by Heather Wood

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.  It is a great time to renew your commitment to a healthy, active lifestyle.  According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report, youths need 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day where they live, learn, and play.  In addition to physical health benefits, regular activity provides cognitive health benefits as well.  Research shows that when children are physically active, they achieve higher grades, better school attendance, and their behavior improves.  Put simply, active kids do better.

Kernersville Parks and Recreation knows it is still May and school is not out yet for the summer, but it is not too early to start planning your schedule for June, July, and August.  This year, we encourage you to make sure your summer calendar is filled with fun activities you can do outdoors.

Kernersville Parks and Recreation just launched their new Summer Leisure Guide that provides exciting class descriptions and details for programs scheduled to run from May to August 2015 as well as athletics and special events, including Independence Day activities and the Movies in the Park Series at Harmon Park.  Summer classes begin May 4 and run through August 31.

The Leisure Guide details all programs and classes in adult and youth athletics, arts and crafts, exercise, fitness, dance, drama, and personal development.  It also includes events and lists the amenities of many of the beautiful parks in Kernersville.  For a full list of all of our offerings, visit our website at www.toknc.com/pr or pick up a 2015 Summer Leisure Guide at our Community Recreation Center (125 E. Bodenhamer), Town Hall, Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, and several local businesses.

Last month, Kernersville Parks and Recreation launched our Movies in the Park Summer Series in Harmon Park.  Join us this month on Friday, May 15 for our featured presentation, Big Hero 6.  Robotics prodigy Hiro (Ryan Potter) lives in the city of San Fransokyo.  Next to his older brother, Tadashi, Hiro’s closest companion is Baymax, a robot whose sole purpose is to take care of people.  When a devastating turn of events throws Hiro into the middle of a dangerous plot, he transforms Baymax and his other friends into a band of high-tech heroes.  All movies begin at dusk.  Arrive early for games, food, and giveaways in the park.

The mission of Movies in the Park is to help foster a sense of community and enjoyment in Kernersville by bringing people together to enjoy a movie in a unique setting.  Since its inception, we have always believed that Movies in the Park should be free and open to everyone.  We are grateful to all of our sponsors because without their generosity, Movies in the Park would not be possible.  If you are interested in participating in Movies in the Park, either as a donor or volunteer, please contact us at www.toknc.com/pr.

This month, KPRD will be enjoying lots of fun in the sun with the Kernersville YMCA!  We invite you to splish & splash with us for the Community Day at the Pool event on Saturday, May 23, from 12-7:30pm.  This is the perfect chance for you and your family to check out the pool scene in Kernersville, as there is no admission fee to attend this event.

Next month KPRD’s 8-week Summer Camp will kick-off with a week of Ocean Discoveries and a trip to the Greensboro Science Center!

Summer Camps are open for ages 6-12 and weekly themes include:

June 15-19: Ocean Discovery |
Greensboro Science Center

June 22-26:  Fun To Be Fit | Jump N’ Fun

July 6-10:  Blast From The Past | Greensboro History Museum & Pow Wow

July 13-17:  Splish Spectacular | Emerald Pointe

July 20-24:  Amazing Race | Skateworld &
Greensboro Ice House

July 27-31:  Sports Center | Winston-Salem Dash

August 3-7:  Animal Planet | NC Zoo

August 10-14:  Mad Scientist | Airbound Trampoline Park

Specialty Camps:

LB3 Lacrosse Camp Boys & Girls

Junior’s Summer Tennis Camp

Drama Kids Summer Camp

LoCoMotion with Mad Science

Red Hot Robots with Mad Science

Field Hockey Pre-Season Clinic

Summer Basketball Camps

Our summer camp and specialty camps can be one of the most rewarding, unforgettable experiences in a child’s life.  Our camps provide children with a community of caring mentors who provide experiential education that leads to self-respect and appreciation for life.  All of the outcomes—friendships, overcoming challenges, staying healthy, and building character— prepare them for bigger, brighter lives down the road.  In addition to great friendships and enduring memories, many important life skills are learned at camp.  Here are six reasons kids should go to camp:  try new things, develop social skills, face challenges and learn the value of hard work, build character, exercise, and foster independence.  KPRD has many options to choose from varying in age, interest, or skill level.  Register now at www.toknc.com/pr and get your kids moving this summer!