When they see the Tumble Tots staff arrive to cover the floor with rainbow colored mats the kids can’t wait to exercise. Each week kids from 8-14 yrs participate in a unique program that combines exercise, nutrition classes, and self esteem building activities. Push-ups, tuck jumps, and pikes are all exercises the kids are now familiar with thanks to Tumble Tots’ instructors who combine aerobics, gymnastics, and strengthening for an hours work out. The group is divided into two groups. “The Fruits”, attend nutrition classes taught by a Cameron County Extension Educator, and the other group, “Vegetables” works with a counselor on issues of self-esteem.

“I love this. I want to be healthy”, says Paulette, age 10. The goal of the program is to help kids and their families to be healthy. 83% of the youth participating are obese.
We are also working with the parents through an education program. Each week moms meet to learn about various health topics and then participate in a nutrition class.
The parents and children are able to work together to put in to practice what they have learned in order to have a healthier life style. This year long program addresses the growing problem of obesity in children and is funded by The Daughters of Charity Foundation.