Physical Activity Programs for Children and Teens

The Florida Department of Health does not endorse the following programs but offers the websites and descriptions as possible resources to individuals, families, groups and organizations in developing physical activity and physical education programs for children and teenagers.

SPARK (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids)
SPARK is an innovative elementary (K-6) physical education curriculum and staff development program that has been validated by the Program Effectiveness Panel of the United States Department of Education. The SPARK program, which evolved from a research study supported by the Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health, currently offers materials and services to schools, university grants, recreation departments, after school programs, hospital community outreach and health organizations on a non-profit basis, through San Diego State University Foundation.
http://www.foundation.sdsu.edu/projects/spark/index.html

EPEC - (Excellence in Physical Education Curriculum)
A physical education curriculum improvement program from Michigan. "EPEC is an exciting curriculum that provides students with the fitness levels, motor skills, activity-related knowledge, and personal/social/attitudinal characteristics they need to be active for life."
http://www.michiganfitness.org

SHAPEDOWN
"The nation's leading Pediatric Obesity Program for over 20 years. Children and teens in SHAPEDOWN enhance their self-esteem, improve peer relationships, adopt healthier habits and begin to normalize their weight within their genetic potential. Parents feel better about their parenting and about their child. The family becomes healthier and closer. The results of SHAPEDOWN go far beyond weight."
http://www.Shapedown.com

HUGS International
The teen program component of this website offers "8 stages that show teens how to build a non-diet lifestyle."
http://www.hugs.com

Way to go Kids
Education and fitness program for overweight kids ages 9-14. "WAY TO GO KIDS! is a nutrition and fitness education program designed specifically for Registered Dietitians to teach overweight and underactive kids (ages 9-14) the skills needed to develop healthy lifestyle habits. The focus of this upbeat educational program is to encourage healthy eating habits, increased activity, and provide tools to help kids get their weight under control. This complete eight week nutrition and fitness program is ready to implement in any facility.
http://www.waytogokids.com

EAT SMART, PLAY HARD
A nutrition education and promotion campaign designed to motivate children to make healthy eating choices and be physically active.
http://www.healthyweightnetwork.com

Planet Health
"Planet Health is an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on improving the health and well-being of sixth through eighth grade students while building and reinforcing skills in language arts, math, science, social studies, and physical education. Through classroom and physical education (PE) activities, Planet Health aims to increase activity, improve dietary quality, and decrease inactivity."
http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/prc/proj_planet.html

The Feelin' Good Mileage Club
"Everyone loves the Feelin' Good Mileage Club! For kids-it's fun; for playground supervisors-it channels kids' energy; for teachers-it gets kids ready to learn; for principals-it's part of the children's education process; for parents-it's getting their child fit". This website also offers the Mega Mileage Club.
http://www.fitnessfinders.net

Coordinated Approach to School Health (CATCH)
"CATCH is a coordinated effort between classroom, cafeteria and physical education. The CATCH program involves the coordination of four components: health education, physical education, nutrition services, and parent involvement. CATCH is much more than a cardiovascular or diabetes education program. It's a great start toward coordinated school health programming."
http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/chppr/catch/

Sport Aerobics
"Sports Aerobics is an exciting aerobic exercise program using sport skills and fitness movements to develop health and motor related fitness outcomes." This program is for pre-school through high school aged youth of any ability.
http://www.sportaerobics.com

Movin' and Groovin' Fitness for Kids
This program is designed to lead children though a fun, fast-paced workout on video. "This 30 minute videotape features 10 original motivating & encouraging songs that provide positive messages on topics like nutrition, respect & a good nights sleep." There is a Movin' and Groovin' Fitness 1 for ages 4 to 8, and Movin' and Groovin' Fitness 2, for ages 8 and up.
http://www.exerciseforkids.com

VERB ... It's What You Do!
A National campaign designed to motivate youth to become more physically active. Link for health care professionals and parents to learn more about the VERB campaign:
http://www.cdc.gov/youthcampaign/
Link for youth between the ages of 9-12:
http://www.verbnow.com/