Thank You for an Unforgettable Summer!

Dear Fit2cook4Kids Campers and Staff,

WOW! I can't believe it is already September and time to head back to school, or in my case start my new job! It feels like last week we were at our first camp session in Greenville, ready for an exciting summer! I can't wait to hear how much all of you are enjoying the new school year. I hope you are sharing all of your healthy tips with your classmates and families.

This summer has truly been an unforgettable experience for so many reasons. I've learned so much from each and every camper and staff member. Each person brings something unique to the table. I am so impressed with the work ethic and maturity you all possess. It excites me to see so many students passionate about their health and fitness. This also reassures me that we really can change our younger generation and create this kind of excitement throughout our country.

Karen, thank you for inviting me into the Fit2cook4Kids family with open arms. I couldn't have found a better program to partner up with during my year of service. You have taught me so much about children's wellness, the Miss Rhode Island experience and about life. I am grateful for everything you have done for me to help me along the "Rhode" to Miss America.

I can't wait to continue working to prevent childhood obesity within the schools this year. If my new friends are anything like my camp friends, I know it is going to be an exciting school year! I hope you find your new healthy skills helpful and continue to use them at home and promote them within your schools. You are the healthy ambassadors of your generation!

Thank you for an AMAZING summer! I can't wait to hear about all of your successes. I will be bringing all of you with me in spirit on the Miss America stage in January.

Be Healthy and Happy,

Kelsey Fournier
Miss Rhode Island 2012

Fit2cook4Kids: Campers share their experiences with Diabetes

I am so impressed by the courage and maturity these campers possess. As part of their social skills training, they presented many topics throughout the week to their peers ranging from health-related topics, cooking experiences, nutritional information to personal stories. They presented with ease, enthusiasm and understanding of the material being presented, leaving me to believe that they will ace their first job and college interviews! 

Kelby and Logan were two campers who really captured my attention. Both openly presented on their personal experience of living with type 1 diabetes. Their courage is inspiring! They were able to explain diabetes in a way that any age group could understand by comparing the role of insulin to a locked door and key.  They shared how they found out they had diabetes and the thoughts that went through their minds when they were diagnosed. They explained their daily difficulties and the maintenance needed for, as one camper put, "to stay alive". They showed the class the tools they used to inject insulin and how they check their blood sugar. 

As a health educator, I thought I knew a great deal of information about diabetes but I learned even more from listening to them share their personal experiences.  Kelby and Logan have taught me something new and I know others could learn a great deal by listening to those who live with diabetes.

Black Bird Farm visits Fit2cook4Kids

"You are what you eat" 

This is a phrase that many have probably heard, but do we actually consider what it means? The root of understanding this popular quote is understanding where your food is coming from. If the phrase "You are what you eat" has any truth, then it is vital to know what exactly you are eating.

At Fit2cook4Kids, we find it very important to teach the campers the importance of supporting local farmers and knowing where your food comes from. Most Americans have never met the farmer who grew the food on their plate or the methods used in the preparation process. By purchasing local produce, meat and dairy, you can find out exactly where your food is coming from, how it was prepared and many times even meet the farmers who grew the food themselves. To help the campers understand this concept on a personal level, Ann Marie Bouthillette from Black Bird Farm in Smithfield, RI came to visit to share her stories.

At Black Bird Farm, the Bouthillette family humanely raises all-natural, hormone-free, pasture-fed, 100% Black Angus cattle, 100% pedigreed American Heritage Berkshire pigs and organic, free-range Rhode Island Red eggs. The great thing about the Bouthillette family is they can tell you anything you would want to know about the animals, whether it be the pedigree, when the animal was born, what it was fed, how it was raised or when it was harvested! Black Bird Farm can assure you that you are receiving high quality food with no chemicals of any sort! No hormones are ever injected or fed to their animals. They have farm stands where you can buy their products straight from the source and even offer cooking classes! Classes can be helpful to learn how to prepare different cuts of meat and prepare side dishes using local produce.

The campers learned so much from listening to Ann Marie talk about the farm and her practices. It was a great way to create a personal connection between the food on their plate and where it comes from. It is evident when listening to Ann Marie speak that she cares deeply about the animals on their farm and their well being.

