a top priority.

The seven-day program includes daily nutrition seminars, healthy snack demonstrations, dance, sports, swimming, arts and crafts, canoeing, fashion and talent show, hiking and self-esteem workshops.

Urban Regional Extension Agents from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System will serve as activity leaders , conduct healthy lifestyle style and nutrition educational programs. Students from the University of Alabama-Birmingham and Alabama State University will teach sports and serve as counselors.

Alabama, according to the Kids Count 2007 report, sits in the bottom third of states for childhood obesity rates. Between 34 and 38 percent of Alabama children ages 10 to 17 are overweight or obese.

BETF established the Summer Camp for Girls in 2005 to address such staggering statistics of childhood obesity. The organization promotes healthier lifestyles among youth through health literacy, nutrition, fitness, positive thinking and accountability. The goal of the summer camp is to help black girls make healthier lifestyle choices while understanding the behaviors that can lead to obesity and related diseases in adulthood.

11-year-old Michae’ Jones of Houston, Texas has made significant lifestyle changes since attending last year’s camp.

“I am more active. Now I love jumping rope, running and cheerleading! I have lost 20 more pounds since camp!”

She attributes her success to her camp experience.

“I just used what I learned in camp and changed what I ate, and became more active.”

Contest dates are May 1 through June 6. For official rules and to enter, please log onto www.ahealthybet.com or www.BET.com.

For more information, contact the BET Foundation at 202-608-2804 or Urban Regional Extension Agent Rosalind James at 334-794-4108.

Posted by dreynold at April 30, 2008 09:04 AM | TrackBack