DukeEngage | Duke Center for Civic Engagement

The vision:          Like other eager students hoping to make an impact in the world, I found Duke Engage to be a perfect venue to perform my act. But exactly how could I make a difference, I asked myself last fall? Knowing I could not participate in a group project due to summer study abroad conflicts, I conceptualized projects of my own. What could I work on, I pondered? Medicine, nutrition, sports? …All interests of mine, I decided on the latter two prospects and entwined these two ideas into one feature presentation—an undertaking that would combine my interests in health and fitness, with a relevant crisis— the up-and-coming epidemic of childhood obesity—and then pack in undertones of psychological thought (another affinity). Fantastique! I had formulated a suitable project assignment and now I just have to figure out the logistics. Essentially, the focus of my venture is to teach children about nutrition and well-being while at the same time engage in physical fitness activities, in order to succeed in the all-encompassing mission of fighting childhood obesity.

Who am I:           My name is Shelley Lanpher. I am a rising junior at Duke University (class of 2010). I love sports, teaching children, and food. What I am going to be when I grow up is still undecided—perhaps a doctor, or a positive psychologist, a businesswoman or an architect. Whatever it may be, my main goal is to be a renaissance woman, skillful and successful in a plethora of pursuits. Being involved in Duke Engage has definitely contributed to this goal for I am getting my hands wet in an assortment of waters. And thus I am much obliged to be a part of this life-changing experience.
Background training: I have had experience teaching health in Duke’s First Aid for Children Today (FACT)- a division of the Red Cross, and I have had ample opportunities teaching physical fitness whether it be at a basketball camp for young girls or baseball to children in the villages of the Dominican Republic.

Execution:         I was lucky. Things fell into place. I had connections to a nurse who worked with a program entitled “Just for Kids!” After assessing its merit I decided to use the lesson books for my teachings. I knew of a perfect site to host my Duke Engage program: Crispus Attucks Community Center, in downtown York, Pennsylvania. I live in York and have volunteered here before in the Early Learning Center. The Crispus Attucks team members are very dedicated to their jobs and aim each day to enhance the lives of the children in the community. The kids who come here no longer have gym class in their schools during the year and so I thought they would be a perfect clientele. I added a physical fitness component to the Just for Kids! curriculum and now was on my way to planning my ideal program.

I teach two classes here: 1st through 3rd grade, and 3rd through 5th grade. I selected this range as my target age group not only because of availability reasons but also because it is important to teach children about the value of nutrition, emotions, and physical activity at an early age. Aiming to get these children to continue thinking about these topics outside of the classroom, I got each of them a jump rope, a water bottle, a headband/wrist band, and a Food Journal to bring home and use at their own will.

Triumphs:           Drawing food pyramids. One girl opening up her Food Journal, and proudly showing me that she had recorded down all the foods she ate for each meal that week. Kids telling me they use their jump ropes at home each night. Gathering supplies without me even asking for help. Joy of hearing “Miss Shelley, Miss Shelley!” Excitement of Crispus Attucks staff upon hearing about my project vision. One child saying “I really like coming here when you’re here Miss Shelley.” Eagerness to do jumping jacks, arm circles, and running laps around the gym. Witnessing progress.

Help along the way:
Mrs. Carol – guided me at all steps along the way. I was in main contact with her while still at Duke and we were able to figure out scheduling of dates, times, locations, etc. Without her help I would not be able to carry out my project at Crispus Attucks.

Mrs. Ann – introduced me to the Just for Kids! program. Consulted her for suggestions and advice. I was honored to finally meet her one weekend at a conference.

Dr. Caren – My Durham contact. I went to her for initial advice about running a program aimed at awareness and prevention of childhood obesity. I hope to work with her again in the future at Duke.

Ms. L and Staci – these two teachers have been accommodating, understanding, and always ready to lend a hand. Ms. L’s dedication to and patience with the kids as taught me many life lessons and Staci’s willingness to get involved—e.g. taking command of the jump rope competition—has showed me how to be a better leader. Their own tales of challenges leading to successful outcomes have given me great hope and inspiration. I thank them.

Struggles & limitations:          Stories like: “My mom ripped the first page out of my Food Journal..she needed it for her shopping list.” Broken water bottles. Whining. Discipline. Varying reading levels. The loner. The bragger. The show-off. The quiet speaker. Scheduling conflicts. Limited days. Fighting over markers. Forgetting to wear a watch. Time.

To be added soon:

The journey:  meet the kids

The future

additional pictures.

*Please feel free to leave a comment, share an opinion, offer some advice. I would be glad to hear your input.