PICNIC IN THE PARKACTIVITES

VOLUNTEER AND INTERN INFORMATIONAL BINDER

BSU Interns 2013Andrea Rice

Alexandra SeitzWilliam Maxson

Table of Contents

Section One Welcome letter

Background information

What can physical activity do?

Guidelines for working with kids

Guidelines for working with refugees

Section Two Site ratings

What is in an activity bin

Lists of activities and instructions

Section Three Lists of icebreakers and instructions

Site surveys 2013

Words of Wisdom

Dear Volunteers,

We are so excited that you have joined The Idaho Foodbank family this summer

with the Picnic in the Park program. Approximately 20% of adolescents are obese or

overweight with that number continuing to rise. Overweight is defined as having excess

body weight for a specific height from fat, muscle, bone, water or a combination of all of

the above; where as obesity is defined as having excess body fat. Being overweight or

obese can put you at the risk for the following, but not limited to: cardiovascular disease,

type II diabetes, and many types of cancer. Not only are there physical side effects, but

physiological effects as well such as low self-esteem, negative body image and

depression.

The physical activity portion of Picnic in the Park is designed to get children up

and moving as well as fed. Childhood obesity is a modern day problem that can be kept at

bay using preventative techniques such as: outdoor play, active lifestyle, healthy eating

habits and nutritious food. 92 percent of elementary schools do not have daily physical

education classes year round. Every year Americans spend 10 percent of their total health

care budget on obese children. Research shows that 15-30 minutes daily can improve

academic focus, classroom behavior in all grades and a decreased high school drop out

rate. Children ages 8-18 average 7.5 hours of screen time per day. The average amount of

screen time is varied by age group with children ages 11-14 leading the way with 9 hours

per day.

The overall goal of this program is to get kids away from the screens and out and

active with their friends and family. We want to encourage the children to take the

activities we provide in the parks to do on their own time with their friends and family.

The underlying objective is to get kids up and moving without having it be a workout.

Again, we welcome you to the Foodbank family and hope you enjoy the summer!

Sincerely,

Alexandra Seitz, Andrea Rice & William Maxson

Health Education & Promotion Interns

Boise State University

The Importance Of Physical Activity As It Relates To Obesity In YouthAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overweight

is defined as having excess bodyweight for a specific height from fat, muscle,

bone, water or a combination of the above whereas obesity is defined as having

excess body fat.

The physical activity portion of the Picnic in the Park Program is designed

to get kids up and moving as well as fed. Childhood obesity is a modern day

problem that can be kept at bay using preventative techniques such as outdoor

play, leading an active lifestyle, maintaining healthy eating habits and eating

nutritious food.

Childhood obesity has been shown to not only be a problem in itself but

also causes other problems as well. With children being overweight they are at

an increased risk for secondary illnesses.

As of this year, approximately 20% of adolescent are obese or overweight

with a number of obese or overweight younger children close behind (Social

Work America). 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for

cardiovascular disease (CDC). In addition, obese adolescents are more likely to

develop type II diabetes (CDC). Kids ages 8 to 18 spend an average of 7.5 hours

a day watching a screen, i.e. watching T.V., video games, and cell phone use

(CDC).

The average amount of screen time is varied by age and category. The

underlying goal of this program is to get kids away from the screens. These

numbers do not include the use of screen time at school or for other educational

purposes.

Ages 8-10 spend 8 hours day (CDC)

Ages 11-14 spend 9 hours a day (CDC)

15-18 spend 7.5 hours a day (CDC)

Not only do obese children suffer the physical effects of obesity but the

psychological ones as well. Obese children are more prone to low self esteem,

negative body image, and depression (AHA). Screen time also affects sleep time

as well with children staying up late to watch a screen (Social Work America).

Behavioral risk factors vary and include the following:

Obese or diabetic parents

Too much screen or sedentary time

Not enough sleep

Portion size of food

Unhealthy snacking including where, when and what a child eats

Not getting enough physical activity

Not eating enough healthful foods. (Social work today)

The 92 % of elementary schools do not have daily physical education

classes year round (Get Sweaty). Every year American spend 10% of their total

health care budget on obese children. Participation in physical activity is

associated with decreased high school dropout rates. Research shows that 15-

30 minutes daily can improve academic focus and classroom behavior in all

grades.

