KALAHEO — Spring break provided Westside youngsters with the opportunity to learn new skills, county officials said in a recent news release. Approximately 25 middle school students signed up for a spring break sports camp offered at the Kalaheo Neighborhood
KALAHEO — Spring break provided Westside youngsters with the opportunity to learn new skills, county officials said in a recent news release.
Approximately 25 middle school students signed up for a spring break sports camp offered at the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
In an evaluation they completed at the end of the program, the participants rated intergenerational badminton, vegetarian cooking, and “Drums Alive – Kids Beats” as being among their favorite new activities.
The badminton clinic was conducted by members of the center’s badminton club with Dr. Paul and Cyd Arrington, Rose Ceballos, Judy Emmett, Diane Landretti, Putu Mustika, Sylvia Oliver, Andrea and Walt Peeler, and Cheryl Ringler as the lead instructors.
Among the elements of the game that were covered in the clinic were the following: basic rules; proper form in terms of forehand, backhand and service; how to hit the birdie deep into the opponent’s court; as well as how to keep score.
The clinic ended with matches being played and prizes given out.
“The children seemed to enjoy every minute of it,” said Dr. Arrington. “It never amazes me how quickly they can pick up the nuances of the game.”
Drums Alive – Kids Beat, a unique fitness and wellness program that combines drumming and aerobic exercise using a stability ball and drumsticks, was taught by Sandra Matsumoto, manager of the Kaumakani Neighborhood Center. She was assisted by Clyde Vito, manager of the Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
During the activity, the youngsters moved to the sounds of high energy music with powerful beats such as “We will rock you” by Queen and African songs by Shakira.
“It was a lot of fun for everyone,” exclaimed Vito. “Sandra and I really enjoyed introducing something new to the children that incorporates exercise, music and creativity.”
Learning how to cook vegetarian pizza was another novel experience for the participants in the spring break sports camp.
Ceballos, who loves to share her knowledge with people of all ages, demonstrated how easy it is to prepare a healthy meal by utilizing tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, cheese and tomato sauce on whole wheat flatbread.
“Overall the kids seemed to really enjoy the spring break sports camp. In their evaluation, they all said they would like to return next year”, said Cindy Duterte, administrator of the Recreation Division for the Department of Parks and Recreation.
She credits the Westside Recreation Division staff for developing a fun and exciting program for middle school students.
In addition to badminton, Drums Alive and the cooking demonstration, the program also included: Speed and Quickness basketball drills; dodgeball; basketball shootouts; and a healthy snack demonstration by Ku‘ulei Takashima, manager of the Kekaha Neighborhood Center.
The spring break sports camp was sponsored by the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Hawai’i Recreation and Parks Association.
