Zest Quest

What is a Wellness Coach?

A Zest Quest¨ Wellness Coach teaches 30 minute lessons each week in the classrooms and teaches movement-based lessons to reinforce grade-level standards to all elementary grade levels. Wellness Coaches also assist faculty and staff in their quest for healthier lifestyles by leading exercise classes before and/or after school and offering support and advice for achieving optimum health. A Zest Quest¨ Wellness Coach must earn and maintain the required certifications. Each Wellness Coach is assigned to one school and is responsible for helping the entire school, including the faculty & staff.

If my school is a Zest Quest¨ school, do all of the Faculty & Staff have to participate in the Faculty & Staff Challenge?

Zest Quest¨ encourages everyone in the school to participate. Those who choose not to participate adversely affect the school's overall score.

Is Zest Quest¨ planning to expand to other schools, districts or states in the future?

Zest Quest¨ is currently working in 14 pilot schools to develop a template that will allow the program to successfully expand to other locations.

Why is the Faculty & Staff challenge part of Zest Quest¨?

Faculty & Staff are important role models for our children; therefore, it is important to inspire Faculty & Staff to be as healthy as they can.

How often does the Wellness Coach meet with the children?

The Zest Quest¨ coach meets with the children for one 30-minute classroom session each week and also enjoys time with the children during PE, lunch, recess, and before and after school.

What is the mentor's role in the Zest Quest¨ program?

Zest Quest¨ mentors are volunteers from the community who assist the Wellness Coach in reinforcing the importance of having a healthy lifestyle. They also serve as positive role models for the children.

What kind of curriculum do you use?

Zest Quest¨ has combined state educational standards with the Zest Quest¨ Daily Healthy Habits to create a unique cross-curriculum. ELA, math, science, and social studies standards are reinforced while children learn about lifetime wellness.

How is Zest Quest¨ different than physical education classes?

Zest Quest¨ incorporates an all-encompassing wellness education which focuses on the whole child instead of focusing solely on physical activity.

Where does Zest Quest¨ receive its funding?

Zest Quest¨ is a 501(c)3 that receives its funding from corporate and private donors.

*If you would like to make a contribution to Zest Quest¨, please call 864-836-5150 or 8880-493-7878 or email info@zestquest.org.