According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, “Hispanic children were 1.8 times more likely to be overweight as non- Hispanic white children.”  The University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program (NEP) partnered with Esperanza Latino Center, a new organization focused on advocating and providing recourses to the Hispanic families of the Northern Kentucky and surrounding areas, Northern Kentucky University (NKU), and Foundation for Ohio River Education (FORE), to address this issue through a two day summer camp.

El Campamento de Verano focused on a wholesome life experience for 19 Hispanic youth from Boone and Kenton Counties ages 8-12. The students spent a full day at the Boone County Extension Service Environment and Nature Center learning about both natural life and their personal life. With the help of a NKU professor and leader at FORE, students were able to sample water from the pond and look through a microscope to discover the importance of algae and plankton. Through this process, NEP Bilingual Program Assistant led the group on nature hikes explaining the importance of exercising outside. One student commented, “This is my first hike ever.” The students’ curiosity was visibly growing as their eyes widened while they were walking through the woods. Throughout the day, the NEP assistant also presented the importance of MyPlate in the students’ everyday diet decisions.  

In addition to expanding the students’ science curiosity of nature, according to pre/post Nutrition Education Program surveys: 89% of students improved their abilities to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations or gain knowledge and 47% improved their physical activity practices or gained knowledge to do so.

https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=70

4. c) Summary of the Number of Practices Improved Within Clusters of Questions 3rd - 5th Grade

Diet Quality practices of program participants improved as indicated by the following:

89% (8 of 9) children and youth improve 1 or more knowledge or skill(s) necessary to choose foods consistent with Federal Dietary Guideline recommendations.
44% (4 of 9) children and youth improve 2 or more knowledge or skill(s) necessary to choose foods consistent with Federal Dietary Guideline recommendations.
 22% (2 of 9) children and youth improve 3 or more knowledge or skill(s) necessary to choose foods consistent with Federal Dietary Guideline recommendations.

Physical Activity practices of program participants improved as indicated by the following:

22% (2 of 9) children and youth improve 1 or more knowledge, skill(s), or behavior necessary to improve their physical activity practices
11% (1 of 9) children and youth improve 2 or more knowledge, skill(s), or behavior necessary to improve their physical activity practices
 0% (0 of 9) children and youth improve 3 or more knowledge, skill(s), or behavior necessary to improve their physical activity practices

Total program participants improved as indicated by the following:

100% (9 of 9) children and youth in grades 3-5 improve in one or more core area.

3. d) Improvement by Cluster of Behavior - 6th - 8th Grade

Diet Quality practices of program participants improved as indicated by the following:

60% (6 of 10) improved in their responses to: Yesterday, how many vegetables?
 40% (4 of 10) improved in their responses to: Yesterday, how many fruits?

Physical Activity practices of program participants improved as indicated by the following:

60% (6 of 10) improved in their responses to: How may days active at least 1 hour?

 

4. d) Summary of the Number of Practices Improved Within Clusters of Questions 6th - 8th Grade

Diet Quality practices of program participants improved as indicated by the following:

90% (9 of 10) youth adopt and practice 1 or more food selection behavior(s) consistent with Federal Dietary Guideline recommendations.
 30% (3 of 10) youth adopt and practice 2 or more food selection behavior(s) consistent with Federal Dietary Guideline recommendations.

Physical Activity practices of program participants improved as indicated by the following:

70% (7 of 10) youth adopt or improve 1 or more habit(s) or behaviors related to physical activity.
20% (2 of 10) youth adopt or improve 2 or more habit(s) or behaviors related to physical activity.
 10% (1 of 10) youth adopt or improve 3 or more habit(s) or behaviors related to physical activity.

Total program participants improved as indicated by the following:

90% (9 of 10) youth in grades 6-8 improve in one or more core area.

5. Summary of Improvement for All Children and Youth

Diet Quality

89% (17 of 19) Children and youth improve their abilities to choose foods according to Federal Dietary Recommendations or gain knowledge.

Physical Activity

47% (9 of 19) Children and youth improve their physical activity practices or gain knowledge.