After-School Activity

The first day of school is coming up. With the rush of gathering school supplies, packing lunches, and meeting teachers, it can be easy to lose track of time and forget to include time for children to be active. Start the school year off on the right foot by planning for physical activity! Some children … Read More


Fitness Basics for Youth

We know that physical activity is good for us and our children. For children, being active regularly can help improve cardiorespiratory fitness, strengthen bones and muscles, keep them at a healthy weight, reduce anxiety, and reduce the risk of health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and obesity. Whether your … Read More


Touch Football

August is here which means football season is upon us. As a family you can play a non-contact game of football that doesn’t involve tackling–either touch football or flag football. These variations make it easier for young children to learn how to play. Before you play touch or flag football, make sure you have plenty … Read More


7-Minute Workout

It can be hard to fit physical activity in your day. Finding ways to be active as a family can make it easier for everyone to fit in physical activity. A short, high-intensity workout that works all parts of the body can be a great way to fit in exercise with your school-aged children. Also, … Read More


Supporting Your Children Playing Sports

Next week (July 16-22) is National Youth Sports Week. Sports help children and adolescents develop character while keeping them fit and active. Children who play sports learn how to work with others as a team, self-motivation, and how to deal with emotions when a game is lost. As a parent or caregiver, you can play … Read More


Relay Race

Relay races are a fun way for kids, especially preschoolers, to learn sportsmanship as they compete against other teams to win. They’re a great activity to include in your summer cookouts and neighborhood block parties with friends and family. There are many ways to play, but you usually will split into two (or more) teams … Read More


National Park and Recreation Month

July is National Park and Recreation Month! The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) exists to promote public parks, recreation, and conservation. Children with access to safe parks and recreation are more likely to participate in physical activity,¹ so parks play a critical role in children’s health. This month, get your children outside and utilize … Read More


Fitting in Physical Activity

School-aged children spend much of their day focused on school between waking up early, spending all day at school, and doing homework when they get home. With the demands of school, it can be hard to fit in physical activity, especially when the whole family is tired from a long day. Physical activity can help … Read More


Fishing

National Go Fishing Day is on June 18! Fishing allows you to peacefully enjoy the outdoors while still incorporating physical activity. You can fish in ponds, rivers, lakes, and oceans, which gives you flexibility and variety in where you choose to fish. It’s a great activity for children to learn since it’s low-pressure and leisurely. … Read More


Great Outdoors Month

June is Great Outdoors Month! The outdoors provides endless opportunities for physical activity, such as biking and hiking. Outdoor play for children promotes fitness, can raise vitamin D levels, and can help reduce stress.¹ Here are some ways your children can participate in Great Outdoors Month! Bike riding: Whether you bike through your neighborhood, on … Read More


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Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

North Carolina State University
Agricultural and Human Sciences Department

Cooperative Extension at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (CAES)

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