Cody Child Development Center helps kids, families get fit

By Julia LeDoux, Pentagram Staff WriterMay 5, 2014

Cody Child Development Center helps kids, families get fit
Shannon Coolbaugh, center, and her son Tobin, 3, try one of the workout stations with Jalessa Robinson, right, during Family, Fitness and Fun Day at the Cody Child Development Center on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall April 26. During the event, there... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - Cody Child Development Center welcomed dozens of kids and their parents to a day of family fun and fitness April 26.

Various fitness stations were set up outside the CDC on the Fort Myer portion of the joint base, and a disc jockey played music at the start line to pump up participants as they made their way around the circuit.

"It's really fun," said Christine Crawford, who participated in the event with her husband, Maj. Dan Crawford of the National Guard Bureau and daughters Allison, 5 and Clara, 8.

Allison and Clara attend the CDC and Christine and Dan were recently discussing ways to work a monthly fitness day into the family's schedule.

"I saw this event and signed us up," said Christine with a smile.

"We're into stuff like this," added Dan.

At the first station, participants completed 20 jumping jacks. Station two featured 10 plyometric jumps, followed by 20 sit ups/crunches at station three. Balance was the name of the game at station four, where participants were asked to do an airplane/balance stick for 20 seconds.

Station five featured cobras for 20 seconds, followed by five crab kicks on each leg at station six. A 20-second plank was called for at station seven, followed by 10 burpees at station eight to finish the event.

"We came just to have some fun, to get some fitness in and for her to have some fun and run around," said Air Force Lt. Col Kim Black, who attended the event with her daughter, Kenna, 3.

JBM-HH Command Sgt. Maj. Earlene Y. Lavender was also on hand, helping participants navigate the course.

"It's a great event for the entire family," she said.

Participants were given a "passport to fitness" booklet and, after completing each station, received a stamp next to the station in the booklet. Those who completed all the stations received a goody bag at the end of the event.