Junior League of Topeka
Happy, Healthy Me! Family Fun Nights
After researching the area of childhood obesity for the past couple of years, The Junior League of Topeka is finally ready to kick off a new concept as part of our “Happy, Healthy Me!” initiative. Starting this month, the League will have the first of six Family Fun Nights designed to promote healthy choices for children across the Topeka area.
In our research, the League has found that childhood obesity affects children of all races, religions, and economic backgrounds. It is our goal this year to schedule events all across the city in each of the school districts. Our focus is on the middle elementary level. We feel that these students are old enough to make choices, but are not so old that their habits won’t be hard to change. During the Family Fun Nights, we will focus on three main areas, which will go together to form a well-balanced learning experience for the children.
The first area of focus is that of nutrition. The children will be given the opportunity to make a healthy trail mix snack that they can take home and share with their families. This will involve the children going around to twelve different food stations and simply filling their trail mix bags. Along the way, they will be educated about different food groups and healthy choices.
The second area of focus is on fitness and exercise. The children will have the opportunity to go through a twelve-station obstacle course full of fun easy activities. The obstacle course is designed so that the children can easily take the concepts and use them at home. The obstacle course will include cardio activities such as jumping rope, shooting baskets, and scooter races, strength training using canned vegetables, and stretching.
The third, and probably the most important area, is that of parental involvement and education. The parents will be given an information packet with ways to incorporate healthy eating and exercise into everyday life. The parents will also be encouraged to act as cheerleaders for their children as they complete the obstacle course. At the end of the evening all of the children who participate, at any level, will receive a medal.
The Community Impact Council hopes that you will consider helping out with these upcoming events. We encourage all new members, actives, and sustainers to participate. Check the E-blasts each week for updates. Remember, even the smallest gesture can make a difference in the life of a child!
