Governor's Council on Physical Fitness & Sports

Park Program In The Spotlight

Northern California Junior
Sports Camp

SILVER MEDALIST

The City of San Jose’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Northern California Junior Sports Camp (JSC) for children and youth with physical disabilities began in 1983 and was the first camp of its kind in California. The 25th annual JSC took place July 7-18, 2008 at San Jose State University. More than thirty campers, ages 5-21, experienced eighteen adapted sports, including basketball, tennis, scuba diving, kayaking, and water skiing. This camp offers a unique opportunity for children to be away from home, make new friends, become more independent, increase their fitness levels, and learn many new sports.

Aaron Fotheringham, the first athlete to perform a back flip in a wheelchair, inspired the campers with a demonstration at the nationally acclaimed Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park in San Jose, California. Afterwards, the campers were able to try wheelchair skating at the park. Other world-class wheelchair athletes, including Paralympians, serve as instructors and role models, and they motivate the youth with their accomplishments and skills.

The majority of campers return year after year, with last year’s campers averaging seven years of attendance. Some camp graduates return to serve as counselors or instructors for the younger generation. One such camper came for the first time in 2001, when she was seventeen. She had no previous camp or sports experience and was introduced to a wide array of activities. She started playing wheelchair tennis on a regular basis and recently won a tournament in Southern California. This camper returns to sports camp every summer as a counselor and instructor. She also mentors patients with new spinal cord injuries at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center’s rehabilitation department. Her experience at Junior Sports Camp changed her life, allowing her to become a healthy, active young adult who is dedicated to community service and shares her love of sports with others.

More Park Programs In The Spotlight

San Bernardino

Westside Stepper Drill Team & Drum Squad
GOLD MEDALIST If creativity is what you’re looking for in a physical activity program then the spotlight should be placed on the Westside Steppers Drill Team and Drum Squad as a prime example of an innovative, engaging and habit forming physical activity opportunity for children and youth. Established September 1, 1991, the San Bernardino Parks & Recreation has offered the Westside Steppers program to thousands of youth every ... Read More »

Fresno

The Healthy Lifestyle Fitness Camp
BRONZE MEDALIST Brief Summary/Activities: The City of Fresno’s Healthy Lifestyle Fitness Camp is a program devoted to educating youth and their families about the importance of healthy living. This free camp provides children a fun and engaging environment to learn about nutrition and physical fitness. Through education and outdoor recreational activities, the staff empowers campers to eat well and exercise regularly. Activities include: exercise, traditional and non-traditional sports, cooking ... Read More »

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