Paradise U Project (2017-2024)

Physical Activity Reduces Anxiety and Depression, Improves the Stress-response and Energizes U

Paradise U was a program created for the survivors of the November 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County, which devastated the beautiful mountain town of Paradise, CA. We provided free physical fitness classes for the survivors that stayed in Paradise and quality physical education lessons for displaced students at Paradise Ridge Elementary School.

The research is clear on the connection between physical activity and improved focus and attention in the classroom. We believe the PARADISE U program helped the children and adults survivors of the Camp Fire cope with the stress, anxiety and depression they faced. See this research study for information on the impact of this program: We’re All in the Same Boat: The Role of Group Physical Activity in Community (Re) Development Following a Natural Disaster.

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Paradise U: Physical Education Classes

Many of these teachers were also directly affected by the fire, and the short break in their day to focus on their own well-being was welcomed. First grader Dixon told us in a letter: "(sic) I fell calm and relaxed after we finished all of the xrsisis. They make calmer so I can liston and not be crazy in class!"

The Paradise U school program ran from Spring 2019 to June 2023 and served all of the classrooms (K-6) at Paradise Ridge. For the 2023-24 school year we had run out of funding for a PARADISE U coordinator. However, two of the future physical education teachers at Chico State, David Tinoco and Jess Juarez asked if they could continue to run the program as volunteers. After two successful semesters servicing Paradise, Oroville and Chico elementary schools and coordinating volunteers from several courses, David and Jess have recruited new volunteers to continue the program for the 2024-25 school year.

See this article from Chico State Today for more information.

Katie Rusten, a multiple subjects credentialed teacher with a supplemental authorization in physical education, taught physical education to all the students at Paradise Ridge Elementary school (they previously did not have a Physical Education specialist). She also provided assistance to the teachers, staff and administration to help them create more physical activity opportunities for the students throughout the day, in addition to modeling quality physical education lessons which the teachers are encouraged to repeat or extend.

From the pilot program in the spring of 2019, the teachers reported that "the students had not smiled and laughed like that since November 8th."

Paradise U: Community Fitness Classes

Suzanne White, a Paradise resident and ACE certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer, led the community classes. At that time she had lost employment and use of their damaged house but was determined to stay.

The PARADISE U fitness program ran from August 2019 through January 2023. It provided about 20 physical activity classes per week in Paradise and Chico, serving up to 600 community members per week. See testimonials of the program below.