Led by the Laramie Fire Department, middle school students participating in UW’s Healthy Kids Roundup were given instructions on what to do if someone collapses from a cardiac emergency. Students learned how to call 911 and administer hands-only CPR before professional EMTs arrived. (UW Photography)

The University of Wyoming Division of Kinesiology and Health, part of the College of Health Sciences, recently hosted the third annual Wyoming Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance for Healthy Kids.

The Healthy Kids Roundup aims to teach middle school students about healthy lifestyle choices as well as provide training resources for Wyoming PE teachers.

This year’s program included learning about healthy eating habits; various games, including pickleball; mindfulness yoga; hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency response; and team-building exercises both indoors and outdoors.

Representing six schools across the state — Pilot Butte Elementary School and Eastside Elementary School in Rock Springs; Rawlins Middle School; Laramie Middle School; Snowy Range Academy; and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Cheyenne — PE teachers brought about eight students from each school with them. The intent is for physical education teachers and their students to replicate what they learned at the Healthy Kids Roundup through health promotion events in their communities so that the expansion of the program, led by physical education teachers and students, is felt across the state .

Pre-service faculty from the UW Division of Kinesiology and Health provided support during the Healthy Kids Roundup; attended hands-on training and demonstrations on how to exercise safely; and supervised wholesome recreation periods throughout the day.

Key program directors include Deb Stephenson, executive director of the Wyoming Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Rock Springs PE teachers including Sam Gardner and Aubree Kledaras; Jennifer Connor of the American Heart Association; and Ben Kern, UW associate professor of kinesiology and health. Kern’s senior students provided organizational support for the Healthy Kids Roundup as a service-learning project for their School Administration in Health Sciences course.

“The Healthy Kids Roundup is a fantastic opportunity for teachers and their students to make an impact on the health and well-being of their community,” says Kern. “It’s so cool to see how students take responsibility for leadership and are the ones who are really driving the change. We had a great time this year and are looking forward to next year.”

Schools responded to a statewide call and applied to be accepted to join the Healthy Kids Roundup. Funding to support the Healthy Kids Roundup program is provided through a grant from the American Heart Association. Grant funding, totaling $10,000 annually, covers student and faculty travel; activities and events hosted in the Corbett Building and UW athletic facilities; morning and lunch meals; and other nutritious items.

During the Healthy Kids Briefing, middle school students received instruction from UW Division of Kinesiology and Health coaches on how to properly and safely participate in school gym activities. (UW Photography)

UW student-teachers included Colter Brunski, of Kemmerer; Jenica Dees, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; McKenzie Earl, of Rawlins; Brandon Feketi, of Cody; Shelby Hatch and Xavia Sambrano, of Big Piney; Will Jorgenson, of Sheridan; Brad Kruger, of Fryeburg, Maine; Robert Orndorff, of Palm Coast, Florida; Jaya Smith, of Powell; Elizabeth Uhler, of Buckley, Wash.; and PJ Vigil, of Cheyenne.

American Heart Association – in partnership with the Wyoming Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance; Wyoming Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE); and UW — provided educational and event planning resources.

The UW Division of Kinesiology and Health plans to continue the Healthy Kids Roundup as an annual event with the goal of supporting Wyoming physical education teachers with advanced education and training to better equip them and their students to embrace lifelong changes to healthier lifestyle choices.

“The Healthy Kids Annual Summary only underscores the leading role of the UW’s PETE program in leading the collaborative effort to educate and promote physical activity and healthier lifestyles for generations to come,” says Qin “Arthur” Zhu, acting director of Kinesiology Division. and Health. “I am glad that the Corbett Building will be remembered by future ‘sane’ generations of Wyoming.”

“We are excited to support the Healthy Kids Roundup because it aligns perfectly with UW’s PETE program in the Division of Kinesiology and Health,” adds Michelle Hilaire, interim dean of the College of Health Sciences. “By promoting physical activity, healthy habits and well-being among children, we are investing in the future of healthier communities. Encouraging children to lead active lives not only improves their physical health, but also improves their academic performance and emotional well-being.”

About the University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences

The UW College of Health Sciences educates health and wellness professionals and researchers in a wide variety of disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, speech and language pathology, social work, kinesiology, public health, health administration, and disability studies. The college also oversees residency and fellowship programs in Casper and Cheyenne, as well as operating a speech/hearing clinic in Laramie and primary care clinics in Laramie, Casper and Cheyenne.

With more than 1,600 students, graduates and professionals, the college is dedicated to training Wyoming’s health and wellness workforce and conducts high-quality research and community engagement, with a particular focus on rural and frontier populations.