March 18, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Sonia Cruz
Associate Vice President of Program Services
Camp Fire USA
Telephone: 816-285-2024
E-mail:sonia.cruz@campfireusa.org
CAMP FIRE USA PARTNERS WITH METLIFE FOUNDATION FOR YOUTH HEALTH INITIATIVE
Kansas City, MO - Camp Fire USA, one of the nation's leading youth development organizations, has announced a new partnership with MetLife Foundation to address obesity and lack of physical activity among young people in diverse, underserved communities. Through the new MetLife Foundation-Camp Fire USA Hold Onto Health Initiative, Camp Fire USA will develop a new health curriculum in English and Spanish, pilot the curriculum in 10 local areas and share best practices throughout the organization.
The ten councils selected through a national competition to pilot the initiative are:
Camp Fire USA Oakland East Bay Council (Oakland, Calif.)
Camp Fire USA Southwest Louisiana Council (Lake Charles, La.)
Camp Fire USA Baltimore Expansion Project (Baltimore, Md.)
Camp Fire USA Minnesota Council (St. Paul, Minn.)
Camp Fire USA North Central Montana Council (Great Falls, Mont.)
Camp Fire USA Midlands Council (Omaha, Nebr.)
Camp Fire USA Green Country Council (Tulsa, Okla.)
Camp Fire USA Balcones Council (Austin, Tex.)
Camp Fire USA Central Puget Sound Council (Seattle, Wash.)
Camp Fire USA Snohomish Council (Everett, Wash.)
The Councils will use MetLife Foundation funding to develop or expand programs that address lifestyle changes, including the importance of physical exercise, good nutrition, access to healthy foods and health-enhancing behaviors. The program will be implemented in Out-of-School Time settings, including after-school, Saturday, drop-in and summer programs, including day and resident camps.
"Camp Fire has been a valued partner in increasing out-of-school opportunities for young people," said Sibyl Jacobson, president of MetLife Foundation. "We are pleased to expand this partnership to provide diverse young people with information and opportunities to lead healthier lives."
Camp Fire USA
Camp Fire USA is one of the nation's leading nonprofit youth development organizations, serving thousands of participants each year. Founded in 1910, Camp Fire provides all-inclusive, coeducational programs in hundreds of communities across the United States. By design, Camp Fire's programs, which include small group experiences, after-school programs, camping and environmental education, child care, and service-learning, build confidence in younger children and provide hands-on, youth-driven leadership experiences for youth. For more information about Camp Fire USA, visit www.campfireusa.org.
MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife in 1976 to carry on its longstanding tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement Grants support health, education, civic and cultural programs. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.