The goTumble Program
It’s important to begin instilling healthy habits like daily exercise in children
while they are young. But for preschool-age children, opportunities for structured activities
are few. And when classes are available, it’s sometimes difficult for families to afford
them or fit them into their schedules.
HMSA believes all children should have opportunities to be introduced to fun physical activities.
That’s why HMSA’s goTumble Program sponsors a six-week
program with TumbleBus Hawaii at no cost to selected Oahu preschools or their students’
families. Best of all, the program doesn’t require installation of expensive equipment.
Instead, the gym comes to the school.
TumbleBus Hawaii, a “gym on wheels,” provides a structured program perfect for
improving preschoolers’ fitness levels and developing their motor skills in a safe and
fun environment. HMSA’s three-year contract with TumbleBus Hawaii will help us introduce
many Hawaii keiki to the adventures of an active lifestyle.
In the goTumble Program’s first year, 2006, more than 2,800
Oahu preschoolers at 67 preschools participated in pre-gymnastic exercises on the TumbleBus.
In addition to exercising, kids at Waianae 442 II preschool learned to listen and follow
directions for successful outcomes, said teacher Lynette Kea. And Penny Shiira, who teaches
at Jefferson Pre-Plus, said that as a result of the goTumble program,
“We talk more now about good health, exercise and being strong.”
Schools must meet goTumble program requirements to be eligible to
participate. Once qualified, schools are selected and scheduled as available.
The goTumble Program also provides each school with tools to
help them include physical activity in their daily class routine.
The goTumble Program is about starting all our keiki on the path to
living active, healthy lives. Our goal is to spark enthusiasm for physical activity — a
spark we hope will burn brightly throughout each child’s life.
For more information on the goTumble Program, or to see if your
school is eligible, contact TumbleBus Hawaii at (808) 230-8408 on Oahu.