More than 100 Collin County residents participated in the 4th Annual Camp Fresh N’ Fit, a free day of fun, fitness, and helpful health and wellness information organized by The Storehouse of Collin County and sponsored by the Texas Legends. Families came together to learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to meet the event’s featured speaker, 1986 NBA Slam Dunk champion Spud Webb. Webb, who kicked off the day’s activities, is known for winning a Slam Dunk Contest despite being one of the shortest players in NBA history at 5’ 7”. He is currently the president of Basketball Operations for the Texas Legends, the G-League team for the Dallas Mavericks in Frisco.
“The Storehouse believes that healthy living is the balance of the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives,” said Candace Winslow, executive director, The Storehouse of Collin County. “Camp Fresh N’ Fit allows us to explore personal wellness for both kids and adults by offering sessions that are not only educational, but also entertaining.”
As families registered and entered Festival Hall for the opening “Spotlight with Spud,” music by DJ Smoove of 97.9 The Beat and hundreds of colorful helium balloons set the scene for an exciting and inspirational day.
“My goal in being a part of this fun day is to give kids hope,” said Spud Webb. “Kids need to see professional athletes up close and see they are touchable and approachable. They need to know that they can make it, too, and that it’s important to have discipline, always work hard, be respectful of others, and never give up your dreams. I know that I’m not going to reach all of them, but every now and then I run into people at the airport or restaurants who come up to me and say, ‘You spoke to my school or my camp, and I’ve always remembered what you said.’ These are kids that have graduated college and contributing positively to society. To hear that I might have made a difference feels better than any slam dunk.”
“Spud is a personal friend, and we are so glad he is gracious enough to share his story of perseverance and resilience with families,” said Deborah Hill, director of the Storehouse’s Project Hope Program. “While the parents today were all familiar with Spud, it didn’t take long for the kids to get to know him and have a new hero to look up to.”
Families lined up for pictures with Webb, who spent his time signing basketball cards for families as they were arriving. He shared his inspirational story in a Q&A led by Hill, who related his personal words of wisdom to everyday life. If it weren’t for important mentors and encouragers in his life, Webb shared that he might not have tried to play in the NBA. Others told him he should be a Harlem Globetrotter because of his height, but he persevered, practiced whenever and wherever he could, used his quickness and jumping ability to outplay the other, bigger kids, and ended up playing for the NBA for 12 years.
Following the session with Webb, Fitness Instructor Hope Wilson got the crowd moving with a high energy warm-up session to music provided by DJ Smoove. Later in the day, the kids enjoyed basketball drills with Texas Legends training staff and mascot. There were also health and wellness workshops for adults – yoga, meal prep, stress and anxiety management, chiropractic health; and many raffle prizes. Special guests included Dr. Kevin Atchley and Dr. Bobbie Wallin from Castle Hills Chiropractic; Dr. Dominique Hunt from Frisco Dental Place; Hope Wilson, fitness instructor; Kellye Abernathy, yoga instructor; Laura Wynne, meal prep guru; and nutrition advocate Dylan Whitaker. Yogurt smoothies were provided by Lala US, and all enjoyed a complimentary lunch.
Whitaker presented a visual and informative breakout session on nutrition for kids.
“A lot of times kids do not have a say in where the family gets food,” said Whitaker. “I want them to know that fast food is not a good choice, but I want to give them the knowledge they need to make the best choices wherever they go.”
Whitaker’s presentation featured a table with various food items, including a fast food cheeseburger he bought four days prior – still wrapped and in the bag – next to a fresh peach and a peach that was a few days old. He also displayed some packaged powdered donuts and other items.
“I want the kids to look at this burger,” added Whitaker. “I bought it four days ago, and it looks and smells the same. That’s not natural. But when I show them this peach compared to the one that is older, they can see it is natural and decomposing. I want them to understand when they put something in their bodies that is natural, it will have long-term positive effects on their health. It is my hope this is a visual they will remember.”
“Today was an amazing day filled with positive role models in our community, inspiring us to develop a healthy lifestyle,” added Hill. “We thank Spud Webb, the Texas Legends, and each one of our presenters and volunteers for such an impactful and fun day for families.”
“This is my fourth year to attend Camp Fresh N’ Fit along with my daughter Skylee, who is now 8,” said Johana Cooper. “This event is educational and fun and makes you want to develop healthy habits. I learn something new each time I come. It’s also great for the kids especially in today’s world. Our kids have stress we would have never imagined when we were young. These kids listen and bring home new ideas and ways to manage stress in their own lives. It’s a great fun-filled day for all of us.”