Visit Healthy Kids - Game-On
The Ultimate Wellness Challenge

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Reviewed Site: Action for Healthy Kids~Game On! The Ultimate Wellness Challenge

Site Content Area: This wellness program is geared for students in grades K-6, however it could be modified for various grades.  (The site does offer links to additional programs for middle and high schools).  It is designed to assist the school/community to incorporate healthy food choices and physical activities in their daily lives, both at school, during school functions, or at home.

Introduction:

There are a multitude of  “Challenges” available for both physical activities and healthy eating.  The program developers have laid out a framework, including a calendar, to assist educators in implementing this program along with supporting resources such as letters, forms, and tracking tools.  The only drawback is that you must register prior to accessing the site and materials.  Fortunately it is a free program and there is no need to activate your registration, making it a painless process.  You will receive a confirmation email upon completing the registration.  I am curious to see if I am now added to their email blast list-hum.

Navigation:

Don’t let the navigation fool you…the main navigation is on top, right under the logo with further navigational links on the left side, plus additional links on the right side.  The left side links will change depending upon which section or page you are accessing.  I would have liked to see all these pieces in one place, or as a drop-down/slide-up, from the main navigation, but that’s just me.

The Look:

The site’s background color is shades of green, which isn’t bad to look at, and the logo is cute, focusing on this particular age group.  Each page has a rotating banner via Flash, which switches quickly.  I did find the pages to be a little overwhelming and busy at first glance, but once you are on the site for a little while, you get use to their layout.  I was a tad surprised that the look and feel of the site was structured for the elementary student, however  there was nothing for the students, all the content (and the program) is really for adults to utilize. 

Features of the Site:

Game On!:  Is the general information about the program and the main page for this section of the website.

Step 1~Form a Team:  Gives an overview of how schools work; how to get school members to buy into the program; who are the key players; “Champions” are the folks who can help to get this program started, including a list of necessary characteristics; ideas to get everyone involved; ways family members can help; suggestions for incorporating the community; and a list of downloadable resources including a fact sheet that can be sent home.

Step 2~Get Prepared: Includes information on determining your school’s resources; ability to engage in this program; what the needs are; and the willingness of the school and community to participate.  There are premade resources available to conduct a readiness survey, perform a needs assessment, set goals, and even a donor sample letter.

Step 3~Pick Challenges:  Here you will find ideas and resources for hosting various challenges, in many different settings.  It includes sample calendars, intensity labels, and links to additional programs.

Step 4~Set a Game Plan:  Includes guidance on organizing your challenges and planning in advance.  There are different levels of challenges offered plus the site includes a checklist to see where your school falls on the continuum.   The sample calendars are very simple, with each challenge linking to the activity instructions or an idea about how to set that challenge up.  I really liked the “Schedule Your Challenge” form, which lists all the activities and includes all the necessary information, such as high intensity or low involvement, in one place, making it easy to determine which fit into your school environment.  Definitely a form worth checking out.

Step 5~Get Going!:  Has many valuable tools for launching the program.  There is a whole section regarding getting folks excited by talking about the program; sending out press releases; submitting articles for publication; and other such promotional ideas and materials.  The next subsection is how to track and measure your goals; followed by “Celebrate”, where you will see many ways to recognize folks for meeting their goals and a job well-done.  When all is said and done, you should be able to use this program to assist you in creating your school’s wellness policy-“Make sure you take steps to ensure your progress is being linked and incorporated in school policies, practices, and programs”.

There is a section to read about other people’s stories or to submit a story of your own.  The form for submission is very easy to use, simple, and doesn’t ask you to write paragraph after paragraph. 
The Resources and Help link takes you back to the Summary & Materials page and you must use your escape key to close the window.

Conclusion:

I’m going to have to give this site a thumbs-up.  This program makes it so easy for anyone to implement that it is almost shameful if you don’t.  I sure wish I would have found this resource before now, especially since they have all these sample letters, worksheets, certificates, etc. already written; would have saved me a considerable amount of time!  I do hope you find this site as useful as I did.  We’d love to hear from you~share your story, give us your opinion on the site, or simply share a site you think we should review.

As always, happy surfing!