Studies show that students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, cognitive performance, and classroom behaviors. Yet only 24% of children 6 to 17 years of age participate in 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

The SNAP-Ed assistant in Christian County taught the nutrition and health curriculum ‘Teen Cuisine’, to middle school students at a 3 week summer day camp.

     Of all subjects covered which included food safety, reading food labels and nutrition, the students were most interested in learning about the importance of physical activity. During the class discussion the assistant presented a scenario in which the internet went completely down and mentioned how this might change people’s activity levels. The students were enthusiastic in their responses and inspired each other with ideas. For further inspiration, they played an energetic game of ‘activity charades’ in which they took turns acting out various exercises and activities. Many agreed that they would put limits on screen time and get more physically active.

     According to post-test responses, 98% of the teens improved in one or more core areas with 64% of them improving their physical activity practices or gaining knowledge. 47% improved how many days they were active at least one hour with 23% being very active. In addition, 89% of the teens improved their abilities to choose foods according to the Federal Dietary Guidelines, 60% used safe handling practices more often or gained knowledge and 49% improved their ability to prepare simple, nutritious, affordable foods or gained knowledge.