20% of all elementary schools in the U.S. have abolished recess in favor

of increased classroom time (U of Mich).

It is estimated that boys spend 18 minutes engaged in moderate to

vigorous physical activity and girls spend 16 minutes (U of Mich).

Physical activity can...

Increase caloric burn.Why is this important? You need to make sure the calories you are expending outweigh the calories you are intaking to prevent weight gain or to maintain current weight. Increase blood flow.Why is this important? Increased blood flow moves nutrients through the body.   Release endorphins.Why is this important? Endorphins are the brain’s “feel good” chemical. They can help increase self-esteem, reduce stress, and improve mood. Increase body well being.Why is this important? Regular exercise can increase heart strength and endurance, increase muscle strength endurance and tone, and increase the bodies natural energy levels. Regular exercise can also increase bone strength and density, lower body fat and lower blood pressure.

Increase hand eye coordination.Why is this important? Hand eye coordination helps with activities of daily living, can increase reaction time and increase typing skills which can improve work productivity. It also helps increase your gross motor skills and fine motor skills.

Increase Cardiovascular health.

Why is this important? Decreases risk of heart disease and stroke, a strong heart can add years to your life, increase oxygen flow to the rest of the body, and keeps immune systems strong.

Increase muscular strength and endurance.Why is this important? Muscles need to be strong and able to perform to function in daily life, having muscular strength reduces stress and pain in joints and muscle mass increases metabolism. Overall.The human body is designed to move and be active. It is essential to supply the body with enough activity to stay healthy and be happy.  

Basic Guidelines of Working with Kids

-Be Proactive: You must engage and invite the children to play. You cannot sit and wait for the kids to come to you since the program is so new they do not know that that is what you are there to do. Make sure you identify that you are with the Foodbank while being friendly, upbeat and excited!Say: “Hi! My name is ______ and I am with the Foodbank. After you finish your lunch we are going to be playing some games and would love if you would join!”  

-Know Your Boundaries: Kids love to touch and climb on you! Respect their space and make sure that they respect yours during games and at rest. Think: How does this look from a parent/outsider perspective?

-Initiate Water Breaks: Time flies when you are having fun, but your body cannot fly without water. Make sure you give adequate water breaks especially during warmer days. At times kids do not want to stop playing, but reassure them that game play will resume once everyone has had some water.

-Injuries: Kids get hurt. Always make sure they are okay, but unless there is blood or an obvious deformity do not panic. Do: Pull them aside and give them a breather. Ask what happened and calm them down. Do Not: Be overdramatic. Generally the experience is more traumatic than the injury.

-Talking to Kids: Kids are a lot smarter than you think. You do not need to talk to a child like they are a baby. Never

dismiss a concern or complaint. Always acknowledge everybody.

-Do Not Discipline: You are there to have fun. If participants become unruly set boundaries and give a warning. Depending on the severity you may have to exclude the participant from the activity.

-Ask: Not everybody likes the same games. Ask the kids what they want to do and come to a compromise. Once you realize interest is being lost suggest a new game, but if the kids want to keep playing the same game that is fine.

Basic Guidelines of Working with Refugees

-Be Open Minded: There might be cultural differences of what is acceptable and what is not. Do: Ask questions to understand their cultureDo Not: Criticize or be judgmental. Understand that these kids may not get as much play time or have access to the same equipment -Be Patient: There might be a language barrier. Do your best to communicate what you are trying to say and what they are trying to tell you. Understand that not all of the children will have access to the same equipment and will be upset if you try to take it away.Do: Come to a compromiseDo Not: Get discouraged if you cannot understand. At times the children will only speak a different language. If this happens stick with it and the children will eventually open up to you, but they must first trust you.

-Stand Your Ground: Be authoritative in a respectful way. There might be situations where the children try to control everyone and everything. Rather than giving in and letting chaos happen, be authoritative and set your boundaries.

-Setting Boundaries: If children become unruly and are no longer listening or putting others in danger set rules and make sure they are followed. Also in other cultures there is no “personal space”. Let the children know what is acceptable.

Do: Let the children know that certain behaviors are not acceptable and that privileges, such as soccer balls, chalk, etc, can be taken away.

