Our Approach
Mission Statement
The ICT Board of Directors and Staff will soon be announcing an updated vision and mission.
Fitness
We are committed to introducing kids to fitness in a fun, enjoyable way. By exposing children to fitness in an exciting, non-competitive setting we can help them embrace fitness as a habit - for life.
We have always known the importance of getting kids moving. Now, there is proof, results of a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention support physical activity. "When children participate in physical activity for at least 60 minutes daily, multiple health benefits accrue.”
The research shows that physical movement affects the brains' physiology by increasing cerebral capillary growth, blood flow, oxygenation, production of neurotrophins, growth of nerve cells in the hippocampus (center of learning and memory), neurotransmitter levels, development of nerve connections, density of neural network, and brain tissue volume.
These changes are associated with: improved attention span, improved information processing, storage, and retrieval, enhanced coping, enhanced positive attitude and reduced sensation of cravings and pain.
Extracurricular physical activity studies indicate positive effects on academic performance, grade point average, verbal and conceptual skills, decreased high school dropout rates.
Nutrition
Good fitness and good nutrition go hand in hand. Without the development of healthy nutritional choices, real fitness is not possible. Learning about healthy choices must begin early in a child’s life and be continually reinforced as the child grows and develops.
To help young children begin to recognize good nutritional choices, we have incorporated large, graphical targets into our activity stations. Each target is a vibrant work of art that depicts a different healthy food or beverage choice. The targets stand 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide. We reinforce these images by giving each child a piece of fresh fruit and water at the end of each session.
Families are encouraged to support healthy food and snack choices with their children in their daily lives. With the help of Lynda Enright, MS, RD, LD, we have developed a booklet emphasizing appropriate nutritional choices for an active lifestyle before, during and after physical activity and, advice on fast food, breakfast and snack choices and maintaining healthy weight. This booklet is distributed to program participants annually. Download our Nutrition Guide
In addition, we have created videos on healthy snacking and drink ideas for kids, check them out!
Watch Healthy Snacking Ideas for Kids Video
Watch Healthy Drink Ideas for Kids Video
