Wandtv.com, NewsCenter17, StormCenter17, Central Illinois News-Decatur Schools Looking To Fight Childhood Obesity

The number of children facing childhood obesity in Illinois is staggering.

Nearly 21-percent of Illinois teens between 10 and 17 were obese in 2007, that's one in five teenagers.

Decatur Public Schools are now hoping to buck that trend with a 7-thousand dollar grant from the American Cancer Society.

Camp Connection is a 6-week program offered by the Decatur schools and park district as a way to keep kids active during the summer months.

Jeff Gaunt, Director of Community Engagement for Decatur Schools says,"the money will help purchase activities to help kids burn energy and calories."