We Recommend....-Go to refugee sites with at least one partner. It is easier to keep track of equipment with two sets of eyes and easier to keep control of the situation.-Take minimal equipment. Some sites do not have the luxuries that other sites do and things tend to go missing or get ruined.-Break into groups. All of the children want to play while you are there and at times it is easier if you separate the older kids from the younger kids. -Let the children know that you are there to play and have fun. Also, let them know that you will be back!

Borah Park ***Available at site: open grassy field

Cassia Park *** Available at site: playground, equipment shed, open field

Davis Park Apartments *****Available at site: Small grassy areaMinimal equipment site, language barrier

Ivywild Park ****Available at site: playground, open field, dugout

Latah Village Apartments *****Available at site: playground, fieldMinimal equipment site, language barrier

Liberty Park ***Available at park: Baseball field, playground equipment, large grassy field

Manitou Park ***Available at site: playground, open field, basketball court

Maple Grove Estates

Mountain View Park ***Available at park: Playground equipment, large grassy area, basketball court

Oak Park Village Apartments **Available at site: tennis court

Owyhee Park **Available at site: Large grassy area, playground equipment, basketball court, tennis court

Phillipi Park ***Available at site: playground, open field, basketball court, volleyball court, tennis court

Pierce Park Elementary ***Available at site: small grassy area

Redwood Park *****Available at site: Swing set, playground equipment, grassy area

Sunset Park *

Available at park: tennis court, playground equipment, medium grassy area

Veterans Park *****Available at site: playground, open field

Waterfront Park

Winstead Park ****Available at site: playground equipment, large grassy field

* low energy, few kids (1-5)** low energy (6-15)*** moderate energy (16-20)**** high energy (21-30)***** high energy (30+)

Activities Equipment Bins

Double dutch jump rope (1)-Double dutch jump rope-Jumping with rhythms (different rhythms are located in binder)

Junior size football (1)-Flag Football-Catch-500

Dodge ball (6)-Dodge ball-Madball-Ball tag-Junk Yard-Around the world-Bocce Ball-Bump!-Junk Yard-4 Square

Flag football set: 10 belts, 2 velcro flags, 4 goal line cones, rulebook

-Flag football

Hula hoops (4)-Individual hula hooping-Relays-Frisbee golf

Chalk packages (4)-Drawing on sidewalks-Drawing the square for 4 square

Cones

Soccer ball 5”

-Soccer-Pass

Kickballs (1)-Kickball

Short handle jump rope (5)-Individual jump roping

Stopwatch (1)

Batons (12)-Relay races

Tug-of-war rope (1)-Tug-of-War

Burlap bags (set of 12)-3 legged race

Games that do not require equipment: -Tag-Buddy Tag-Car Lot-Lave Monster-Cartoon Tag-Freeze Tag-Red Light Green Light-Simon Says

Mad BallObjective: Be the last person standing

Time/Space Needed: Infinite time, medium-large grassy area

Equipment: 2 dodge balls and 4 cones

No. of Volunteers Needed: 1Group Size: Minimum of 5

Activity Level: Moderate-High

Instructions:

-First mark out your play area with four cones creating a square (the

number of players will determine the size of the square, the more players

the larger it needs to be)

-Ask for volunteers or pick to people to be “it”

- Each person that is “it” can only move one step, if they wish to move

again they must roll the ball along the ground or toss it in the air (this may

only happen one time)

-If a person is tagged, or hit with the ball, the must sit down **head shots

do not count

-You may get back up and rejoin the game once another player has

tagged the person who tagged you with the ball

Physical Benefits:Participants of this game will be jumping, running, ducking, throwing, and

bending which increases heart rate, increases muscular endurance, works on

hand eye coordination and increases caloric burn.

Junk YardObjective: Have the least amount of “junk” in your yard

Time/Space Needed: 3-5 minute rounds, large grassy area

Equipment: All types of balls, 6 cones, anything you can throw, stop watch

No. of Volunteers Needed: 1-2

Group Size: Minimum of 10

Activity Level: Moderate-High

Instructions:-Set up course into a square marking with 4 cones and use 2 cones to

determine where the middle of the court will be

-Evenly spread all of the “junk”(cones, balls, hula hoops, etc.) on both

sides of the court

-Divide everyone into two equal teams

-Put 3-5 minutes on the clock (depending upon how long you want the

rounds to be) and yell GO!

