Youth Center children get fit

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The base school is out for spring break giving more than 50 children the opportunity to go to the Fitness Center to learn about healthy living.

Gunfighter children gathered each day at the Fitness Center and Annex March 24-27 to participate in the festivities.

"The Youth Center called us up asking if we could team up and make a week long fitness outreach program," said Staff Sgt. Carlos Morales, 366th Force Support Squadron fitness program manager. "We focused on teaching the kids the value of nutrition and exercise while having fun."

The event touched on living a healthier and more active lifestyle. The children attended a nutrition class, circuit training, a sports day with an Idaho Steelheads hockey player and a physical fitness challenge modeled after the official Air Force fitness assessment.

"They really didn't understand why their parents had to take a fitness test," said Morales. "They were able to experience what their parents do and see how important it is to be fit."

When planning these events for each day, Morales said they reached for the stars in hopes to get the Idaho Steelheads hockey players to come out and teach.

"It's great to get this opportunity to come out and show our support to the military children," said Damon Kipp, defensive player for the Idaho Steelheads. "Our goal is to show them a good time and teach them that hard work and dedication will help them become whatever they want."

The Idaho Steelheads have developed the "be hip, get fit, play hockey" program, which revolves around the local area youth.

"Our program reinforces the idea that we need to get kids active and be healthy," said Audrey Adair, account executive for the Idaho Steelheads. "What better way to show the kids then to bring a professional hockey player out?"

Adair and Kipp taught that eating right, exercising a lot, being responsible, being respectful to your peers and overall good morals is essential to succeed in life.

"This is the first year we've put this one for the children," said Morales. "We plan to make this an annual event because of how much the children loved it."