The Department of Recreational Sports and Wellness has begun it Rec Kids and Rec Stars after school programs to combat obesity in children and increase their academic performance.
“As a culture, we have to create avenues to address the growing childhood obesity epidemic as well as the lack of physical education in many schools,” said Amy Oberschmidt, the Rec Kids program coordinator. ” We think that the after school program meets these needs underneath the umbrella of creating an maintaining positive self-esteem.”
The programs offer classes that include physical activities, nutrition education, study time and tutoring services. However, individual tutoring is not yet available.  The two programs are very similar, but differ slightly in the age groups they cater to and specific services. Rec Kids is designed for children aged three to eight. Rec Stars is for older kids (aged 9-13) and includes a pre and post fitness assessment and is also is more physically intensive.
The program is also beneficial for Southeastern’s student and the campus in general.
“Meeting the needs of Southeastern students and community is paramount to Recreational Sports and Wellness,” said Dollie Hebert Crouch, director of Recreational Sports and Wellness. “And it’s never too early to expose youth to the exciting world of Southeastern Louisiana University.”
The program also caters to Southeastern student teachers needing field experience and intern hours can participate in the program or nontraditional students needing childcare. The student staff includes personal trainers, education majors and Camp Rec counselors that are trained in first aid and CPR.
Registration of the programs for one child costs $20 and two or more siblings can register for $40. After registration, classes cost $5 per hour and run 2:20-5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information or to register, contact Oberschmidt at amyo@selu.edu or call (985) 549-5738.