Cheez Whiz Turns Virtual Play into Real-World Adventure at Strong Kid Camp 2026!
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| Cheez Whiz Strong Kid Camp 2026 |
If you ask kids today what they enjoy doing most, chances are many of the answers involve a screen. Whether it's Minecraft, Roblox, YouTube, or mobile games, digital spaces have become a huge part of childhood. But what if those same digital worlds could inspire kids to get up, move, and play in real life?
Last May 31, Cheez Whiz brought that idea to life at the BGC Amphitheater through the Cheez Whiz Strong Kid Camp 2026, an immersive event that encouraged children to rediscover the joy of movement through active play, while also highlighting the importance of proper nutrition in their growth and development.
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| Rhyme and I at the Cheez Whiz Strong Kid Camp 2026 |
As a mom, I was curious to see how kids would respond. So of course, I brought my son Rhyme, who at 12 years old enjoys both worlds -- he can spend hours building in Minecraft or playing Roblox, but he's also active in sports like basketball and badminton.
From Minecraft to a Real-Life Playground
One of the most interesting things about the Strong Kid Camp is how it started. |
| Strong Streamer Alliance partners Esoni TV and Kim Cyrus |
Recognizing that many children today spend a significant amount of time in digital spaces, Cheez Whiz worked with Strong Streamer Alliance partners Esoni TV and Kim Cyrus to create a virtual playground inside Minecraft. Instead of treating technology as the problem, the campaign used a platform kids already love as a starting point to encourage movement beyond the screen.
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| Real life "dream" Playground |
Before the obstacle challenges officially began, parents and kids participated in an activity that reflected this idea. Parents were asked to write what they believed their children were capable of, while the kids drew their own dream playgrounds.
Seeing the kids put their ideas on paper before heading into the activity zones made the connection between imagination and play feel more meaningful. After all, the entire camp was built around a playground that first existed in a virtual world before being recreated in real life.
The zones included:
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| "My kid can.." Confidence Card |
Seeing the kids put their ideas on paper before heading into the activity zones made the connection between imagination and play feel more meaningful. After all, the entire camp was built around a playground that first existed in a virtual world before being recreated in real life.
Taking on the Seven Power-Up Zones
The main attraction of the camp was the 7 Power-Up Zones, where kids could run, jump, climb, crawl, balance, and test their confidence through different challenges. |  |
| Bounce & Blast | Zoom Track |
The zones included:
- Bounce & Blast
- Zoom Track
- Climb & Conquer
- Crawl Cave
- Cheesy Bars
- Power Push
- Balance Bridge
Each completed activity earned participants a band, giving kids a sense of accomplishment as they moved from one challenge to the next.
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| Balance Bridge | Crawl Cave |
Watching Rhyme go through the different zones was probably my favorite part of the morning. Some obstacles, like the Balance Bridge and Bounce & Blast, were relatively easy for him. Others required more effort and determination. Climb & Conquer and Cheesy Bars turned out to be more challenging, even for a child who regularly plays sports.
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| Cheesy Bars |
What I noticed was that many of the kids approached the obstacles the same way. Some finished quickly while others needed several attempts, but there was a lot of cheering, encouragement, and excitement throughout the course. By the end, every completed challenge felt like a small victory.
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| Power Push | Climb & Conquer |
The camp was designed around the idea that active play doesn't have to be intimidating. Instead, children were encouraged to build confidence step by step as they navigated each obstacle and discovered what they were capable of doing.
Building Confidence Through Active Play
The Strong Kid Camp is part of Cheez Whiz's ongoing "For the Strength to Do More" advocacy, which encourages children to play more, explore more, and gain confidence through new experiences.As Adrian Manlapig, Marketing Head of Mondelez Philippines, shared:
Cheez Whiz believes in every child’s potential to do more -- to play more, try more, explore more, and build the confidence to take on new experiences.
The event also featured active play partner Nikko Huelgas, who spoke about the value of movement in helping children develop not just physical strength, but also confidence, discipline, coordination, and healthy habits.
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| Nikko Huegas and Cowsium leading the warm-up for the kids |
Active play is important because it helps children build more than physical strength. It helps them develop confidence, discipline, coordination and healthier habits that they can carry as they grow
said Nikko Huelgas, Cheez Whiz Active Play Partner.
His message was easy to see throughout the camp. The activities weren't simply about finishing an obstacle. They encouraged children to try, adjust, try again, and keep moving.
His message was easy to see throughout the camp. The activities weren't simply about finishing an obstacle. They encouraged children to try, adjust, try again, and keep moving.
Supporting Movement with Proper Nutrition
The event wasn't only about physical activity.Cheez Whiz also highlighted the role of proper nutrition in helping children stay active, learn, and grow. As a source of Calcium, Vitamins A & D, and Phosphorus, Cheez Whiz can be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle that supports growing children.
Nutrition expert Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa shared how food and movement work together in supporting child development.
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| Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Cheez Whiz Nutrition Partner |
Proper nutrition plays a key role in supporting active children. Kids need energy for play, growth, and learning, and the food they eat helps prepare their bodies for physical activity
said Dr. Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa, Cheez Whiz Nutrition Partner.
It's a reminder that encouraging children to be active goes beyond getting them outdoors. Proper nourishment helps give them the energy and support they need to participate, explore, and enjoy these experiences.
Parents should see food and movement as connected parts of child development. When children are properly nourished, they are better able to participate, build confidence, and enjoy active experiences. Together with regular physical activity, balanced nutrition helps support children as they grow and develop.
It's a reminder that encouraging children to be active goes beyond getting them outdoors. Proper nourishment helps give them the energy and support they need to participate, explore, and enjoy these experiences.
Opening the Playground to More Families
While the morning session welcomed invited guests and participants, the Strong Kid Camp also opened its Power-Up Zones to the public later that afternoon, allowing more children and families to experience the activities.
Cheez Whiz also shared plans to explore opportunities to support and enhance public playgrounds in collaboration with local partners, helping make active play more accessible to Filipino families beyond the Strong Kid Camp experience.
Final Thoughts
By the end of the morning, Rhyme had completed all seven challenges, collected his bands, and made his way through every Power-Up Zone. |
| Rhyme conquered all 7 Power Up Zones! |
What I appreciated about the event was its approach. Rather than positioning technology as something children should avoid, Cheez Whiz found a way to use a digital platform that kids already enjoy and transform it into an opportunity for real-world movement and play.
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| Good job, Rhyme! |
For a few hours, kids were climbing, balancing, crawling, running, and interacting with one another instead of staring at a screen. Judging by the smiles, laughter, and determination throughout the camp, many of them were having just as much fun.
And perhaps that's the message behind the Strong Kid Camp 2026: active play doesn't have to compete with children's digital interests. Sometimes, it can start from them.