-Participants throw all of the “junk” into the other teams yard **All “junk”

thrown outside the court does not count

Physical Benefit: Participants will be bending, throwing and running

increasing muscular strength and endurance and increasing heart rate

Lava MonsterObjective: Do not get tagged by the lava monster

Time/Space Needed: Game play ends when everyone has been tagged and

has become a lava monster

Equipment: Jungle Gym

No. of Volunteers Needed: 1Group Size: 5-15

Activity Level: Moderate

Instructions:-Ask for volunteer or chose someone to be the lava monster

-Everyone one else who is not playing climbs upon the jungle gym

-Once the game has begun the lava monster tries to tag everyone who is

on the play equipment or when they are running to different play

equipment

-Once someone has been tagged they become a lava monster trying to

tag people on the stationary play equipment as well

Physical Benefit: Kids will be running, swinging from equipment, jumping and

ducking increasing muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular strength

and endurance, and increasing caloric burn.

500

Objective: Get your score to 500

Prep time: 2 minutes or less

Equipment: One football or other ball

No. of volunteers needed: 1-2

Group size: Small to medium

Activity Level: Low to medium

Time/Space needed: Average game length depends on number of participants

(approximately 10 minutes).

Instructions: -You need to designate someone to be “it”

-The person that is it goes to one end/side of a field and then the rest of

the group goes to the other

-The person that is it has a football with them and calls different things out

when they toss the football

-The people at the other end then try to catch the ball and get their score

up to 500

-The first person to get to 500 is it the next round and gets to throw the

football to the group

Benefits: The main benefit of 500 is hand-eye coordination. Catching a ball

coming at your head is a great way to improve reflexes. It also helps that the

volunteer can call out any amount they wish and the participants will have to use

mathematical reasoning to tally their individual scores.

Around the World

Objective: Successfully shoot a basket from several points around the court

Prep time: None

Equipment: One basketball

No. of volunteers needed: 1-2

Group size: Medium

Activity Level: Low to medium

Time/Space needed: Game length is indeterminate, kids can play several

rounds or just one round and have that be the game

Instructions: - Have all the participants line up behind the starting point on the court

-The starting point is defined by the volunteer. Usually the starting point is

directly on under the basket or on the line closest to it

- Once a shot is made, the player moves to the next spot to shoot. Again

the next spot is determined by the volunteer

- The next location is anywhere on the same horseshoe shaped line near

the basket. The goal here is to make a shot from all along this line

- After all shots have been made, the participants move to the 3 point line.

Shots are attempted at various locations along this line as well

- The number of locations on any line is determined by the volunteer and

can be from 3-6

- If a shot is missed, the player must go back one spot and reshoot. If

shots are continually missed, the player may end u pall the way back at

the start.

Benefits: Hand-eye coordination, aerobic endurance

Car LotObjective: To be the last car in the lot.

Prep time: 2 minutes

Equipment: Imagination!

No. of Volunteers Needed: 1-2

Group Size: Medium-Large

Activity Level: Medium to high

Time/space Needed: Game length lasts as long as the kids are willing to play.

Requires a medium size field approx. 15 x 30 feet.

Instructions: -Set up a starting line and a finish line by using cones, the cones can any

distance apart that you would like, depends on group size or age group.

-Ask for a volunteer to be the “junk yard dog”

-If no one volunteers offer to be the “junk yard dog” first so they can see

how the game is played

-The “junk yard dog” then chooses three different vehicles (examples:

mustang, t rash truck, tractor, school bus, semi, etc.)

-The other kids will then pick to be one of the three vehicles

-The “junk yard dog” then stands between the start and finish line and

calls on of the three vehicles

-The kids that chose to be that vehicle then run across to the finish line

while the “junk yard dog” tried to tag them

-If tagged you sit down where you were tagged and you become a “speed

bump”

-If you become a speed bump you can tag people as they run across but

can not stand up

-The “junk yard dog” then continues to yell the different types of vehicles

until the last kid is standing

-The junk yard dog” can also yell out car lot in which everyone then runs to

the opposite side of the car lot in which they are currently standing

-You can start with as many or as few “junk yard dogs” as needed

depending on how many people are playing

Physical Benefits:-This game have many physical benefits such as getting the kids heart

rate up. Due to them sprinting from on side to the other it helps them with their

cardiovascular system. The kids must also dodge the “junk yard dog” which helps

with stability and core muscles.

