Project are more engaged and excited about their time to play . She says because they listen to the kids and incorporate their ideas and needs into the program ( for example , yoga classes fi ll up immediately ), it has become a successful model in the 10 schools it currently serves .
At White oaks , a new program will launch this summer in response to these issues , geared for kids ages 10-14 . Incorporating his background in coaching , community recreation , physical education , youth programming and experiential learning , Adrian Petrachenko has developed a camp program , which , he says , will address issues that face kids who are often on the “ cusp of disengagement .”
The White oaks Project will focus on physical activity , self-expression , leadership and social awareness .
“ We ’ re excited to support and collaborate with our youth participants as we engage in fun and meaningful activity that explores these areas and promotes personal growth .
When : The program launched in 2010 in five elementary schools in Niagara .
Why : The goal of the program is to promote engagement , inclusion , positive interactions and physically active play during recess . Because children are not getting enough daily physical activity , and because bullying , boredom and social confl ict are high on the playground , Project Recess hopes to solve some of these issues and contribute to children ’ s overall health and well being .
L . E . A . D - White oaks Youth Camp
We want kids to grow from the time they start on Monday to the time they leave on Friday ,” notes Mr . Petrachenko , who says the camp will be held mostly outdoors to combat growing “ nature defi cit disorder .”
“ Youth are increasingly sedentary and as they spend more time indoors , they ’ re unable to connect with their natural surroundings , which minimizes their opportunities to develop healthy and positive relationships with physical activity and the outdoors ,” he says . “ At White oaks , we ’ re very lucky to be surrounded by the beauty of the Niagara escarpment and Niagara-on-the-Lake . Time spent outside helps de-stress and create a connection to this bigger world - not to social media , but to something bigger in the world .”
he also believes that fi tness plays a key role because , while there has been an increase in competitive sports , there is a lack of recreational opportunities . “ We want youth to be mindful of their personal wellness . By providing various active pursuits through L . e . A . D ., youth will learn to set goals for themselves and personalize an active journey related to health and fi tness that is realistic for their lives . My intention is to create a program that empowers youth to lead a balanced , healthy and active lifestyle .”
KATHRYN KORCHOK
KAThRYN IS A joURNALIST AND FeATUReS WRITeR Who hAS BeeN PUBLISheD IN MAjoR NeWSPAPeRS AND MAGAZINeS IN CANADA AND The U . S . She IS ALSo AN ARTISAN AND DeSIGNeR WITh heR oWN LINe oF CoNTeMPoRARY ART jeWeLRY . YoU CAN ReACh heR AT KAThRYN . KoRChoK @ GMAIL . CoM
Who : Adrian Petrachenko , Camp Director / Developer and Director of experiential Learning at White oaks .
What : All-day program for youth ages 10-14 , focusing on four key components :
-Active/ Wellness including yoga , spinning , Zumba , box fit , circuits , obstacle courses ; and “ backyard ” games like bocce ball . expression through art forms including dance , acting , fashion , drum circles , music , graffiti , painting , photography , food .
-Leadership including team building , experiential learning , communication , developing and identifying leadership roles .
-Social Awareness / Personal Development . Creative workshops will examine stress , social media , bullying , esteem .
When : Launches this summer , weekly through july and August 2016 .
Where : The Club at White oaks , with indoor and outdoor activities ( 80 percent outdoors at White oaks and nearby recreational and conservation areas .)
Why : The Camp was created to provide more opportunities for youth in the community in a positive environment . Its theme - “ Play with a Purpose ” - is designed to establish goals and objectives relating to social and leadership skills , and incorporates activities that appeal to youth , with original programming that focuses on living a healthy , balanced lifestyle connecting mind , body and soul .
spring 2016 | wo magazine | 35