Jumping through Summer: Challenges of Starting a Jump Rope Program

Abstract

Jumping rope is a high-energy, endurance-building activity for persons of all ages, but one with particular value for children and youth because of its many varieties and emphasis on fun. Whereas jumping rope was once a typical and normal activity for youth, its popularity has declined in the past 30 years, paralleling to some extent, the drop- off in youth physical activity in general. A partnership between the Sarasota County Parks and Recreation Department and the Florida Prevention Research Center at the University of South Florida enabled the start-up of a youth jump rope program in Sarasota County, Florida during summer 2004. This paper discusses the program’s components and challenges.