Page 16 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & III • May 12, 2010 SCHOOLS & CAMPS Camp helps curb summer weight gain in children A study by Indiana University and Ohio State researchers has found that children gain more weight over the summer than during the school year. A child’s summer camp experience can provide the structure and activity needed to keep kids healthy year-round. Ohio State University sociology professor and lead author of the study Paul von Hippel said, “Our general finding -- that kids do better in a structured environment with scheduled exercise and limited opportunities to eat -- is consistent with the idea that camp can help restrain summer weight gain.” The American Camp Association® agrees that it is more important than ever for youth to be physically active when they are not in school. The camp environment is supportive of healthy lifestyles. Camp includes lots of physical activity, good nutritional choices, and a set sleep schedule, all of which play a role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing childhood obesity. For the study, researchers studied the growth rates of the body-mass indexes of 5,380 kindergartners and first graders. The university sociologists discovered that the children’s BMIs increased on average more than twice as much during summer break compared with the school year. Once kids were back in school, however, the monthly growth rate of their BMIs fell, the researchers found. According to research conducted by ACA, 63 percent of children who learn new activities at camp tend to continue engaging in these activities after they return home. These findings suggest that camp could actually help children become more active, and therefore healthier. Because they are rooted in experiential learning, camps 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. Brian Powell, a coauthor of the study and sociology professor at Indiana University, said, “Our study indicates that children’s BMI gain is much greater during the summer than during the school year, so if we are concerned about children’s health, we must find ways to enable children to participate in the types of activities in the summer that promote good health.” For more information about the American Camp Association, visit www. ACAcamps.org or www.CampParents. org Now celebrating its 100th anniversary, the American Camp Association works to preserve, promote, and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. ACAaccredited® camp programs ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities. ����������������� ��������������������� �������� Open House: May16th 11am - 1pm a dance studio in the classical tradition Ballet • Pointe • Character • Stretch Partnered Adagio • Adult Classes • Boys Class Accepting students of all levels from age 5 through adults ����������������������������� Door to Door A/C Transportation Catered Lunch Included - Heated Pools 3:1 Camper/Staff, Special Events & Trips 2010 Summer Training Program Register Now for Well Rounded Swim, Sports & Arts Program Boys & Girls - Ages 3 to 15 Full Day 9am - 4pm Mini Day 9am - 1:20pm June 28 - August 28 For information & enrollment, please visit our website: www.petrovballet.com or contact us: 201-445-4499 • Email: info@petrovballet.com 134 Hopper Ave, Waldwick, NJ 07463 Magnificent 26 Acre Campus Lake for Boating & Fishing Daily Swim Instruction 234 Conklintown Road, Ringwood, NJ 07456 973-831-9000 www.springlakedaycamp.com 4-28-10 kathy/janine PetrovBallet3x3COLOR(4-28-10) 3 x 3” Sunday, May 23rd 2-4pm 5-12-10 6-13 SpringLakeDayCampOpenHouse(5-12-10)3x3 yrs. Camp Pamacka 3-6 yrs. Y‛s Kidz Camp Karen... from Nancy • refreshments & prizes • camp activities & registration FREE! just let us know you‛re coming 201-444-5600 x339 YMCA DAY CAMP OPEN HOUSE www.ridgewoodymca.org RIDGEWOOD YMCA 112 OAK STREET