February 26, 2009 Issue
Lees-McRae Invites Children to Kidz Zone at Rec Center
Free Program Takes Place Every Monday and Friday
Brother and sister Nate and Tala Estus, ages 11 and 8, scale the climbing wall at a recent Kidz Zone event at Lees-McRae College. Nate and Tala are members of the Lees-McRae College Pebble Climbers Climbing Team along with 10 other children in fourth through eighth grades. Photos by Allison Norris
Heavy snowfalls, blustery winds and cold temperatures tend to drive everyone indoors during Banner Elk winters, and for children, that means being cooped up inside bursting with unspent energy. To help area kids exercise and stay healthy, the Office of Campus Recreation started a new program called Kidz Zone this semester.
Every Monday and Friday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., kids ages 6 to 13 are invited to Lees-McRae’s new Carol and Glenn Arthur Student Recreation Complex. Campus Recreation staff and Lees-McRae volunteers lead children in active sports and activities, including a climbing wall, basketball, kickball, dodge ball, hula hoping, crafts and more. Kidz Zone is completely free.
“We started this program after seeing a definite need for community recreational programs in the area and after a ton of snow [kept] kids inside and full of energy,” said Danielle Usedom, director of Campus Recreation. “A main goal for the Campus Recreation program is to get more people into a healthier lifestyle by staying active.”
However, Kidz Zone is not a daycare, and parents or guardians are expected to supervise their children. Parents can relax on the bleachers and socialize, walk around the gym or participate in activities.
“We ask the parents to stay and help watch over their children, but most of them seem to enjoy the time to talk with other parents and play with their kids,” Usedom said.
How long can you hula hoop? Eight-year-old Sam Zivan shows off his skills at Kidz Zone, hula-hooping for more than 13 minutes straight.
Campus Recreation receives help with Kidz Zone from campus groups such as Delta Zeta Nu, Beta Omega Kappa, Delta Omicron Theta, the Bonner Leaders Program and the Optimist International Club.
More than 40 children have participated in the program since it began earlier this month.
“The event has gone great so far! We have received tons of feedback from happy families and kids and have been able to schedule other special events in our Carol and Glenn Arthur Student Recreation Complex from all of our contact with the community,” Usedom said.
Children participating in Kidz Zone should wear comfortable play clothes and gym shoes. Avoid black-soled shoes that will mark the floor. Kidz Zone will continue every Monday and Friday through mid-May.
For more information about Kidz Zone, call the Campus Recreation office at 828-898-8848.
Want To Go?
Date: Every Monday and Friday
Time: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Lees-McRae Student Recreation Center, Banner Elk
Cost: Free
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