Keeping Kids Healthy

BRISTOW, OKLA. – Every year the Oklahoma Conference supports the Presidential Youth Program because physical activity is critical to our children’s health and well-being. Research shows that children with better health are in school more days, are better able to learn, have higher self-esteem and are at lower risk for developing chronic diseases. By promoting this program we hope to encourage healthier lifestyles and regular physical activity for our youth.

Although the 2018 Presidential Fitness event started out as a gray and rainy day, we pushed through and completed the testing just in time for the sun to come out and enjoy lunch and fellowship. There were 229 Adventurers, 257 Pathfinders, and with staff and guests there were approximately 560 in all. It was refreshing to hear some of the kids exclaiming that they had tested better this year compared to last year. After all the testing was complete, Oklahoma Conference Youth and Young Adult Director Daniel Ortega challenged all the pastors and directors to a half-mile race. We had a great turnout and many braved the track as they accepted the challenge. A fastest female trophy and the fastest male trophy was awarded to the winners along with a special set of Oshkosh pins for the runners up.

God’s Army Pathfinder Club made a delicious lunch with haystacks, lemonade and cookies for those who stayed and braved a little more rain. We are happy to announce that 81 participants earned the Healthy Fitness Zone Award.

By Carol Chadwick, Youth Department Administrative Assistant