Spotlight On: Brooklyn Park, MN
Brooklyn Park, located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, is the sixth largest city in the state of Minnesota. This Minneapolis suburb inhabits over 17,000 acres with a population of 73,000. In 2009, the kids at Brooklyn Park’s Zanewood Recreation Center learned all about Energy Balance through the Wise Kids programs. Not only did they participate in Wise Kids, but they went on to do Wise Kids Two and then began Wise Kids Outdoors in March 2010. They are the first organization in the country to do all three programs back-to-back.
According to Zanewood’s Program Coordinator Jeremy Penkert, the Wise Kids family of programs does a great job of breaking down the information and showing kids ways to improve their health daily. Penkert says, “Wise Kids programs are a great way to educate youth about healthy lifestyles and teach children how to take care of the environment.”
While doing the Wise Kids lessons, “(the) kids really enjoyed the use of the pedometers for different activities. They thought it was amazing to see how many steps they take just walking to and from the bus stop. It really was an eye-opening experience for all who participated in this activity.” But they didn’t stop there; the staff at Zanewood went above and beyond by making up their own games to supplement the kit materials. Penkert explains, “One activity that comes to mind that the kids loved was a game of ‘Healthy Jeopardy.’ We used this game to engage the participants and review the concepts of Wise Kids 1 and 2.”
The transition from Wise Kids to Wise Kids Two and then to the missions of Wise Kids Outdoors was very simple. After reviewing the Energy Balance concept, the kids got down to the business of learning about Serving Size, Water, Muscles, and Bones in Wise Kids Two. By the time the Minnesota weather started to show early signs of spring, the kids were ready for their first outdoor mission from Wise Kids Outdoors, where both kids and staff enjoyed the change of pace and scenery. Penkert adds, “I feel that the participants and staff have enjoyed the Wise Kids Outdoors program the most. The kids enjoy getting dirty and feel more engaged from the activities of Wise Kids Outdoors. They also feel a great sense of responsibility to take care of the parks and playgrounds in which they play in every day.”
Zanewood Recreation Center—another great group taking active steps to create Healthier Kids, Healthier Communities, and a Healthier World!
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