AMES, Iowa--4-H’er Alyse Herr’s interest in child fitness led her to develop and lead a week-long camp for children in Adair County. Her 4-H project was showcased  recently at the Iowa State Fair by Jack Payne, vice president for Iowa State University (ISU) Extension and Outreach.

Payne had volunteered to participate in a Celebrity Showcase event put on by ISU Extension 4-H Youth Development. The event allows high profile professionals to showcase 4-H youth and their project work on stage in the 4-H Exhibits Building at the fair.

Herr, who will be a high school senior this year, told the audience that she organized Camp Move It in response to the national epidemic of child obesity. She wanted to get kids outside and moving (or moving inside on cold, rainy days). She also wanted to acquaint youngsters with alternative snacks that are healthier than the usual deep fat-fried, sugar-laden foods commonly associated with couch-potato lifestyles.

“Fitness is not about starving yourself,” Herr said, “it’s about exercising your body and using calories to fuel the activity. Kids and adults can end the obesity epidemic by getting out and moving it.”   

One healthy food Herr shared with the audience was jicama, which proved to be a hit with youngsters at her camp. With a slightly sweet and celery-like taste and a potato-like texture, jicama is high in vitamin C, low in sodium and has no fat. She offered it fresh in French-fry shaped strips, but it also is used in cooking and readily takes on the flavor of spices and other ingredients.

Payne pointed out the extensive research Herr had done, noting her use of health and sports organizations, educational materials and ISU Extension publications as she prepared activities and menus.

Herr drew on one ISU Extension program, Go the Distance, to have youngsters at the camp track their accumulated activity.  At week’s end they could see how exercising everyday adds up.

The camp also involved members of high school sports teams and the community, including the Adair County office of ISU Extension. The project also qualified as one of 15 entries in the Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award program, through which students receive college scholarships.

A member of the 4-H State Council, Herr plans to attend college and major in engineering or agriculture business. She is the daughter of Ginny and Paul Herr.
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