"Fit Kid Club" Mentoring Program

What Is this Program About?

This project was originally started as part of the Zest Quest school-based wellness program. 

Youths at-risk for obesity are paired with a Junior or Senior Exercise Science major to act as a "Fitness Buddy" Mentor.  The child meets the mentor here on campus at the brand new, state-of-the-art Lois Rhame West Center for Health, Physical Education, and Wellness Center.  After an initial meeting and assessment, the mentor would develop an individual exercise program for for the youth and supervise all sessions.  Mentors will help the youth develop other healthy habits such as healthy snack choices and additional physical activity at home.  All mentors will be supervised by faculty in the Department of Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance.   The mentors will meet with the youths 2-3 times per week for approximately 1 hour in the after-school hours. Students receive course credit.

The program is ongoing but will now be limited to Fall Semesters only to coincide with a new laboratory course, PHED 481 Laboratory for Exercise Testing and Prescrption.

Students from the Winthrop Human Nutrition Department will provide diet analysis for the youth and nutrition counseling for the youth and his/her parent(s). 

Who is Eligible to Participate?

• Elementary and middle school-age youths in Grades 3-8 in the Rock Hill area

• Children considered at risk for obesity

• Permission from the child's doctor or other heath care provider is required (Winthrop will assist with this)

• The youth's family must provide transportation to the Winthrop campus

• See all project forms to the left on the menu