Ponderosa Resort
We Have Wii!
By Corby Clemens

We’ve all heard the reports concerning our nation’s youth, and some of the problems they’re encountering. Childhood obesity is up and social skills are dwindling. Many feel that one of the factors, contributing to this demise, are video games. The idea is that kids are just sitting around, getting fat and not going outside their living quarters to socialize and get involved in activities.

But now there’s Nintendo WiiTM, (pronounced ‘we’) a video gaming system that gets people off the couch, and, at the Ponderosa Resort, gets people out of their RVs and into the park’s recreation programming.
Wii utilizes a wireless controller detected by a sensor, which allows the player to physically go through the motions dictated by the particular game being played.
“It can be a great workout,” according to Ponderosa Resort manager Dominic Pugliese. An example of this, Pugliese says, is boxing, where you are actually shadowboxing a virtual opponent.

“You do that for twenty minutes every day, it’ll help you get in shape,” Pugliese said.

For Regional Coordinator and Ponderosa Recreation Director Corby Clemens, there have been many other benefits since Wii was introduced into his regular recreation programming.

Clemens explains that his park’s small size and its proximity to a river that has flood potential, limits the recreation amenities available.

“We don’t even have miniature golf here. But with Wii, we can have a bowling alley, a baseball field, a golf course or a tennis court in our family lodge in minutes.”
And the reception from the members and their guests has been very positive. Clemens says every time he runs a session of Wii bowling, he’s asked where he got the system, how much it cost, what comes with the unit, etc, etc.

“I should get paid by Nintendo,” he joked.
Clemens continued, saying one time this summer, a youth who just finished playing asked his dad if they could get one for Christmas. The father replied. “I don’t think we’re gonna’ wait till Christmas.”

The Wii sessions at the Ponderosa Resort usually do bowling, due to the ability for all participants to become proficient. Clemens says he is amazed at how quickly and naturally kids pick up these games. He feels that it’s almost like the younger you are the quicker it comes to you.

But Clemens has found that Wii has been for everybody, regardless of age. He says kids, parents and grandparents all like to play.

“I’ve seen older people, who because of knees, or elbows, or hips, haven’t bowled in years. Then they play Wii bowling and are just thrilled.”

Clemens also is excited about combining Wii sessions with the new Thousand Trails youth program: Club Blazer.
“Only two people can play at a time, so that affords me the opportunity to gather new signups for the program, and conduct other Club Blazer activities,” he said.
And what’s the future for Nintendo Wii at the Ponderosa Resort?

“I’m looking at adding more games,” Clemens said. “I’m getting a lot of interest in Guitar Hero III, and Dance, Dance Revolution.”

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