Girl Scout Troop 73 Helps Young Residents Get Active

Girl Scout Troop 73 got the community off their seats over the weekend for a two-hour “Activ-A-Thon” aimed at fighting childhood obesity.

From an exhilarating Zumba Fitness routine and jump roping to hula hoops and an obstacle course, participants of all ages were smiling and laughing as they burned off some calories.

Chondra Young and Juliet Improgo lead Troop 73, which consists of 21 Teaneck youths – many of whom have been together since the first grade.

“We started the troop because Juliet’s daughter Amber and my daughter Jade were in the same kindergarten class, and they were about to leave and go to separate elementary schools,” Young said. “They were such great friends, and they didn’t want to separate.”

Young said last year the girls decided to work on their Bronze Award. So, they thought about issues they wanted to address.

“We had a couple of choices, and we chose to focus on youth obesity,” said 11-year-old Jade Young.

Her friend and fellow scout Amber Improgo said she hoped the Activ-A-Thon would inspire kids to play outside more.

“If kids are more active instead of staying inside and playing video games, it’ll help to fight obesity,” said Improgo, also age 11.

Zumba Fitness was created a decade ago and is described as a “Latin-inspired dance-fitness program.”

The catchy beats were supervised by deejay “Kool Keith” and seemed to attract more and more bystanders as the event went on. Adults and children from nearby walking paths and the playground area rushed over to join in the fitness routine.

Teaneck resident David Crittenden came to the Activ-A-Thon with his daughters Abigail and Laylah.

“I took them to the playground, and some of the Girl Scouts came over and asked us if we’d like to join them,” he said. “It looked like fun, so we came over. We’re having a good time.”

Superintendent of Teaneck Public Schools Barbara Pinsak showed up to support Troop 73 and work up a sweat.

“I really love to see the kids during school and after school,” she said. “And the fact that these kids thought to do this project themselves shows that they care about their bodies, their health and their peers, too.”

When the Zumba Fitness routine concluded after the first hour, all the young participants began to jump rope, play with the hula hoops and take part in various obstacle courses.

Laverne Lightburn, whose daughter Ilana is in Troop 73, said the event contributes to the government’s “Let’s Move Program,” which was launched by the First Lady to put the younger generation on a path to better health.   

“The girls are so sweet," said Lightburn, "They thought Michele Obama would be at the event.”

In the end, the event appeared successful in getting participants to not only get active but also to have fun while doing it.

“I am so proud of these girls,” Young said. “And, I’m so excited for them.”