Pittsburg Community Schools blog

Aimed at providing students the opportunity for physical fitness activities during summer break, Pittsburg Community Schools USD 250 this year relaunched the Youth Wellness Camp for third, fourth and fifth-grade students.

Conducted at Pittsburg Community Middle School from June 2 to 22, the YWC combines a variety of fitness activities in the school's two gymnasiums with enrichment sessions in the classroom. The purpose of the camp is to teach students about the importance of health and wellness while also giving them the chance to "get the blood flowing."

"Physical activity is very important for everyone, especially kids this age," Sharon Sisk, YWC coordinator, said. "We may be on summer break, but we still need to provide these opportunities for exercise and fun. We want the kids to keep their bodies and minds active during the summer."

The camp begins with breakfast at 8 a.m. Activities begin at 8:30 a.m., and the camp concludes with lunch with at noon. The YWC is funded by a grant from the United States Department of Education’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.

"We had camps like this in the past, but the money ran out," Sisk said. "When we were awarded the 21st Century grant, the YWC was one of the programs we felt was important to bring back."

Approximately 80 students signed up for the camp.

Kylie Smith, who is preparing to enter 5th grade at Lakeside Elementary School, said she enjoys the morning exercise.

"I like being here because it's fun, and it gives me a good reason to get out of bed during the summer," she said. "I look forward to coming to camp every day. Plus, I like being around my friends."