Monday means back to the grind at Forever-Fit. We want to help the campers have so much fun that they don’t realize how much exercise they’re getting. Helping out around the farm is one way to do that, all while helping the farm and learning about responsibility at the same time. Today started by dividing the campers up into groups to help the garden, animals, and camp.
In the Forever-Fit garden we
grow a variety of fruits and veg. Today the campers helped prune the beds where we grow squash. Not a single time did any of the campers ask if they had to help because they all wanted to help! They all found their own place in the garden and got to work. They all understood that they were helping out the camp a great deal by working with the farmers to keep the beds tended. Some of them even made a game out of it, seeing which group could collect the most weeds.
The other groups went off to help feed the animals (including pigs and chickens) and to tend to the farm fence to keep everything clean. We’ll check in on them Wednesday.
Then we got to the meat and potatoes of the day – or should I say watermelon and cantaloupe – with a nutrition class taught by Mrs. Carol
from the Purdue Extension. Today she taught our campers about how much sugar is found in some of America’s favorite drinks. The campers were surprised with how many grams of sugar were in a small milkshake (over 48g). This information was shocking, but we hope that knowing about it inspires the campers to drink more water and less sugary beverages.
One of the most fun activities we’ve had at camp so far was today’s hip hop dance workout. The campers got to show their flow in 
this dance session which utilized dance moves that work out the core and chest. The instructor for this lesson was very charismatic and got many of the campers, even some of our more shy friends, to dance along with the heavy bass and hip hop beats.
Lunch Break: Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup:
It was absolutely delicious. For some campers, this was their first time trying tomato soup, and most of them loved it. The whole wheat bread was a healthy take on this lunchtime classic.
While we were having lunch it started to rain, but the campers didn’t let that stop them. They got right back to their activities, doing some strength training and playing tennis-baseball. With all the rain we’ve been having, the campers haven’t been discouraged. The cool drops are refreshing after a long day of exercise. It was a great Monday, and we can’t wait for the rest of the week, no matter how much rain it may bring.
Until next time,
-Jake Eiseman, Forever-Fit