Kids Run the World SHP

Abstract

The Boys & Girls Club services children ages 6 to 18 with programs and activities that emphasize development strategies (BGCA, n.d.). It provides role models, a safe environment, and constructive activities that focus on overall health. The club depends heavily on community engagement in the form of donors, partnerships, and volunteers (BGCA, n.d.). Our local club provided programs focusing on financial responsibility, leadership, and mental health, but lacked development of physical health practices. Kids Run the World comprised various activities to promote physical health in adolescents. This program is led by college level volunteers that worked with elementary and middle school-aged children to show them fun and safe ways to exercise. Before implementation of the program, research was completed to understand the dynamics of the local Boys & Girls Club. This research included how to be an effective role model and successes of similar programs. This is when “Kid Run the World” was established and put into action. After volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club throughout the duration of our project, we have observed increased physical activity levels and overall morale when group members and athletes are there leading activities. This was successful because of consistent attendance and positive interactions with the children. We learned we needed to have a youthful perspective and engage the kids with exercises they found familiar. Despite COVID-19, our group continues to make efforts to engage youth through our organization on campus, Kids Run the World. The Boys & Girls Club has many underserved children, and this has provided our group with a unique platform that has benefited both us and the children through increased physical activity levels and community involvement.