Emily Wheeler
Editorial Intern

 Temple Made Fitness Summer Camp kicked off its round of local summer activities June 12  at Kansas City Library’s (KCPL) North-East branch, 6000 Wilson Ave. 

Founded by former Rockhurst High School and University of Missouri football player Tony Temple, the camp’s objective is to educate and inspire youth through food education, mindful movement, and life planning. 

Among youth fitness techniques, includes animal-inspired exercises — designed to encourage physical activity. “We lead a variety of physical activities based on animal movements, such as crawling like a bear or stretching like a giraffe,” said Director of Marketing, Dee Moore.  

Temple said prevention practices remain the primary focus for Temple Made Fitness. “Six zones in the Greater Kansas City area face an early death risk due to lifestyle choices,” Temple said. “Encouraging healthy habits early can prevent chronic diseases later in life, reducing the risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health disorders.”

Each camp participant received a copy of Tony’s Animal Movements Wellness workbook. This workbook, available in both Spanish and English, contains mindfulness exercise movements, animal food inspiration, fun snacks and mindful journal prompts.

The third annual Temple Made Fitness Day will be July 16, 9 to 11 a.m., at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Over 30 vendors promoting children’s health and wellness plan to set up.  According to Temple, approximately 1,200 children are expected to attend, along with Mayor Quinton Lucas and Chiefs and Royals organizations.

Additional summer camp sessions are scheduled for June 26 and July 3 at 5:30 p.m.