HOUSTON -- What looks like a typical summer camp is actually training young people to have strong bodies and strong minds as they practice to compete in a triathlon, KPRC Local 2, Your Education Station, reported Wednesday.

Achieve! is a nonprofit organization that designs and implements triathlon training and fitness programs for under-privileged youth in partnership with the Houston Department of Parks and Recreation, Texas Southern University and The Nation's Triathlon.

"It's a good experience for me because it teaches me how to swim and it makes me comfortable because everyone around me is my friends and I love them," student triathlete Getrick Faulk said.

From now through the first week in August, children will go to the campus of Texas Southern University and learn proper form and technique.

The program director said the training will also build self-esteem and demonstrate that hard work pays off.

"One of the things that we hope to show them is that with hard work, they can achieve certain goals that they set," said Charles Moser, program director.

This is the program's first year in Houston, and organizers chose students from the Cuney Homes community in the Third Ward.

"All these kids are just waiting for that chance to show, 'Hey, I can do it, too.' And we're going to give them that chance to see what they can do," head coach Michael Stribling said.

When the camp is over, not only will all of the students be sanctioned triathletes, they will also have received an education on proper nutrition and received skills to remain healthy for the rest of their lives.

"They're actually understanding fruit, vegetables, proteins -- not eating bad meats, but good meats, and understanding there are some bad things that I could consume, and good things I can consume, and actually changing those words from eating to consuming -- growing their vocabulary, everything. We want to hit all the spectrums of what education is, not just physical," Stribling said.

Coaches said that they have already seen a dramatic change in the children -- in their facial expressions and their acceptance of a new sport.

On Aug. 2, the camp will end with all of the kids swimming, cycling and running in a triathlon of their own.

"I've never been in a triathlon, so this would be my first time and I'm excited about it," student triathlete Tytianna Wright said.

"I'm looking forward to the triathlon and I'm looking forward to getting first place," Faulk said.

Twenty children participated in the program this summer. Next year, organizers hope to more than double that number.