Having a Successful Physical Activity Event
"KEEP IT FUN" TIPS
Do:
- Keep a high level of energy to
keep children motivated and
continue to keep up the energy
level when the children are
trying out new activities.
- Practice "energetic outreach"
to draw children from all over
the event area and encourage
them to come over, check out a
new activity, get them into the
action.
- Keep music, messages, and
activities age-appropriate.
- Tone should be peer-to-peer,
not adult to kid.
- Embrace all aspects of kids'
lives – never tell a child that
they should not do things (i.e.:
never say "don’t watch video
games, don't eat junk food").
- Pay attention to resources
kids may need such as rest
rooms where available, first
aid areas/procedures, fire/
emergency exits, water, etc.
- Contact your local health
department for guidance on
emergency safety protocols and
tips on prevention and
treatment for conditions such
as heat exhaustion and heat
stroke.
- Keep parent/adult and tween
messaging separate.
- Reward individual/group
participation in activity either
through prizes, or positive
reinforcement.
- Instill individual or friendly
competition. It's about activity,
not winning.
Don't:
- Give prizes to adults. They are
specifically for kids.
- Talk about political/religious
issues, current events.
- Focus on "winning."
Everybody's a winner.
- Talk about health or exercise.
It's about fun and play.
- Talk to parents in front of kids
about health, exercise, obesity,
or nutrition.
Thank you for recognizing the
need to promote increased and
sustained physical activity among
youth. We hope that you have
found this guide helpful. See
Appendix D for on-line resources
that you may find useful in
planning and executing your
physical activity events.
You are on your way to a
successful event with kids leaving
happy, thrilled, and ready to
continue their play, each saying:
"I can’t wait to do that again!"
Page last reviewed: August 1, 2007
Page last modified: August 1, 2007
Content source: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion, Division of Adolescent and School Health |
