Our Crowdfunding Groups
HEALTH DISPARITIES
A dramatic increase in obesity in the United States has occurred over the past 25 years and rates remain high.1 Approximately 19.7% (or 14.7 million) of children and adolescents aged 2-19 years are obese.2 Research has shown excess weight and lack of physical activity among youth may lead to unhealthy behaviors in adulthood,3 which can increase risk of cancer later in life.4
Obese children are likely to become obese adults and experience increased risk for 5 stroke, diabetes. high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and cardiometabolic diseases.
Early intervention and incorporation of healthy lifestyle choices support reducing risks of these related diseases. It is imperative to invest in and promote primary prevention efforts, especially among Native youth.
The goal of our program is to promote healthy lifestyles among Arizona's American Indian youth and their families.
Our program is a Tribal/Urban Indian community-based, family-focused intervention.
The program is six months long and focuses on nutrition education, physical activities, cultural activities and games, and mental wellness activities.
I learned “to breathe and to calm down in heated situations.” Angel, age 13
We introduce ways to make exercise fun, consistent and habitual, and foster self-efficacy and resiliency.
“I learned that I should balance my food more and not overeat or eat junk food all the time.” Marisol, age 15
Our program emphasizes American Indian values, beliefs and traditions.
Our program also focuses on parents and the entire family to help youth sustain goals and to maintain healthy behaviors at home.
“As a family we have spent more time together. The camp in a box brought us together in a fun learning way.” Nicole, parent
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND TRAINING
The Camp Team includes Tribal partners and students. Your support helps to sustain these important collaborations and training opportunities.
YOUR SUPPORT CREATES OPPORTUNITIES
Our Camp program does not generate revenue from participants. We depend on generous individuals, like you, to help American Indian youth attend our program and to engage their families.
Every contribution is appreciated!
PLEASE DONATE TODAY!
SPREAD THE WORD!
Share your support for our camp on social media or by emailing our links to your friends and families.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AIWellness/
Learn more about our curriculum and activities:
https://www.fcm.arizona.edu/research/research-programs/american-indian-youth-wellness-initiative
Make your check or money order payable to:
University of Arizona Foundation, FCM: Youth Wellness Initiative.
Mail to:
The University of Arizona Foundation
For the benefit of the AI Wellness Camp (Gachupin)
PO Box 210109
Tucson, AZ 85721 - 0109
Citations:
1Story M, Evans M, Fabsitz RR, et. al., doi: 10.1093/ajcn/69.4.747S
2US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overweight and Obesity, Data and Statistics. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/childhood.html Accessed January 26, 2024.
3Story M, Stevens J, et. al., doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2003.08.008
4Bendor CD, Bardugo A, et. al., doi: 10.1186/s12933-020-01052-1
5Story M, Evans M, et. al., doi: 10.1093/ajcn/69.4.747S
Provides hygiene items (shampoo & conditioner, soap, toothbrush & toothpaste, hand sanitizer and sunscreen) for each camper.
Provides arts & crafts materials (paints, paint brushes, canvases, clay), gardening supplies (seeds, soil, pots and stakes) and more!
Each camper receives a jump rope, Frisbee, a choice of basketball, dodgeball or football, a Camp t-shirt and a water bottle.
Covers lunch and healthy snacks for one camper for five days.
Provides staples (beans, rice, pasta, sauces, nut butter) to offset food insecurity for participating families (2 - 10 persons per household).
Covers all costs for one youth to participate in our one week residential camp. The residential camp kicks off our six month intervention with fun activities and structured learning in the Prescott mountains.
Your contribution helps with sustaining engagement with families to provide health education and outreach.
Support a camper for the entire six months by helping us with curriculum printing, materials, supplies, shipping and ongoing follow-up.
Provide financial support for a Native summer student to learn about research methods, tribal community networking, youth mentoring and results dissemination in a culturally respectful manner.
