Think back to your most fond childhood memories- playtime! That is what makes being a child so much fun and every child deserves active play. I’m not talking about video games, I’m talking about good active outdoor play! This post is sponsored by Valpak and to share how you can help bring active play to your local community.
Every Kids Deserves Active Play Time!
Most schools have less than 30 minutes of recess a day. Combine this with the increased screen time that kids are getting these days and you find a lot of kids who need more active play. A recent University of Michigan Health System study found 8 to 10 years olds spend five or more hours a day watching TV or playing video games. Yikes!
KaBOOM! Brings Active Play To Local Communities
KaBOOM! is a national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the lives of children but especially those growing up in poverty in America. KaBOOM! has collaborated with partners to build, open or improve nearly 16,000 playgrounds, engaged more than one million volunteers and served 7.4 million children. KaBOOM! Founder and CEO Darell Hammond says, “…nothing is more essential to a child’s health and happiness over a lifetime than safe places to explore, and imagine, and create. The thought of a child not having safe places to explore and play breaks my heart.
Valpak partners with KaBOOM!
You probably know Valpak from the blue envelop full of local coupons that you get in the mail. Well, Valpak just launched its “Valpak Saves” program where they are partnering with KaBOOM! to bring more play to neighborhoods throughout the country. President of Cox Target Media, provider of Valpak, Michael Vivio said, “In partnership with KaBOOM!, Valpak can support play in all its forms and provide kids with opportunities to learn and grow, form friendships and improve health and fitness.”
Valpak’s blue envelope to support this cause will begin mailing Feb. 17 to more than 40 million homes. A coupon inside will also encourage recipients to go to kaboom.org/valpak to support the effort with as little as a $5 donation to help bring play to neighborhoods in need.
Map Of Play Throughout The Country
The KABOOM website offers a fun and interactive map of all the playgrounds across the country – check it out here: http://mapofplay.kaboom.
The Map of Play is a searchable tool and a way to gather data about a location and quality of playgrounds. That information helps KABOOM understand playground conditions, locations, and, most importantly, where play spaces are needed.
What can you do to help bring play to your local community?
- Update a Playspace On The Map- find a playspace near you and add a photo or rating!
- Add a new playground or park – share your favorite playspaces!
- Search for a place to play – find something new at home or on the road and then get out there and play!
Get your community, youth group, or service organization involved. Get your kids outdoors for active play! Where are your favorite places to bring your children for outdoor play?
Related Posts:
Come Back Dear Sun Kids Book Review