Michelle Keeps Her Kids Fit with "Camp Obama"
The First Lady talks about how she encourages Sasha and Malia to stay active
By MARIE C. BACA and KIMBERLY TERE
Updated 11:09 AM PST, Tue, Jun 23, 2009
First Lady Michelle Obama kicked off a national community service campaign today by speaking at a playground in San Francisco.
After being introduced by California's First Lady, Maria Shriver, Obama talked about the importance of preventing childhood obesity and how she encourages active play in her own children.
"We've instituted 'Camp Obama' at my house," she said. "The television and computers are off all day until after dinner and right before bedtime. My kids are playing and they don't even know they're getting exercise."
Obama joined about 500 local volunteers at Bret Harte Elementary School, where together they will refurbish the school's playground.
The new playground will include an edible garden that will have a farmer's market stand where kids and seniors can sell vegetables to raise money for the school.
President Barack Obama announced an initiative known as "United We Serve" in a video message last week. The president is urging people to aid the nation's recovery by volunteering at schools, hospitals, and around the community.
Construction of the Bayview-Hunter's Point playground is expected to be completed by 5 p.m. today.
At that time, the First Lady is scheduled to speak at Moscone Center this evening at the 2009 National Conference on Volunteering and Service.
First Published: Jun 22, 2009 9:15 AM PST
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