@Work

HPER opens its doors to area kids for a first-time look at a university campus

By Ryan Piurek

If you think that the facilities at IU campuses lie in a semi-hibernated state during the summer season, take a look at this program, administered by Keith Chapin (above), an associate professor in the IUB Department of Kinesiology and administrator of a National Youth Sports Program for children from Monroe County and surrounding areas that continues through Aug. 1. The School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation has opened its doors and its resources to approximately 200 children for an enrichment program that addresses both physical and mental development, an introduction to the opportunities a university campus holds and, additionally, some plain old summer fun.

For many campers, the experience is their first look at a university environment and a first chance to become acquainted with the career and educational opportunities a university provides.

Hundreds of disadvantaged youth are taking over the playing fields, tracks, gyms, pools and classrooms at IU Bloomington until Aug. 1 as part of a National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) hosted by the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER).

The program is for at-risk boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 16 who are from Monroe County and the surrounding area. Since the program began on June 23, the children have participated -- at no cost -- in a number of physical and educational activities geared toward improving their physical fitness, engaging them in competition and encouraging them to develop healthy lifestyles. Activities include swimming, softball, soccer, judo, tennis and track and field, as well as classes on proper nutrition, social skills, career development and drug and alcohol prevention.

For many of these children, it is their first experience in a university environment and a first chance to become acquainted with the career and educational opportunities a university provides.

"What we're doing here is bringing kids to IU and trying to make the university friendlier to them," said Keith Chapin, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology at HPER and the program's administrator. "We're also giving these kids opportunities that they wouldn't be getting if they were at home, unsupervised, all day long. It's a structured program with athletic and educational opportunities that fits with the mission of the NYSP and recognizes the importance of addressing both physical and mental development in children."

Chapin praised the program for bringing the university and the surrounding community together. Chapin and his staff of about 40 have worked closely with university officials, local businesses, community educators, school corporations, health-care providers and transit operators to serve the 150-200 kids who arrive at HPER each morning. Children are transported to and from the camp, receive snacks and a nutritional lunch, and participate in a busy schedule of morning and afternoon activities. On Friday mornings, they hear lectures by IU coaches and athletes.

The NYSP was founded in 1968 through efforts of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sport. http://www.nyscorp.org/nysp_overview.htm

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