For more information about Black Bird Farm, visit their website

Lunch Time with Stephanie Chafee: RI First Lady visits Fit2cook4Kids

It's Friday morning, the final day of camp, and the campers were busy cooking up another delicious meal. This time, they are anticipating an exciting visitor. Rhode Island’s First Lady, Stephanie Chafee, an advocate for children's wellness throughout the state, came to visit Fit2cook4Kids. The campers couldn't wait to show Mrs. Chafee everything they learned all week at camp.

They greeted our special guest at the door, showing off by confidently introducing themselves, shaking hands while making eye contact, exactly as they had practiced earlier in the week.  What the campers didn't know was that they were about to get another helpful lesson on etiquette…table manners. Mrs. Chafee explained that they should always practice table manners and proper etiquette. She said, “If you were to ever have dinner with the Queen you would want to be prepared!”

The campers learned so much from Mrs. Chafee, like when to start eating, how to use silverware, how dishes are served and removed from the table, and about removing elbows from the table. What valuable lessons our First Lady shared! She told them that table etiquette is an important skill that is needed when entering the workplace. Mrs. Chafee suggested that they should practice their etiquette weekly at home in order for it to become second nature. As a result, they will feel comfortable in any social setting. Soon enough they will be ready to dine with the Queen!

Mrs. Chafee was so excited to see all of the healthy dishes prepared by the campers. After lunch was over, it was time for the campers to teach Mrs. Chafee. She experienced her first game of TeaTime©, a game that makes you think before you speak. They taught her how to play, and about the rules that went along with the game. I have to say, Mrs. Chafee was one of the best TeaTime©, judges I've ever seen.  She really gave the campers detailed questions that challenged them to work even harder during their final game where they showed off their advanced level of TeaTime©, skills. The First Lady expressed how much she enjoyed the game and her plans to play the game at home with her family.

Having our First Lady, Stephanie Chafee, at Fit2cook4Kids was surely a spectacular ending to a successful summer at camp. With her extensive involvement in children's wellness initiatives throughout the state, she is a wonderful role model. It is encouraging to receive support from those who represent the Ocean State and know that Fit2cook4Kids summer camps are make a difference among children in Rhode Island.

Back to School on The Rhode Show!

On the last day of Fit2cook4Kids summer camp, I was invited to return to The Rhode Show for a back to school food making segment. This time I brought special guest with me,  Isaac Carlson, a second-year Fit2cook4Kids camper and aspiring chef.  Issac got to show Rhode Island his creativity with making healthy snacks!

We were both so excited we couldn't wait! We started brainstorming on Wednesday about what we were going to demonstrate on the show. We decided to consult with the other campers because who knows what students like best for lunch more than the students themselves! The campers came up with so many great ideas and it was hard to narrow it down. The general consensus was that a healthy trail mix would be a great snack to make on air. We had to devise a healthy school lunch that kids would enjoy eating, and followed the school lunch guidelines. We came up with a healthy morning snack and lunch that incorporated all of the five food groups while making sure that at least half of the meal was fruits and vegetables.

Finally Friday morning arrived and before we knew it we were on location waiting for our turn on camera. When it was time for Isaac's segment, he was spectacular! He was a natural on camera and very entertaining. It was evident from watching Isaac that he loves to cook and wants to pursue a career in the culinary arts one day. The camera crew was so impressed, they said he was better than some of the professional chefs that come on the show. They invited him back for another segment. Watch out Rhode Island, Fit2cook4Kids has the next Emeril Lagasse at camp! We even have some behind the scenes footage from the episode. For the actual Rhode Show segment, you can click here!

Don't forget to try our delicious snacks and lunches we made on the show!

Healthy Trail Mix: 

• Great on the go 
• Can include any ingredients in your kitchen
• Can be portioned out into bags for the week
• roasted sunflower seeds 
• dark chocolate chips 
• Craisins 
• granola 
• almonds 
• cashews 
• For children with nut allergies, low sugar cereals can be replaced ie. Cheerios

Sample Lunch Box

Morning snack: 

• Yogurt parfait
• Low sugar plain or Greek yogurt
• Granola 
• Chopped fresh fruit (any seasonal options)

Lunch: 

• Whole wheat tortilla wrap with:
• Sliced cucumbers
• Baby spinach
• Roasted turkey/chicken
• Hummus (to replace mayo)
• Cut raw veggies (variety of colors) with either:
• Hummus
• Peanut/almond butter

Miss Maine Invitational

This month I had my first trip as Miss Rhode Island 2012! 

