Oceanside CA— Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside (BGCO) has received a $25,000 grant from Rite Aid Foundation KidsCents to support the Wellness Warriors program.
Now in its fourth year, Wellness Warriors runs year-round and is designed to provide youth with the tools they need to make healthy lifestyle choices. This unique health and wellness program incorporates classroom curriculum, outdoor fitness activities and challenges, nutrition and cooking activities as well as suicide prevention.
According to the California Department of Education, 31% of youth in San Diego County are overweight and will face lifelong health issues if their lifestyle patterns are not changed. The Wellness Warriors program aims to actively engage our youth in taking control of their own physical and emotional well-being.
Many BGCO members struggle with food insecurity and rely on a healthy snack and supper at the Club each day. Our youth need the nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and healthy cooking curriculum that this program provides. Grant funds from Rite Aid Foundation KidCents will be used to purchase healthy food for cooking demonstrations, exercise equipment and transportation for field trips.
One such amazing field trip has been the collaboration with Dr. Edward Taub, a pediatrician from Orange County, who offers a “Voyage to Wellness” program for 11-18 year old members. The “Voyage to Wellness” program allows our youth to take a trip on the Curlew, Dr. Taub’s Schooner, in Dana Point. On the voyage, they learn about wellness, nutrition, stress reduction and even some boating basics.
“We are so grateful to have a partner like the Rite Aid Foundation for providing us with the funds to support our commitment to health and wellness,” said Jodi Diamond, CEO. “Thanks to the Rite Aid Foundation Fund, we are able to provide our youth with the resources they need to grow into strong, healthy adults, both mentally and physically.”
For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside please contact Tanasa Slovin at TSlovin@BGCOceanside.org, call (760) 433-8920, and visit our website BGCOceanside.org or Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BGCOside.