The Move More Kids Program is a collaborative program supported by the New Balance Foundation and the GSPHC which involves school and community agencies in the Somerset County Region. The focus of the project is preventing and reducing childhood obesity and creating opportunities for families to live a healthier lifestyle. The Move More Kids Program has activity focused in the following areas:

•     Promoting increased physical activity
•     Education and resources on ways to live a healthier lifestyle
•     Developing information about and awareness of the needs of Somerset County in regards to preventing childhood obesity.

A sampling of some of the exciting programs offered as part of the Move More Kids Program:

•    We Can! Program- Catch Kids Club, Media Smart Youth and a Parent Program offered in 4 school districts as after school programs. Somerset County has become a We Can! County. Click here to learn more about We Can! Programs.  

    *** Somerset County becomes A We Can! County… click here.

•    SOAP- Skowhegan Outdoor Education Program is a collaborative program launched to get kids moving utilizing the natural world and creating unique opportunities for the youth in our community.
Ad-ven-ture: Defined as an exciting or remarkable experience.
Click here to see photos from our SOAP Program.

•    Summer Transportation- an 8 week summer transportation service with 20+ pick/up drop off points to local areas to be physically active. Over 1,400 families utilized the summer transportation service.   Click here for the 2011 bus schedule.

•    Equipment/Programs- GPS devices, 25 ft. portable climbing wall, mountain bikes, snowshoes and cardio/physical activity equipment are provided to the community and schools with certified training with all equipment. Click here to see photos of some of our equipment.

•    Community Mini Grant- Competitive mini grant application process for town recreation/affiliated programs to promote policy and environmental changes related to physical activity and nutrition initiatives in their community. Examples include: Town of Madison creates 1 mile cross country ski/snowshoe groomed trail for families, expanding after school & summer programs in Norridgewock & Mercer.

•    School & Community Garden Mini Grants-  competitive mini grant application process for schools and communities to apply for funds to create or enhance existing community gardens. Examples include: Canaan & Norridgewock communities to create and/or expand existing community gardens.

•    I AM Moving, I AM Learning- Head Start and After School Child Care physical activity and nutrition curriculum offered to children and parents.

•    SPARK Program-  SPARK is a research-based, public health organization dedicated to creating, implementing, and evaluating programs that promote lifelong wellness.  Click here to read teacher testimonials of SPARK Program.

•    Farm to School and Make it SNAPpy Classes: stipends to farmers to provide local education and facilitate taste tests in classrooms. Make it SNAPpy- a dynamic cooking series where you can learn about topics such as food safety, using more local foods, healthy substitutions, easy preparation methods, and multiple ways to incorporate healthier foods into your daily life without stressing your time or food budget. As a part of each class, we will be cooking and tasting our healthy and delicious work! Please contact us to find out when our next class is being offered: 474-7473. Click here to see photos.

•    Safe Neighborhoods- Working with local law enforcement to have access to safe places to play.

•    Feed the Kids Program-  A healthy, free meal offered to families in Madison on Tuesdays and Thursdays with partnership from the Skowhegan Rotary, local businesses and volunteers. Not only are these families receiving a free, healthy meal, but research shows that eating together as a family is a huge protective factor. Click here to see photos.

•    Nutrition- Nutrition education and training offered to school lunch program staff on buying and cooking fresh and local foods in their lunch programs.

•    Walking School Bus- Successful pilot in 2 school districts last Spring and Fall with over 200 children and parents participating. Click here to see photos.

•    Healthy Lifestyles Program- 10 week intervention program with middle school students (and their parents) with a BMI of over 90%. The program is overseen by Dr. Mike Lambke. Other leaders are a dietician who works with the families on nutrition, a social worker that works on goal setting and behavior change and 90 minutes of physical activity offering the students 10 different opportunities to be physically active in their community.

•    ‘Choose Your Adventure’ Program- An outdoor education program for adults who want to explore and enjoy lifetime outdoor activities in Somerset County. Seven units are currently being taught including: Fishing, Trail Skills & Outdoor Survival, Mountain Biking, GPS, Map & Compass & Orienteering Skills, Outdoor Photography, Canoe & Kayaking Skills & Safety and Local Harvest.