Wellness Warrior Summer Program

About the Program

Category: Health (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Wellness Warrior Summer program is a unique and energetic program that reaches children attending summer day camps and visitors to Suffolk County and New York State’s parks and beaches. The day camp program was designed to reinforce health lessons that Suffolk County students learned during the school year. Participants learn about the benefits of proper nutrition and exercise, the harmful effects of tobacco use, Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus prevention, and sun safety in a fun and age appropriate manner. The Learn to Be…Tobacco Free mobile classroom is used as a backdrop to attract park, and beach patrons and for presentations at day camps. Participants receive items that reinforce health behaviors such as a Frisbee, pedometer, or jump rope to promote physical activity or a hat, sunscreen, or sunglasses to promote UV protection. The wellness warrior program also provides an opportunity for residents to learn more about other County-sponsored activities, such as the Learn To Be…Tobacco Free smoking cessation program.