Colorado: partnering to make a difference.

Recreation and health are vital components era fulfilled life. Without recreation, our lives would be less healthy, loss satisfying and, ultimately, less fulfilled. In Fort Collins. Colo., the Recreation Division has recognized the Poudre Valley Heath System's Healthy Kids Club with the Colorado Parks & Recreation Association's Outstanding Organization Citation Award.

Without the contributions of the Healthy Kids Club, the growth of the city of Fort Collins Recreation At Your Door (R.A.D) Van program would not be possible. As an after-school and summertime traveling "Recreation-At-Your-Door" service, R.A.D Van travels to eight economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in Fort Collins, bringing with It recreational opportunities that would otherwise be non-existent. As a partner and co-sponsor in the R.A.D Van program since 1999, Poudre Valley Health System has provided an immense amount of time, money and staff support for the benefit of R.A.D Van. Healthy Kids Club provides weekly visits to R.A.D Van sites and facilitates lessons on healthy lifestyles, including exercise, healthy foods, proper hygiene and self-esteem.

"R.A.D Van is one of the most important projects we participate in because we are targeting kids and families who really need the resources and the education we provide," says Laurie Zenner, Healthy Kids Club coordinator, Poudre Valley Health System. "Our goal here is to teach health messages in a way that is fun for the kids. We're hopeful that they'll share what they learn with their families so that everyone benefits."

In the current condition of state ant city budget cuts, having the Healthy Kids Club as a partner in providing recreational services to the Fort Collins community has made the community more well rounded, says Zenner. The Poudre Valley Health System has changed the look, and feel of recreation in Fort Collins.

For more information on the Healthy Kids Club, contact Zenner at [phone].