DETROIT ARSENAL, Mich. - A Detroit Zoo fitness walk was organized April 14 by Child, Youth and School Services in celebration of Month of the Military Child.
A group of 54 children, ages 3-6 years old, 17 parents and 12 staff members joined in the adventure, walking from one animal exhibit to another performing specific exercise maneuvers.
"CYSS works hard to develop fun, interactive activities to promote resiliency," said Brenda Lee McCullough, garrison manager. "The children are learning good exercise habits at a very young age."
Each participant started the adventure by receiving a fitness card. Numbers were positioned next to pictures of animals so the children would know how many times to perform a specific activity.
"The children loved it and so did the staff and parents," said Tanya Blatz, youth sports and fitness director. "They were excited to get to the next animal so they could find out what exercise to do."
The group marched at the giraffe house, danced at the monkey habitat, balanced on one foot with the flamingos, and performed jumping jacks at the penguin aquarium. Roars of laughter came from the children when they were instructed to give giant hugs at the bear exhibit.
"The experience was so successful," said Blatz. "We are considering making it an annual event."
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