What if children could begin or end their school day by playing games, moving with friends, and discovering activities they enjoy?

That is the idea behind ENERGIZE FOR FUN—a parent-organized activity group that gives children regular opportunities to move, build confidence, and connect.

One parent can get the idea started. A small team of parents, grandparents, and school partners can help make it happen.

Children ages 6–17 need at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. A before- or after-school group can contribute to that goal, alongside recess, physical education, sports, and active play at home. CDC recognizes before- and after-school programs as opportunities to increase children’s activity.

1. Start small with a clear purpose

Consider proposing a four-week pilot, meeting twice a week for 30 minutes. Begin with one age group and only as many children as your approved space and adult supervision can support.

The purpose can be simple:

“ENERGIZE FOR FUN helps children enjoy movement through games, active play, and personal encouragement.”

Choose activities that welcome beginners and children with different abilities. Participation should not depend on athletic skill.

2. Find a school or community partner

Contact the principal, physical education teacher, PTA/PTO, or existing before- and after-school program director.

Bring a short proposal explaining:

• The ages you want to serve.
• Your proposed days, times, and location.
• Who will supervise.
• The activities and equipment needed.
• How arrival, dismissal, and emergencies will be handled.

Ask about facility approval, volunteer screening, supervision requirements, insurance, and any applicable program rules. These details should be settled with the host before registration begins.

If school space is unavailable, explore a recreation center or another approved community facility. Transportation will need its own plan.

3. Build your adult team

One parent can organize the effort, but should recruit reliable help before supervising a group.

Assign responsibilities: an activity leader, an attendance and pickup coordinator, and helpers who demonstrate games and encourage children. In a small group, adults may share roles while maintaining the supervision required by the host.

Arrange a backup leader. Have an adult with current first-aid and CPR training available, and learn the host’s emergency procedures and AED location.

4. Choose a time families can use

A before-school group might meet for 20–30 minutes, with an agreed handoff to school staff afterward. Coordinate with breakfast service, bus arrivals, and classroom start times.

An after-school group might meet for 30–45 minutes. Confirm how children reach the group, who may pick them up, and what happens if someone is late.

Ask interested families which option works best. A convenient schedule will help participation last.

5. Make registration simple

Use the host’s approved forms to collect parent permission, emergency contacts, authorized pickup names, and relevant health or accommodation information.

Discuss individual needs with parents and appropriate school staff, including asthma action plans, allergies, mobility needs, and access to prescribed emergency medication. Keep this information private.

Explain what children should bring: comfortable clothing, suitable shoes, and water. Share the weather cancellation plan and communication method.

6. Keep the activities affordable and enjoyable

Start with equipment the school already has permission to share: cones, soft balls, hoops, beanbags, and jump ropes.

Activities might include:

• Follow-the-leader movement: Marching, reaching, stepping, or seated movements.
• Dance and freeze: Move to music, then pause in a comfortable pose.
• Walking adventures: Follow a marked route and look for colors or shapes.
• Beanbag challenges: Toss toward targets at different distances.
• Simple obstacle courses: Weave around cones and step over low markers.
• Cooperative games: Work together toward a shared goal.

Offer easier and more challenging versions. Avoid long lines and elimination games that leave children sitting out.

A sample 30-minute session

Adjust the pace, breaks, and activities for age, ability, weather, and individual needs.

7. Celebrate effort and ask children what they enjoy

Recognize teamwork, kindness, participation, and personal progress. Let children help choose future games.

ENERGIZE FOR FUN can also provide enjoyable practice for school fitness goals. Any formal Presidential Fitness Test should be coordinated with the school and its approved procedures.

After four weeks, review attendance, family feedback, volunteer workload, and the children’s favorite activities. Use what you learn to plan the next session.

One parent can spark the idea. A supportive team can give children a place to move, make friends, and have fun.

Be Wise and Exercise—ENERGIZE FOR FUN!

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for education only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your healthcare provider about what is best for your health.

Note: I used ChatGPT for the graphics and pulling this blog together for this topic, but I also check the information carefully to ensure the health information is correct. In order to get the right answers & the development of these health blogs when using ChatGPT effectively, you must know how to pose the correct questions.  

This content was generated with assistance from ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI