CHP Champions

What is the CHP Champions program?

CHP Champions is a student fitness program offered by the Leon County schools system, during the extended-day hours of school, and is available to all K-8th grade students; free of charge. CHP Champions aims to get students moving,

experience the benefits of regular exercise, and develop healthy lifestyle habits. The goal of the program is to improve the health and fitness of our community's youth. The program began in Fall of 2006 with just eight schools and added nine additional schools the following year. In 2008, the program expanded to most Leon County Schools. In 2009, CHP Champions grew to include most public schools in Jefferson, Gadsden, and Wakulla counties and later into Calhoun County during 2012. During the 2012-2013 school year, the CHP Champions program is expected to reach over 17,000 students.

Who started this program?

Capital Health Plan initiated a community-wide campaign to promote regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices through the CHP Champions program. This program is supported through a collaborative partnership involving Capital Health Plan, Titus Sports Academy, Leon County Schools, World Class Schools of Leon County, Inc., and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce.

What is the purpose of the program?

The partners involved in this community-wide initiative aim to:

• Promote and encourage the establishment of a lifestyle of regular physical activity and healthy choices through engaging children in regular fitness experiences with positive role models; and
• Offer children the opportunity to experience a healthy life today and tomorrow.

Is it just a fitness program?

Not entirely. The Champions program is based on principles and techniques developed by Titus Sports Academy and designed to improve a student’s gross motor skills, flexibility, posture, balance, and coordination using a long-term physical development approach to fitness. Students are engaged in a fun, positive environment that increases confidence in their physical skills and abilities through physical quality development and tactical gameplay.

What is Tactical Gameplay?

Every CHP Champions workout consists of a tactical game. A tactic is a strategy used in any game or activity students participate in. The program doesn't incorporate any sports (football, baseball, basketball, etc.), but rather infuses games that recreate sport-like situations. Each game in the program can be categorized into one of four tactical themes: moving with control, moving to open spaces, being unpredictable and supporting teammates. These four tactical themes relate to any sport or activity a student might participate in outside of school. The more exposure and practice students have with the tactical themes, the more awareness and choices they will have in the sports and activities they already participate in.

Who can participate?

In most schools, students in grades K-8 are eligible to participate.

How do I enroll my student?

Enrollment forms are available at your student’s school with the CHP Champion School Coordinator. Please contact your child's school for the program’s schedule. Visit www.wcsleon.com for additional information and forms.

CHP Champions is administered by World Class Schools of Leon County, Inc.

How are students motivated to participate and stay enrolled?

Great coaches will keep students motivated and build a strong program. During the coaches' training they are taught how to create a dynamic and engaging atmosphere, and how to motivate students with positive reinforcement. Coaches are encouraged to build relationships with the students, get to know the students' names, be a role model by always maintaining a professional look and manner, and to teach good character by example.

How are coaches selected for the program?

Coaches are recruited from FSU, FAMU, and TCC from various fields of study. Many are seeking degrees in the fields of exercise science, physical education, and leisure and recreation management.

How many coaches will be assigned to my student's school?

The number of coaches assigned to a school is determined by the number of students who are enrolled in the CHP Champions program. The ratio of coaches to students will not exceed 1:20.

What are the benefits of the program beyong improving health and fitness?

Research shows physical activity for students is positively correlated to higher academic achievement, less absenteeism, better focus in the classroom, and less disruptive behavior in school.

Are students recognized for their effort?

All students enrolled in CHP Champions receive participation awards. Past awards have included sweatbands, water bottles, pencils, t-shirts, sweat towels, and beach towels.

Is this program competitive?

The structure of this program is non-competitive because the focus is on individual improvement. The coaches challenge the students to do the best they can do, making everyone a winner.

Is this program designed for athletic students?

All children, with or without innate athletic abilities, benefit from this program because it is designed to meet students where they are in their physical development. The techniques used and the activities performed will help students progress through physical development stages at their own pace. Youth of all ages, physical skill levels and body types can participate and feel successful with CHP Champions.

Does this program help students meet the national standards for physical education?

Yes, the program was designed to meet and exceed the national standards.