BET Sponsors Summer Camp to Promote Healthy Living

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Following the highly successful 2005 Healthy BET Fitness Challenge, a vigorous 12-week fitness program that encouraged African-American women to adopt healthier lifestyles; the BET Foundation in partnership with BET kicks off the next phase of its fitness initiatives -“Summer Camp For Girls.” The special summer camp program hopes to raise awareness of obesity and the related health issues that impact African-American girls in an exclusive one-week program at Camp Shane located in Ferndale, New York.

The “Summer Camp For Girls” takes place August 21 - 27, and is set specifically for Camp Shane because of its nearly 40 years of experience in uniquely tailored programs for weight loss and health education. The BET Foundation created this special camp as an innovative weight reduction and nutrition-based program for African American girls ages 10 - 12 from low to moderate-income families. The purpose is to provide young girls with the vital information and tools necessary to aid them in making healthy lifestyle choices, and to serve as a “health” advocate for their family and peers. The camp curriculum will provide simple nutrition strategies; instill positive leadership and decision-making skills; and provide a fun-filled, memorable camp experience.

Campers will be selected based on essays their parent/guardian submit expressing why they should participate in the one-week fitness program and how the experience will influence a healthier lifestyle. The deadline for essay submission is July 20, and both a parent/guardian and doctor’s approval are required for participation. Interested parents/guardians can log onto http://www.bet.com/Health/AHealthyBET for more information.

Lending her expertise and assistance during the one-week camp program is renowned Hollywood fitness expert and Healthy BET spokesperson Jeanette Jenkins. Jenkins will be on hand to assist the girls in identifying unhealthy eating habits and demonstrating fun and easy exercises for them to participate in. “I’m excited to be a part of a program specifically targeted to educating young African American girls about the dangers of obesity-related problems in a fun way,” said Jenkins. “With the right information and motivation, I believe they will be able to achieve a healthier lifestyle and set realistic weight loss goals.”

The BET Foundation remains steadfast in raising public awareness about the prevalence of obesity and associated health problems among African Americans. In partnership with General Mills brands Honey Nut Cheerios(R) and Chex Cereals(R), the BET Foundation leverages a variety of components such as public service announcements, seminars, a dedicated toll-free hotline and website, brochures, and a national weight-loss competition to educate the public on healthy living. “The Summer Camp For Girls program is just one of the BET Foundation’s grassroots-based efforts dedicated to educating the African-American community on the devastating effects of obesity,” stated Lynda Dorman, executive director of the BET Foundation. “We hope that through these various efforts, we can help people achieve healthy lifestyles and motivate communities to be open to positive change.”

Via PRNewswire

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