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McGuire Fit Factor Youth Camp program concludes with smiles

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tamika Edwards
  • 305th Mission Support Group
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  An active lifestyle is not just for military members, but for family members, too. McGuire children were recently given the opportunity to get active in the McGuire Fit Factor Youth Camp programs. 

"The McGuire Fit Factor Youth Camp program was the first program of its kind in the Air Force," said program developer, Kevin Hansen, 305th Services Squadron director of youth sports and fitness. Mr. Hansen was previously assigned as the director of youth sports and fitness at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, before he came to McGuire three years ago. 

The program was developed to promote physical activity in a safe and fun setting. The mission of the program was to teach the children to live an active life, and to instill lifelong fitness, obesity prevention and skill development. 

The camp was July 2 through August 3. 

The camp was divided into two different age groups. The 6-to-9-year-old camp ran from 9 a.m. to noon and the 10-to-15-year-old camp ran from 1 to 4 p.m. 

During the five-week camp, a different sport was taught to the campers each week. 

The camp offered Fit Factor field sports, soccer, basketball, a sport camp (to develop core fitness skills), Start Smart Sports Development Camp and outdoor adventure. 

"The camp went well," Mr. Hansen said. "We averaged 50-70 children per week." 

According to Mr. Hansen, the camp counselor interns helped make the camp such a success with the children. 

"What made this camp so special and different were the interns who ran the program," Mr. Hansen said. Both were college basketball players from Emmanuel College, Ga., and were carefully hand-picked by Mr. Hansen. 

The camp seemed to be a rewarding experience for both of the college athletes turned camp interns. 

"It was a great experience to work with the children and teach them sport fundamentals, hard work and to help increase their confidence," said Ronny Weihmann, Emmanuel College senior basketball player and camp intern. "I was happy to come back and help Kevin. After all, he was my coach in Germany," he said. "It was also amazing to see what the kids could do at their age." 

Carlton Peete, also an Emmanuel College senior basketball player and camp intern, said, "I learned to work with them better, and developed patience and better teaching skills. It was a good experience, and we got an inside perspective on military life." 

The children also seemed to have a sunny outlook toward camp life with the McGuire youth center. 

Senior Airman Charles Fields, 305th Maintenance Squadron, and his wife, Sara's daughter attended the camp. "I learned a lot, and it was fun," said 8-year-old camper, Destiny Fields. Her younger sister, 5-year-old Kierra Fields said, "It was good, and they were nice." 

"I look forward to next year," said Mr. Hansen.