Couch-to-Outdoors
Couch-to-Outdoors
Recreation and Child Health by Hyderabad Runners
Hey there,
I hope this newsletter finds you all in good health and high spirits! I'm excited to share my incredible volunteering experience with the Outdoor Kids Program by Hyderabad Runners this summer. It's an amazing initiative that combines community involvement, family engagement, and physical activity to promote a healthy lifestyle among children and young adults. Let me provide you with a little more details-
Recreation and Child Health (REaCH) is an initiative by Hyderabad Runners that aims to teach the importance of physical activity at an early age and promote a healthy lifestyle in children & young adults.
Running is an amazing form of exercise irrespective of age. It improves physical health, and emotional health and builds confidence & inspiration among children. In effect, it makes them healthier & happier individuals.
As part of REaCH, we have an Outdoor Kids’ Summer Camp (OK Summer Camp), that engages children in the playground for a period of 8 weeks in the summer.
As someone passionate about running and fitness, joining this program felt like the perfect opportunity to give back to the running community. If you didn’t know already, both my parents are dedicated long-distance runners, and I am an “occasionally struggling” long-distance runner. For the past few years, Rakhi and Shireesha, two inspiring mentors, have been leading the Outdoor Kids chapter in PBEL City, making a significant impact on the lives of many children. Every summer, I missed volunteering or even taking part because I used to be off for a vacation but this time was different!
This summer, I decided to volunteer and support the mentors in managing the program, which had around 50 enthusiastic kids. It meant sacrificing some of my vacation sleep, but the experience was truly rewarding. It allowed me to be a part of something exciting and meaningful.
The Outdoor Kids program introduces running as a structured form of physical activity, making it enjoyable and engaging for the participants. By emphasising the importance of staying active from an early age, this initiative aims to instil healthy habits that will benefit children throughout their lives.
Volunteering has always held a special place in my heart. It's a chance to give selflessly, without expectations. It stands as a true testament to the essence of humanity.
Volunteering is at the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.” – Heather French Henry
During my time with the program, I not only contributed to the running community by supporting the mentors and guiding the participants through the activities but also had the opportunity to create entertaining short-form media for our running group's Instagram page.
Interestingly, my role also reminded me of when I used to monitor classes as a house captain. Being responsible for the younger kids, who were around eight years old and younger, filled me with a sense of nostalgia. Surprisingly, I found unexpected connections with the younger side of my generation. Their enthusiasm and laughter in the mornings brought a refreshing energy to my day.
Through volunteering, I witnessed the impact it had on both the participants and myself. Seeing the kids embrace physical activity with joy and adopt healthier habits was truly inspiring. It was amazing to witness their excitement and cheer each other on during relay races and games like kho-kho, fostering bonds and team spirit among them regardless of age. This exemplifies the power of a community coming together to create an environment that nurtures growth and well-being.
As the program came to a close, we celebrated with a graduation day run. Running alongside the participants, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, not just for them but also for myself as a volunteer. It was a memorable moment, marking the culmination of their hard work and dedication.
In conclusion, my time with the Outdoor Kids Program was an unforgettable experience. It allowed me to combine my love for running and fitness with the act of giving back to the community. I already miss beginning every alternate morning with some of that youthful, playful and innocent energy. This summer will always hold a special place in my heart.
Stay healthy and keep volunteering!
Keep up the good work. All the best.
Great ! keep writing , very informative and learning new things .