This program is designed to raise the self esteem of school children and build hope in the next generation. Camille has also been honored with the Governor s Council commendation for her contribution to youth fitness. The Prudentail Prize for Non-Profit Leadership spotlights the achievements of truly outstanding individuals and provides additional resources to help fulfill their organization s mission. Adopted by the Los Angeles Unified School District to help children resist negative influences such as gangs, drugs, and violence, L.A. Fit for Kids has become self replicating. It has drawn the support of the fitness community of Los Angeles, as well as The Volunteer Center of Los Angeles Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program.
Senior volunteers adopt classes, keep track of attendance, and assist with fitness tests.
Aerobics instructors from all over Los Angeles provide fitness activities. High School students volunteer as coaches and facilitate discussion groups and personal development workshops. Normandie Nigh, from Boston, recently joined the L.A. Fit team, bringing ideas from the East Coast youth program, and will be work with Camille Harris to add a conflict resolution component. L.A. Fit coaches have now taken over running the program. These full-fledged, dedicated community activists start out by working through a point system in junior high school.