I had the pleasure of attending the Miss Maine Invitational, an experience put together by the Miss Maine Organization. This trip gives state titleholders the opportunity to visit the Miss America Organization, learn the history of Miss America by visiting locations throughout New Jersey and an opportunity to receive mock interviews by a prestigious panel of judges. This will be without a doubt one of my favorite memories during my year as Miss Rhode Island.

I left Thursday afternoon on a two-hour drive to Hartford, Connecticut to take a “Rhode trip” with Lisa Little, one of our gracious hosts and member of the Miss Connecticut Board, to travel together to Radnor, Pennsylvania. After about six hours, a few pit stops, minor car issues and New York City traffic we finally arrived at Honeystone. We were welcomed by Valerie Clemens who invited us to stay at her BEAUTIFUL home in Radnor, Pennsylvania. We were also greeted by Lisa Perez Miller, another wonderful host and member of the Miss Kansas Board. It was wonderful to finally meet some of my Miss America sisters, which made me realize quickly that my heels were NOT going to be high enough to keep up with their 5’9 stature. I think I am just going to live by the phrase “Good things come in small packages” for the year!  

Friday morning started early with a trip to Schoppy’s, the original creator of the Miss America crown and a variety of Miss America memorabilia. We learned from the staff their fondest memories of when the pageant was in Atlantic City as well as their involvement. They had a delicious breakfast prepared for us as well as some personalized gifts keepsakes to take home. We had a blast shopping at their store. I was able to finally purchase a personalized crown box!

The next stop on our jam-packed Friday was a visit to the Miss America Headquarters. This was definitely my favorite part of the trip! We were warmly greeted by Art McMaster, CEO and President of the Miss America Organization and his amazing staff. It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know the organization and all of the people who are a part of it. We saw the oil paintings of all the Miss Americas as well as some unique memorabilia! We were able to share with Art and his staff a little about ourselves and our platform work. They had a delicious lunch prepared for us, as well as a cake! Everything is fine in moderation right? J We left with generous gifts from the organization including a plaque with our Miss America headshots! What a wonderful keepsake! Visiting the offices made this experience feel so real. It finally hit me that I am going to Miss America in January.

Next stop on our adventure was the Atlantic City Boardwalk! We got a private tour of Boardwalk Hall and Convention Center where we got to go backstage and even walk across the Miss America stage! It is a beautiful venue that gives you the chills upon entering. After our tour, we headed down to the beach to take photos jumping in the ocean. We had trouble timing ourselves to jump all at once! The cheerleader came out in me as I tried to get us to jump in unison. It is much harder than it looks! Can you guess which one is me?

After some delicious treats from our new friends at Starbucks, it was time to head to world famous White House Subs for some DELICIOUS sandwiches.  After dinner we went to the Sheraton hotel to see all of the Miss America memorabilia they have displayed. We even got to experience a crowning moment by Bert Parks! Once we returned to Honeystone and our food coma sunk in, we enjoyed some bonding time while watching “There She Is” a documentary about the history of Miss America.

Saturday morning was another early morning at Honeystone while we prepared for another busy yet unique experience. We had the pleasure to visit Melmark, a home for mentally challenged individuals in Pennsylvania. What a beautiful place between the people and the scenery. We started off our time at Melmark with a talent show titled “To Melmark, With Love” where we each got to showcase our talents and entertain the crowd. After our show, we were able to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Sodexho with our new friends at Melmark. After lunch, we enjoyed the weather at a pool party where they got to show off their awesome swimming skills. Water volleyball was played girls vs. boys, where I am pretty sure the ladies took the win!

As the night approached, we prepared for our dinner party at Honeystone. So many amazing individuals came over to have dinner with us and help us with our interview skills. After cocktail hour, mock interviews started with our prestigious judges. This was definitely the most challenging interview I have had so far and really got me to think of topics I hadn’t thought about in the past. With about thirty judges and spectators, the pressure was on. I learned so much from the feedback I received from the judges. All of the critiques will be helpful in preparing for my interview at Miss America.

This trip will always be one of my favorite memories during my year as Miss Rhode Island. I have learned so much about the organization I represent, as well as about myself. I gained new friends and sisters who I am constantly learning from. The Miss Maine Invitational left me feeling extremely blessed and even more motivated to be the best that I can be as I represent Rhode Island at the Miss America Pageant.

Fit2cook4Kids: Broad Rock Middle School

I am excited to be back at Fit2cook4Kids for a second week of camp!

