Digital Clubhouse

Theres no such thing as summer boredom for 25 California kids learning how to make movies on the computer. In the process, they are also getting a lesson on healthy living. Seven-year-old Emily Mai may be the next Steven Spielberg. Shes learning how to make movies on the computer, along with 24 of her friends at the Digital Clubhouse Network. Their first step in making movies is a 30-second public service announcement designed to motivate people to eat less and exercise more, and 13-year-old Anne Nguyen has already cast her lead. "I think carrots help bones stay stronger," Nguyen says. This combo of technology and health education seems to go better than a burger and fries. Just take a look at some of the final messages: "If you exercise, you will achieve your dreams and not grow fat," and, "For breakfast, dont have Egg McMuffin, have fruit. Dont have a Big Mac, have a turkey sandwich, cause our ages are getting fatter and fatter." Student Jennifer Le even managed to work in a few special effects. "I think this way I can reach out to more people and get more people to watch it more," Le says. This is all part of the Santa Clara County Office of Education program designed to combat childhood obesity. The kids arent just delivering the fitness message, theyre living it. During breaks, the 8- to 18-year-olds push away from the computer for a little ballroom dancing, a little fancy footwork to go with their film work.