Running, jumping, balancing, laughing, dancing, & squealing.
For hours on end, we watched ordinary kids turn into daring ninjas. Conquering fears as they tackled obstacles. This was the adventure that was H.E.R.E. 4 Carthage Year 1.
H.E.R.E. (healthy eating, regular exercise) 4 Carthage is a 3 year grant funded collaborative program geared towards growing a healthier community.
During year 1 we took our mission into Carthage R-9 schools. A ninja warrior course was designed and built. Programming was developed and schedules were put in place. We were able to visit all 9 Carthage schools in some capacity. The general line up included teaching kids about resting and active heart rates, leading them through a warm-up, running the warrior course, talking to them about encouraging others, serving them a healthy snack and infused water, educating on how much sugar is in common drinks, and finally a cool down yoga routine.
The whole event was impactful for them and us (we had a great team of volunteers). Kids still say “aren’t you the ninja warrior course lady?” or “do you remember me from the ninja warrior course?” when I see them in schools or out in the community and the answer is always YES! I am the ninja warrior course lady, and yes, I remember all the smiling, healthy, happy faces I saw. They were all amazing and it was such a great opportunity to work with them.
The highlight for the kids was usually the warrior course, but most of them also loved the fruit and yogurt parfaits. Make your own version at home by layering vanilla greek yogurt, sliced strawberries, and topped with honey granola. It’s a great snack, breakfast, or even dessert. Switch out the fruits and add chopped nuts for more options.
We threw the kids a bit of a curve ball with our cucumber and lemon infused water, but we still had a lot more like it than not. Students were encouraged to try their own versions at home. They came up with ideas for flavors like strawberry kiwi, or pineapple mango. To give infusing a try at home simply slice some fruit and put it in a pitcher or glass of water. Let it set/infuse for 0 – 12 hours. When it reaches the flavor you like, remove the fruit and store it in the fridge. It’s a delicious and refreshing take on water. Herbs and spices can also kick it up a notch.
Read more about H.E.R.E. 4 Carthage, check out the pictures from our Ninja Warrior events, and keep up to date on upcoming events at facebook.com/here4carthage. Reach out with ideas or suggestions at [email protected] or give us a call at (417)438-9970. And, stay tuned for more articles about our upcoming projects!
