The session is part of five week programme involving 30 children, aged between eight and 17 years, from across Rotherham who are taking part in activities to help them to live healthier lifestyles.
 
The hose drill session with the Fire Service will involve the children and their parents and will see them learning how to use the hose, both with and without water.  It is a physically demanding exercise that requires teamwork and good communication aimed supporting confidence building, team work and raising aspirations of the children.
 
Keith Watts, Youth Engagement Officer at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Working with young people in our communities is important to us as we seek to improve their understanding of a range of issues, from fire safety to healthy living. Physical activities like this one can be a great tool for engaging young people, not to mention the associated health benefits. It’s an initiative we are very happy to support.”
 
The Healthy Living Day Camp combines physical activity with lifestyles sessions. The physical activity sessions are varied, fun and supportive. Over 30 different sports and activities are on offer, including swimming, gym sessions, capture the flag, Danish longball and many more.  Lifestyle sessions will involve learning about how we can become healthier, by eating right and being more physically active. Topics such as ‘what triggers us to eat’, ‘fruit tasting’, ‘reading food labels’ and many more are discussed.
 
Parents are also urged to make lifestyle changes at home to help facilitate their child’s weight loss.  They are also required to attend two family activity sessions per week, alongside their child.
 
Each child and their family will receive three months of follow on support at Carnegie Clubs from September.
 
The camp is a partnership between NHS Rotherham and DC Leisure. South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue very kindly provided the funding for two officers to run the hose drill session, which takes place on Wednesday 17th August between 4pm and 6pm.
 
For more information or to register for the 12-week Carnegie Club in September, please call Natalie Dunn, Healthy Living Programme Manager at DC Leisure 01709 722567 or e-mail: nataliedunn@dcleisure.co.uk

Ref: NHSR11-P49