YMCA THRIVE Program

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The Summit County THRIVE Program partners work together to help kids develop and sustain healthy habits during the foundational stages of childhood that are critical to long-term developmental success. Backed by 25 years of research, THRIVE has been proven to launch kids and communities toward healthier lifestyles. If you are looking for an active volunteer opportunity or are passionate about childhood health, this is a great fit for you!

Volunteers will:

• Deliver a weekly nutrition lesson, composed of, sharing (and making) a healthy treat for the children, and accompanying materials. For example, we have made fruit flowers in the past with grapes, celery and orange slices. We prepare the food on site and help pass out to the children, while discussing the nutrition curriculum we have provided.
• Carry out a weekly CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) Activity. This is the physical exercise portion of the lesson. The games consist of simple, yet engaging activities, which can either be "coached" or participated in by the volunteer.
• Deliver a conscious discipline lesson, in the form of a book or craft, while also modeling the efforts to the children. Conscious Discipline is the basis of our entire program, and being a role model is the first step in the process. I can provide more information on this if needed.

• Serve as a role model
• Create an inviting, inclusive, nurturing learning environment
• Engage children in a structured routine to develop healthy habits
• Conscious discipline breathing techniques
• Warm up, physical activity, cool down
• THRIVE nutrition lesson
• Healthy recipe sampling
• Engage children in other learning opportunities -- crafts, music, art, etc.
• Assist students with reading and encourage a positive attitude toward reading
• Reinforce the importance of school and program attendance
• Complete other tasks as needed to assure an optimal experience

• Have reliable transportation
• Be able to perform essential functions
• Have good communication and relationship-building skills