For two days last March, 50 fourth- through sixth-grade girls tried new physical activities and games in an empowering environment at UNCG. They were part of the inaugural Active Girls–Healthy Girls Spring Break Camp, held by UNCG’s Center for Women’s Health and Wellness in the School of Health and Human Sciences.
A sponsorship by the Dawn S. Chaney Foundation enabled the camp to be free for them. The camp was led by female faculty, alumni, students, and instructors.
Dr. Sandra Shultz, the center’s director, said educating this age group on the importance of exercise – while still making it enjoyable – is crucial. “Girls’ physical activity declines in late childhood and early adolescence, such that only 15% meet the recommended physical activity guidelines by the time they reach 12 years of age,” she said. Graduate research assistant Maslyn Behler noted the girls became more outgoing in the all-female environment as they tried new things. They also learned how to calm their body and mind, make food choices, practice mindfulness, and more.
By Sarah Newell, HHS