LITTLE ROCK, AR - The Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC) is now accepting applications for Camp iRock 2012, to be held June 3-9 at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center seven miles west of Little Rock.

Camp iRock is a free, week-long experience that takes advantage of interactive dialogue, workshops, and exercises to promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles and self-confidence in young girls.

The application process begins today and the deadline for applications is April 2, 2012.

Last year’s camp featured singer/actress Raven-Symone, and First Lady Ginger Beebe as guest speakers.

The common threads among diseases that disproportionately affect minorities are poor nutrition and obesity. As a result of this epidemic, the AMHC voted to add nutrition and fitness as an overarching focus.

Camp iRock was created to curve the impact of poor nutrition and obesity in Arkansas. The 2012 camp will focus on empowering young girls with the tools they need to improve their health and lifestyle choices.

Made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, Arkansas Children's Hospital and Girl Scouts-Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, the camp accepts 40 girls from the four congressional districts around the state.

“The Arkansas Minority Health Commission is proud of the success of last year’s camp and the campers, and we hope to generate that same positivity and impact in 2012,” says Dr. Idonia Trotter, executive director of the AMHC. “Providing this experience to girls in minority communities is an important part of making an impact on the health disparities that the Arkansas Minority Health Commission was created to address.”

AMHC focuses on addressing disparities in minority communities, educating these communities on healthier lifestyles, promoting awareness of services and accessibility within the ...