Oceanside CA— Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside (BGCO) received a $1,000 grant from Kids Run the Nation and Road Runners Club of America to support the Wellness Warriors Mileage Club and bring running to afterschool programming.
Now in its fourth year, Wellness Warriors runs year-round and is designed to provide youth with knowledge to live a healthy lifestyle. It is a dynamic program that incorporates classroom curriculum, outdoor fitness activities and challenges, and nutrition and cooking activities. The Mileage Club is a portion of this overarching program and focuses on running and promoting physical health.
Wellness Warrior Mileage Club encourages participation and self-improvement by tracking personal progress. Youth receive a one-mile certificate as well as a Wellness Warriors shirt when they reach a five mile goal. The Mileage Club covers injury prevention, emphasizes good technique and form, and begins to teach youth the concepts of goal setting.
While the main focus of this program is physical activity, it also teaches elements of nutrition and promotes healthy eating habits. It provides youth with opportunities to plan and prepare healthy snacks to fuel their bodies before a run.
“Thanks to supporters like Road Runners Club of America, we are able to offer engaging physical education in our after school programs,” said Jodi Diamond, CEO. “Running can be such a great way to connect with nature and get outside!”
Each year, BGCO members participate in the Pacific Marine Credit Union O’side Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. Thanks to Kids Run the Nation, BGCO aims to enroll 100 youth to participate in this year’s fun run.
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside please contact Hannah Moss at HMoss@BGCOceanside.org, call (760) 433-8920, and visit our website BGCOceanside.org or Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BGCOside.