Power Play!

The Network for a Healthy California — Children’s Power Play! Campaign is a public health initiative led by the California Department of Public Health, administered by the Public Health Institute, and funded by USDA SNAP, known in California as CalFresh.

Its purpose is to motivate and empower California’s 9 to 11-year-old children to the recommended cups of fruits and vegetables and get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. These objectives are designed to improve children’s short-term health and reduce their long-term risk of chronic diseases, especially cancer, heart disease, and obesity.

Physical Activity + Fun = Power Play

Strategy

To improve the health of youth and their families through education, intervention, outreach and environmental changes, to prevent chronic disease and promote healthy weight.

Reach Population

Eligible 9-11 year-olds in school and community youth organization settings

Channels

Schools, community youth organizations, community based organizations, markets, and media

Partnerships

The Children’s Power Play! Campaign partners with and supports qualifying schools and community youth organizations across the Gold Coast Region and works directly with community leaders to help enhance the health and well-being of the community’s 9-11 year olds.

School Idea and Resource Kit (SIRK)

Activities teach 4th and 5th graders about eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and enjoying physical activity every day. Each kit includes 10 activities linked to the California Content Standards in English/Language Arts and Mathematics.

Community Youth Organization Kit (CYO)

Designed for use in out-of-school settings, this kit includes educational activities and physical active games focused on fruits and vegetables and physical activity.

Tips for Parents

Anything that gets kids’ hearts beating faster and makes them breathe harder counts as power play. Here are our tips to getting more power play each day:

Lead by example

Stay active yourself and be active with your kids. Go for family walks, ride bikes together, or play at a local park.

Add it up

Your kids should be active throughout the day for a total of 60 minutes of power play every day.

Agree on safe indoor and outdoor activities

Kids can join sports teams, run, dance, hula-hoop, or exercise with kid-friendly fitness videos or to their favorite music.

Find help in your community

Many communities offer low-cost or free after-school and summer programs. Check with your local school, parks and recreation department, YMCA, Boys& Girls Club, church, or other community groups.

Team up with your neighbors

Take turns walking your kids to and from school and watching them when they play outside.

Children’s Power Play! Resources

• Kit resources are free.
• Schedule a Training or view upcoming trainings. (Trainings are available free of charge.)
• Harvest of the Month Resources

Contact Us

For information about the local Gold Coast Region Children’s Power Play! Campaign, please feel free to contact Carolina Ugarte, MSW, Children’s Power Play! Campaign Manager, 805.677.5262 or carolina.ugarte@ventura.org.