We believe that there are tons of kids out there who fall in between the cracks when it comes to fitness and sports. Many children are intimidated by group sports, try-outs, and just trying something new because of the fear of failing or looking silly in front of their peers. Taylor’s Heroes reason for being is to make kids feel welcome, encouraged, excited and happy for having had the experience.

We believe that motivation often comes in the form of just one special person who encourages us or by finding one activity that we love and are good at. Our goal is to help children find that one person (or many) and the activity that motivates them.

Here’s how it works:

• Apply to the program. We can’t take everyone so be sure to let us know how committed you are! Simply download the form or fill out the online application below.
• Taylor’s Heroes consists of a 14-week program designed to increase activity and nutritional education for children ages 8-18.
• At the start of the program, children and parents will have an overview meeting with the Director of Taylor’s Heroes. At that meeting, they will meet other Taylor’s Hero’s participants and will be asked about their goals for the program and choose 2 activities that they would like to try in addition to participating in the Healthy Habits Club, which everyone will be required to do. Activities can be anything such as swimming, yoga, weight lifting, running, biking, baseball or basketball, to name a few. The idea is to try something that you always wanted to do.
• Several nutritional classes will be offered to parents and children. Classes include healthy cooking classes to grocery shopping with a nutritionist.
• Children will be given diary’s to keep track of their daily exercise and diet.
• To help motivate everyone there will be a contest to win prizes at the completion of the program. There will be winners for most weight lost, best participation, and for the person who has the greatest success 6 months after the completion of their program. Participants must meet a minimum participation requirement to qualify for prizes.
• Along the way there will be monthly check-in meetings with Taylor’s Heroes staff, on-line support, and the children will have the support of the other children in the program to help motivate and guide them. Children become “Taylor’s Heroes” at the completion of the program and receive a T-shirt and the opportunity will have the opportunity to continue to Be a Hero by staying in the program.

Terms and Conditions for Taylor's Heroes Applicants:

Taylor’s Heroes is an organization founded in the memory of David Taylor Miller who spent his adolescence struggling with his weight.  He was teased in school and suffered from low self-esteem. However, Taylor set his sights on a specific goal, and through his own determination, and the support of friends and family, he lost over 60 pounds. He went from not being able to run more than a few yards; to running miles.  Most importantly he built his confidence and self esteem in the process. Unfortunately Taylor’s life was cut short at age 19, just as he was finally enjoying all the benefits of being fit.  Taylor’s Heroes would like to help you find the success Taylor experienced while you are young and have a lifetime to enjoy it.

Taylor’s Heroes consists of a 14-week program designed to increase activity and nutritional education for children ages 8-18 and their parents.  At the start of the program, children and parents will have an overview meeting with the Director of Taylor’s Heroes and the Y staff at the Saratoga Springs Y. At that meeting, they will meet other Taylor’s Hero’s participants and will be asked about their goals for the program and they will choose 2 activities that they would like to try in addition to participating in the Healthy Habits Club, which everyone will be required to do.  Activities can be anything such as swimming, yoga, weight lifting, running, biking, baseball or basketball, to name a few.  The idea is to try something that you always wanted to do. In addition, several nutritional classes will be offered to the parents and children. To help motivate everyone there will be a contest to win prizes at the completion of the program.  There will be winners for most weight lost, best participation, and for the person who has the greatest success at the 6-month mark. Participants must meet a minimum participation requirement to qualify for prizes. Along the way there will be monthly check-in meetings with Taylor’s Heroes staff, on-line support, and the children will have the support of the other children in the program to help motivate and guide them. Children become “Taylor’s Heroes” at the completion of the program and will have the opportunity to continue to participate in the program after completion.