April 1, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 13 SCHOOLS & CAMPS Obesity in children has reached epidemic proportions, and experts agree that children are not overweight just because they are eating too much. They are overweight because they are not physically active. A summer experience at camp is the perfect prescription for keeping children active and healthy. “It is more important than ever for our youth to be physically active when they are not in school,” stated Marla Coleman, president of the American Camping Association. “In the camp community, children and youth participate in healthy activities that contribute to the growth of healthy habits.” Camps, because they are rooted in experiential learning, provide opportunities for children to exercise and stay physically fit that are not available in school—and are certainly not available watching TV or playing video games. “Going to camp changed everything for me. I lost weight, I feel good about myself, and I don’t want to sit on the couch all the time. I can’t wait to go again next summer,” said Brandon, an 11-year-old camper from Indiana. According to the American Obesity Association, 35 percent of parents rated their children’s school programs for teaching good patterns of eating and physical activity to prevent obesity as less than optimal. In a recent survey conducted by the AOA, 70 percent of parents believe that time for recess and physical education should not be reduced or eliminated; the reality is that many school districts are Camp: A perfect prescription for healthy, active kids paring their programs to make more time for academics. “Active children are rarely obese children,” Coleman continued. “The healthy eating habits and appreciation for physical activity learned at camp are lessons that are learned for a lifetime.” Find the camp of your choice by registering early. The American Camping Association can help families find an ACA-accredited camp that serves almost any interest, ability, budget, age, and personal schedule. Visit www. ACAcamps.org to access the widely used Online Camp Database. The annually published Guide to ACA-Accredited Camps is also available, or parents can speak to an ACA representative for advice on finding the right camp by calling 800-428-CAMP (2267). The American Camp Association works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACA-accredited camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. Come have Fun at Green Twig this Summer! #1 BASEBALL CAMP IN AMERICA Mahwah. Campers 7-17. Select one or more weeks June 22 thru Aug. 9. Overnight, Day Camp or Extended Day Camp. Major League Stars. College coaches. A/C dorm and campers lounge. Batting cages, indoor BASEBALL CAMPpool. All-you-can-eat meals. Free COACHES AND YOUTH video games. Daily instruction LEADERS and games. Ramapo College Call about our money HEAD BASEBALL COACH making program Rich Martin, Director. Located on the beautiful campus SINCE 1961 OVER 24,000 ALUMNI of Ramapo College of N.J. in 2 yr. 9 mos. to Kindergarten Learn the fundamentals of sewing so you too can be a designer. Does Your Child Want to Be a Designer? REGISTER FOR 1 WEEK AT A TIME 9:30 to 1:00 Different Theme Each Week! Wet & Wild Days! Lots of Neat Crafts! Needlecraft School Virginia Fawcett ALL STAR Classes for Children 4 to 18 Enrollment is Ongoing. Register Now for Summer Camp. 216 Godwin Ave, Midland Park • 201-444-2976 Teaching Children and Adults Sewing and Designing Skills for Over 30 Years... U.S.S. Green Twig Green Twig School 30 PATERSON AVE., MIDLAND PARK 201-445-0747 CALL TODAY FOR A FREE BROCHURE 1-800-828-7414 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.ALLSTARBASEBALLCAMP .COM 4-1-09 Joan/Janine AllStarBaseballCamp2x2.5 2 x 2.5”