The next two weeks of camp are being held at Broad Rock Middle School in Wakefield. The campers at Broad Rock are so eager to learn. They already seem like pro's! I was greeted warmly by some of the thoughtful campers. They decorated a cup for me and filled it with their freshly made strawberry water. What a treat!

Today when I arrived they were creating my FAVORITE sushi and spring roll recipes. They did a phenomenal job preparing the sushi rolls. The campers even gave me a lesson in rolling sushi. I have to say, mine didn't look nearly as tasty and their creations. I'm going to have to practice my sushi chef skills!

After lunch was prepared, we took a walk through the South Kingstown Community Garden to take a look at all of the local produce growing right on the school campus! The campers were surprised to see the variety of local produce grown right in their town.

After lunch and a challenging game of Tea Time, a banker from People's Credit Union came in to teach the participants financial literacy. They learned about debit and credit cards, certificates of deposit, savings and checking accounts and the difference between banks and credit unions.

While the campers were in Yoga with Jessica, Ryan and I shot some footage at Narragansett Beach down the street. Stay tuned for some videos about Fit2cook4Kids and my involvement as Miss Rhode Island! In the meantime, here is a screen shot from the interview!

You can see more of what we're doing at Fit2cook4Kids, by checking out the videos that have been made of camp in session.

Stay healthy and happy,

Kelsey Fournier, Miss RI 2012

Exercising on The Rhode Show!

I had a blast returning to The Rhode Show on Monday! The co-hosts Mary Larsen, Will Gilbert and Michaela Johnson are always so friendly and entertaining.

This time I joined the segment to share with families some exercises tips. All of the exercises can be done anywhere.. in your living room, backyard, kitchen or even during commercial breaks! No equipment needed.

Mary and I performed these exercises outside on the set while battling the hot and humid mid-July weather! It was also my first time exercising in a sash, as you can tell from the technical difficulties I had attempting to switch exercises with it on. Never a dull moment, but always lots of fun!

Did I mention they were making ice cream sundaes in the segment after me? Pretty tempting, especially after exercising outside!

For the exercises and video, click here!




*For more info about The Rhode Show

Fit2Cook4Kids: Day Two

It is the second day of camp at Fit2Cook4Kids in Greenville! The campers were excited to start cooking breakfast this morning. The day started off with eggs in a nest. It was my first time trying this recipe and it was delicious! The eggs came from local Rhode Island farms which raised their chickens on a vegetarian diet. It is great to teach the campers to buy fresh, local ingredients when possible! They also made peanut butter and jelly muffins, which had a gooey strawberry jelly center. Yum!

As soon as breakfast was over, it was time to start cooking lunch! Recipes of the day, vegetable sushi, spring rolls and chicken low mein! I was very excited for today’s lunch since sushi is my favorite food! There were many laughs today while making lunch. The group had some fun making the spring rolls. The rice paper was hard to roll which led to many funky shaped rolls. They were delicious nonetheless. The campers did a great job cutting all of the ingredients into small, fine pieces to fit inside the sushi rolls. After some trial and error, the group was able to successfully roll sushi with the bamboo mats. The sushi was so tasty, it felt like we had taken a trip to a Japanese restaurant!

For today’s fitness class, I taught some of my dance moves to the group. I taught a cardio dance class to get their hearts pumping! It is always fun to dance along to some upbeat music. Michael Jackson, of course, made the play list! The end of class ended with a cool down and stretching segment to help lower their heart rate back to a relaxed state.

 

Here are some song selections that I love to use to cool down and relax:

Beautiful Flower, By India Arie

Man in the Mirror (Acoustic Version), By James Morrison

Brighter than the Sun, By Colbie Caillat

Hey, Soul Sister, By Train

Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen), By Baz Luhrmann

*When cooling down, it helps to lay down on a comfortable surface and dim/turn off the lights. Feel free to put a pillow behind your head for support and a light blanket for warmth. Be conscious of your breathing, taking deep inhalations in and exhaling out slowly. Use this time to think about all of the wonderful things that happened to you today. With every breathe in be mindful and thankful for all of your blessings. When exhaling, envision yourself releasing all of your worries, fears and problems from your mind and body. This will help you to reach a much more calm state and fill yourself with positive energy to take on the rest of this beautiful day!

One of the senior campers, Nicole!

Our littlest camper, Alyssa picked me a flower from the garden outside. She is so thoughtful!