B'N Fit Summer Camp Program
To combat the rising rates of obesity in America’s youth, late last summer the B’N Fit Program, hosted its first camp aimed to change the lifestyles, and ultimately the lives, of overweight teens.
With the generous financial support of Philips Electronics of North America, the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, in conjunction with the Jewish Community Center, donated space at the Henry Kaufman Campground in Staten Island and provided transportation, food, beverages and energetic staff to run the activities at the day camp. Montefiore’s Child Life Program, Nursing Administration and Public Relations Offices enhanced the camp experience by their generous donations of caps, pedometers, tote bags and backpacks for the campers.
"While the equation for weight loss is simple — expend more energy than you take in — changing unhealthy habits isn’t quite that easy, especially for teens that are constantly surrounded by pressure from peers and society to make unhealthy choices," said Rachel Siegel, LMSW, social worker for B’N Fit, a nutrition and fitness program developed by the Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics. "Teens, in particular, need a safe environment where it’s 'ok' to test healthy behaviors. This increases the chance that they will continue doing so at home or school."
For one week, the B’N Fit summer camp gave 21 Bronx teens that chance. They enjoyed experiencing new calorie-burning activities, including boating, swimming and other sports, bonding with nature and new friends — and even enjoyed the healthful foods and sugar-free beverages that were planned by Alexandra Salazar, the B’N Fit nutritionist.
Since camp, most of the teens have returned to the regular B’N Fit program activities, have increased their physical activity and continue to eat some of their new favorite healthful snacks and beverages.
"Our mission was accomplished and we exceeded our expectation for our first summer camp," commented Jessica Rieder, MD, director of B’N Fit. "We’re already looking forward to a longer summer program next year."
