Community Organization: Gordon F. Kells High School in Caryle, SK
Program/Event: Fitness Club
Success Story: Submitted by: Krystal Fehrenbach, Community Education Liason
“Fitness club is not about elite athletes and those who are in fantastic shape but more about pushing each other to be the best they can be. Every workout we do can be adapted to meet anyone’s fitness level. Fitness club has become a huge part of the teacher who runs the program’s life and he has built up a tremendous relationship with the kids who come. At fitness club we are more than just teacher and students, we are a club and we work together to bring out the best in each other.
The Teen Challenge Fitness Club at Gordon F. Kells High School in Carlyle, SK started in January 2016. The intent was to provide students with the opportunity to be involved in physical activity 4 days a week from 7:45am – 8:30 am.
This Fitness club, open to all students and staff, promoted physical and lifelong fitness, as well as healthy body weight, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. The ParticipACTION Teen Challenge grant helped our club get more equipment which allows for more variety in workouts. There were consistently 8 students to show up every morning and at times we have had as many as 15.
The instructor stated, “I don’t do fitness club for the acknowledgment, or the praise from people about how it’s so good for the kids. I do it because I am passionate about fitness and I want to promote and share my knowledge to anyone who is willing.” The kids that come to fitness club not only thrive in physical fitness, and sport but in academics as well. Their character and dedication is clearly evident in the classroom as well.
Feedback received from parents about how much their kids love fitness club and how much it has improved their child’s activities outside of school, whether it be air cadets, chores around the house, or sports.”
The ParticipACTION Teen Challenge is breaking down the barriers that prevent teens from getting active. Working with community organizations we provide the support that teens need to find an activity that motivates them to get moving.
If you are part of a community organization, recreational facility, or a school that provides teens with the grounds, facilities, equipment, instructors, expertise or leadership to support a physical activity program, we want you to be part of the ParticipACTION Teen Challenge. Please register here to join the program and you will be eligible to apply for a Teen Physical Activity Grant – funds that can be used to get teens moving in innovative and motivating ways.
