Events on

I Challenge Myself (ICM) uses fitness-based challenges and health-based service learning that allow youth in low-income communities to develop physically, academically and socially. ICM expects that youth who successfully complete their programs:

• View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow;
• Experience the value of goal-setting, discipline, hard work and teamwork;
• Incorporate fitness and healthy eating as a lifestyle;
• Recognize that learning extends beyond the classroom; and
• Transfer their newly acquired skills and experiences to lead healthy, happy and productive lives.

Cycling Smarts, ICM’s largest program, is currently offered at the following three New York City public high schools as an elective class that meets during school and after school:
• George Washington Educational Campus (GWEC),
• Bronx Lab School and
• Edward A. Reynolds West Side High School

In September 2010 Cycling Smarts will be offered at a 4th site at the New York Harbor School.

Cycling Smarts seeks to redefine the boundaries of traditional physical and academic education to more holistically meet students’ developmental needs. Cycling Smarts is characterized by the following features:

1. One-of-a kind rigorous non competitive fitness challenges presented to students at the start of each semester currently a 3-hour Winter Fitness Challenge in January and a 1-day 100-miles bike ride in June.

2. Moderate to vigorous cross training program consisting of indoor spinning, outdoor cycling, indoor swimming, resistance training, and/or running 225-450 minutes per week (3-5 days a week) to increase fitness levels. In addition to participating in Cycling Smarts during the week students also participate in 10-12 training rides on weekends (Saturday or Sunday) that vary from 4 to 7 hours.

3. Connection of academic concepts with physical activities every week for 60-90 minutes (calculating caloric intake/serving size, reading food labels, map reading and research of and tours to historic NYC sites).

4. Organized outdoor group rides to teach safe cycling and improved cycling skills.

5. Broker work and volunteer opportunities for students who successfully complete the program at partner organizations and in the future at ICM allow youth opportunities to further develop and apply the skills and knowledge acquired in program.

Activity

Region