In an earlier blog, I wrote about the Fit Club at Mitchell Elementary which is part of Louie's Kids - a local nonprofit that fights childhood obesity. It's a group of 14 kids that are on their way to better health thanks to this special summer "camp." I had a chance to spend last Thursday with the kids and I was blown away! These kids are so full of life and gumption! Thanks to the James Island County Park climbing wall coordinator John who brought out the climbing wall for the kids to try out. Some of them had never tried it and even though they were scared a bit, they ALL tried it. Some got halfway up the wall and some, like Stephanie, went all the way up more than once.It was so nice to see these kids continue to try! One of the campers, Curtis, kept trying so hard to get to the top knowing that even though we were in 90 degree heat, he didn't give up.

That's one of the lessons I think us, as adults, could take from them. Some of them are over 100 pounds overweight yet they embrace the chance to climb a climbing wall and try something new. Sure, they're probably a little uncomfortable in awkward harnesses or more out of breath than others, but they didn't give up. Another thing we could take from them is their power to empower -- instead of nagging or making fun of them for only making it halfway up the wall, all the kids cheer each other on and don't judge. In this job (and probably in your own job) the one thing I have noticed is that people jump to conclusions of those they don't know just by appearances -- she's too skinny, she's too fat, he's too short, he talks funny-- you get my drift -- so instead of making negative assumptions of people when you see them doing something they love or want to do, try to pick out one thing positive or cheer them on...even if you don't know them - it might even make you feel better than if you would have criticized.

These kids are amazing and I know that this wonderful program will continue in the fall, with more kids who are overweight or obese but ready to change. One of the superstar losers (that's loser in a good way) is Auja. She's eleven and quiet as a church mouse, but she has that fire inside to change and she's already lost over 11 pounds! On the climbing wall day, I didn't want to climb until all the kids had their chance, as it was winding down, I got my harness on but wanted a partner to climb with - even though Auja had already tried she wanted to do it again! We had a blast!  

Maybe from my day with the Fit Club, I learned more than they did...but I had a lot of fun doing it!!

For more on Fit Club - www.louieskids.org