Oceanside CA— Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside (BGCO) is pleased to announce that it has received a $10,300 grant from Rest Haven Children’s Fund to support their Wellness Warriors program.
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.
According to the California Department of Education, 31% of youth in San Diego County are overweight. The Wellness Warriors program works to benefit the physical health of members as well as nourish their emotional health. The after school and camp settings allow staff the freedom to create a curriculum that is impactful and engaging, while working to combat the obesity crisis.
Many BGCO members struggle with food insecurity and rely on a healthy snack and supper at the Club each day. Grant funds from Rest Haven Children’s Fund will be used to purchase healthy food for cooking demonstrations, exercise equipment and transportation for field trips.
This summer, as part of the program, Club members went on multiple trips to the Brooks Street Swim Center, local parks, and the beach. Members got plenty of exercise while at the same time, having some fun! In addition, over 60 BGCO members and staff are registered for the annual O’Side Turkey Trot held on Thanksgiving morning. Our 5^th year participating, it is always a fun event, with youth and staff running alongside each other to the finish line!
“We are so happy to have a partner like Rest Haven that shares our commitment to health and wellness,” said Jodi Diamond, CEO. “Thanks to Rest Haven Children’s Fund, we are able to provide our youth with the resources they need to grow into strong, healthy adults.”
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.