CAMDEN, S.C. — Out with the old gym equipment and in with the new, as ropes, weights and bikes fill the Jackson Teen Center's new gym in Camden.
"This has been in the mix for about 8 months now, we saw the need," said Brian Mayes, Director for Jackson Teen Center, Boys and Girls Club.
Mayes' hope is that this new gym and equipment will help create a more active and healthier generation.
"One of the biggest things we talk about in our classes are health issues, issues that plague our community -- diabetes, high blood pressure, things like that, and if you see that empty space there, that's the last part to be built is the juice bar," Mayes said. "We talked about juicing, but we also talked healthy activities, then partnered up with Planet Fitness, and they decided to help us build this room for the kids to call their own. This room will give them a sense of pride, someone thinks enough of them that they would build something like this."
One student-athlete who is excited about the new gym is Aubrielle Cook. "I run track and I do cheer, and with the weights and stuff, it will help with my core body strength when it comes to cheering and my leg muscles when it comes to track because I do high jump and it will help me with my flexibility."
Mayes hopes it's more than working out. "The biggest thing about this room is education, healthy education."
The room should be fully completed over the next few weeks.