The Lifetime Activities Program at the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences is now offering a variety of fall classes for children and parents, along with new classes for adults.

The Lifetime Activities Program at the West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences is now offering a variety of fall classes for children and parents, along with new classes for adults.

Children will be all smiles as they take part in this WVU Healthy Kids Club activities sponsored by the Lifetime Activities Program. Fall classes will begin on Aug. 31 and run through Dec. 5. Parents are encouraged to register their children before the first day of class for each session. A registration form is available at www.lifetimeactivities.org.

Classes involve land- or water-based activities for infants, babies, toddlers, preschool and school-age children, and are designed to promote active learning and healthy living.

“These activities will provide socialization opportunities and playful learning in a safe, developmentally appropriate environment,” said Michelle Jeffrey, program coordinator. “This is a great opportunity for children of all ages to have fun this fall while learning healthy life skills. We encourage parents to sign their children up today due to class-size limitations.”

Children can participate in various motor stimulation classes or splash-and-play pool activities available through the Lifetime Activities Program. Family Splash offers an opportunity for parents and their children ages six months to five years to enjoy water-based exercise. This 45-minute class allows children and at least one adult partner to enjoy water play while increasing body movement and muscle coordination with the goal of beginning a lifelong habit of healthy activity. Children experience unstructured pool playtime to interact with others while gaining social skills.

“This class provides a great way for parents to spend time with children while socializing with other adults in the class,” Jeffrey said.

Classes meet Saturdays from 11-11:45 a.m. through Sept. 12-Dec. 5 in Elizabeth Moore Hall pool on the downtown campus.

WiiFit Club
A new class called WiiFit Club is geared toward family members of all ages. The 30-minute class features the popular Nintendo’s Wii interactive computer game to help users get in shape. Participants will compete against other players to earn high scores while getting a workout without going to a gym. Monthly prizes are awarded for top scores and the most time accumulated.

Beginning Aug. 31, classes will meet in Natatorium behind the Coliseum in room 206 on Mondays-Fridays from 4-8 p.m. Fee charges are based on the number of sessions attended – 10 sessions for 30 minutes each are $30 or 25 sessions for 30 minutes each are $50. To make an appointment, call 304-293-0856.

Aqua fitness instructor workshop, noon swim
Another recently added class is an aqua fitness instructor workshop created for ages 18-adult where students will learn how to instruct aqua aerobics. This four-hour workshop provides practical training that includes the theoretical framework, content knowledge, and practical experiences in teaching aquatic fitness classes in a group setting.

Students will learn the principles of exercise science and movement analysis as applied to aquatic exercise programs; principles and methods of training in the aquatic environment; how to design and lead aquatic exercise in a diverse group setting utilizing proper equipment, environment, music, personal limitations, and modifications.

The class meets in room 276 of the WVU Coliseum and the WVU Natatorium on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The cost is $50.00

Downtown recreational swimmers now have an option to sign up for a noon swim at E. Moore Hall Pool on the downtown campus. The session is open to the public, students, faculty and staff. Identification cards will be issued and required to swim. Swimmers must bring a towel and swim suit. The session will be held through Sept. 14-Nov. 20 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon-1 p.m. The fee is $50 and a physician’s health approval is required.

After-school program, more
WVU Healthy Kids Club is now available at Easton and Woodburn Elementary Schools with an after-school program specially designed for pre-school and kindergarten through fourth grade. The after-school program provides a healthy snack, physical activity, as well as homework help. Students will stay at school without being bussed to another location.

Students can register part- or full-time. After-school staff has direct contact with each child’s teacher to discuss details related to the students.

The after-school program runs on the same schedule as county schools; it does not meet when the county observes two-hour early dismissal days. The program is closed on school holidays and snow days. The program starts Aug. 26 through June 9 and meets Mondays through Fridays, 3 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Other WVU Health Kids Club classes offered include Baby Skills (6 months to almost walking); Young Walkers (12 months to 24 months); Toddler Skills (24-36 months); Kinder Skills (ages 3-5); Baby Splash (6 months to 2 years); Toddler Splash (ages 2-3); Kinder Splash (ages 3-5); Kids Swim (ages 4-6 and 7-11).

Discounts are available for siblings, multiple weeks and if children bring a buddy. For registration information and a full schedule of classes, visit www.lifetimeactivities.org, or contact Jeffrey at 304-293-0857, or michelle.jeffrey@mail.wvu.edu.

WVU Healthy Kids Club Celebrations
For those who want to celebrate something special, schools, parents and groups can book a WVU Healthy Kids Club Celebration to celebrate birthdays, milestones, accomplishments, or life in general.

Groups of up to 25 children spend two hours in the gym or pool at E. Moore Hall and enjoy age-appropriate games, songs and activities. Invitations, play leaders, lifeguards, trained teachers, a group photo and party favors are included. Special attention will be given to the party child. Pool parties are for children ages 1-11 while play parties are for children ages 1-5.

“WVU Healthy Kids Club Celebrations are a wonderful, special activity for children and families to enjoy together,” Jeffrey said. “The kids have a great time at the celebrations, and they book up fast.”

To register and for specific class times, costs and locations, contact Jeffrey at 304-293-0857, or michelle.jeffrey@mail.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

kc/8/28/09

Contacts:
Kimberly Cameon
College of Physical Education and Sport Sciences
Office: (304) 293-0827