After School Program to Focus on Health

Cutline: Geocaching, a hobby that can combine hiking and GPS skills, was a popular physical activity choice at Partners After School @ Accident’s Summer Camp in July. Pictured with a newly found cache are (l-r) Kylie Oxford, Madison Folk, Tim Folk, director Venessa Stacy, Jason Coddington, and Madison Lilley.

The Partners After School @ Accident (PAS) program begins its 18^th year with a new mission: to improve the health of youth by promoting healthy eating and physical activity. Participants will explore a variety of physically active hobbies, learn to create healthy snacks, and assume leadership roles in planning activities.

The program is open to third through fifth grade Accident Elementary School and Accident-area homeschool students. Normal program days are Monday through Friday from 3:30-6 p.m.

“We’re excited to bring a new style of after school to our participants,” said director Venessa Stacy. “They’ll experience more physical activity than in the past, in the form of increased structured and unstructured recreation time as well as guest instructors bringing in new sports, games, and active hobbies.”

Partners After School @ Accident will also offer daily homework assistance and scholar sessions- a time each day set aside for learning more about nutrition, life skills, STEM, arts, and any other topics the youth choose during their leadership planning sessions. “Kids Teach days have been very popular in the past,” stated tutor Cara Jones. “Allowing youth to teach the rest of the group, including the adults, any topic they are passionate about has led to great lessons and an increase in student confidence.”

PAS is held at Accident Elementary School and begins October 15, 2018. Interested parents must attend one of the upcoming parent meetings, Oct. 9 at 5:45 pm or Oct. 10 at 3:45 pm, to register their child. Pre-registration is required. Meetings will be held in the school’s cafeteria. Priority will be given to students who can attend the program full time.

Partners After School @ Accident is funded by the Garrett County Health Department and administered by the agency’s Health Education and Outreach staff. Partners After School @ Accident does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, color, religious belief, national origin, or disability in providing access to programs.

For more information about PAS call Venessa Stacy at 301-334-7730 or 301-895-3111.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

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