Ball Tag

Objective: Don't get hit!

Prep time: 2 minutes

Equipment: 1-2 dodge balls

No. of volunteers needed: 1

Group size: Small to large (1 ball for small groups, 2 for larger)

Activity Level: Medium to high

Time/Space needed: Game can be played for any length of time. Requires

medium sized field

Instructions: - One person is designated to be it. They are given a dodge ball. Their

objective is then to throw the ball at another player

- Once hit, that player is it. The game has the same mechanics as regular

tag with the exception that to tag another person, the player must throw a

ball and score a hit

Benefits: Cardio vascular endurance, hand-eye coordination, muscular

endurance, core stability.

Bocce Ball

Objective: Get your ball closest to target ball

Prep time: 3 minutes

Equipment: Colored dodge balls

No. of volunteers needed: 1

Group size: Small

Activity Level: Low

Time/Space needed: This game requires a small space and can be played for

as long as the children wish

Instructions:

- This works best when there are not a lot of people and you do not have a

lot of room to play other games.

- First you need to take a variety of colored balls with you. Each person

gets his or her own color ball (either two or just one ball depending on the

amount of people) and then there is a target ball.

- Begin the game by throwing the target ball as close or as far away as

you would like. Then one at a time each person will toss their ball as close

to the target ball as possible.

- The person who threw their ball the closest to the target ball gets a point

and to throw the target ball for the next round. The first person to five

points wins.

Benefits: Hand-eye coordination, muscular endurance

P-I-G

Objective: To have as few letters as possible

Prep time: 1 minute

Equipment: 1 basketball

No. of volunteers needed: 1

Group size: Small

Activity Level: Low

Time/Space needed: This game is played until one person wins. Requires one

basketball court.

Instructions: - Have each participant line up and count off in numbers. Start at 1 and

count until all players are accounted for. This is the order in which the

players will shoot the ball.

- The first person shoots the ball and if a successful shot is made, the next

player must make the same shot. If unsuccessful, the next player may

make a shot from anywhere on the court they desire.

- Players shoot until one shot is made. Once a shot is made, the following

players must make the same shot. If the shot is missed, the player who

missed it is given a letter, the first of which being the letter "P".

- Subsequent misses result in more letter until the word "PIG" is spelled.

The player after the one who missed the shot may shoot from anywhere

on the court.

For example: Player 1 makes a shot from the free-throw line. Every player after

must make the same shot from the free-throw line until someone misses. Player

2 makes the shot as does player 3 but player 4 misses. Player 4 is given the

letter "P". Now player 5 can shoot from anywhere on the court. They decide to

shoot from the three point line. Player 5 misses. Player 5 remains free of letters.

Player 6 may now shoot from anywhere they want. Player 6 makes a shot from

the half-court line. Players 1-5 must now make that same shot.

Benefits: Hand-eye coordination, muscular endurance, aerobic endurance.

Two Truths and A Lie

Objective: To gain a better understanding of those you will be working with

Overview: Each person will think of two things that are true about them and one thing that is a lie about themselves. They tell the group the three things about themselves and the group has to guess which is the lie

Prep Time: 5 minutes for everyone to think of their truths and lies

Time Needed: Average 1 minute per person

Materials Needed: None

Finish the SentenceObjective: To gain a better understanding of those you will be working with and find common interests

Overview: Each person will answer the three questions that are put on the board. The questions can change each time for variety. Example sentences: If I could be any animal I would be a ______ because... or If I could go anywhere in the world right now where I would go to _____ because...

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Time Needed: 10-15 minutes depending upon the group

Materials Needed: White board or projector

If I could be any animal I would be a cheetah

because they are fast and majestic creatures.

ABC Activity Objective: Introduce yourself to the class and get you up and moving

Overview: Go around the room say your name and an activity that you enjoy doing that begins with the first letter of your name. Then you perform that activity one time and everyone follows you. For example: “Hi! My name is Andrea and I like to do archery.” At this point everyone would pretend that they are shooting a bow and arrow or whatever comes to mind when they think of archery.

Prep Time: None

Time Needed: 10-15 minutes depending upon group size

Materials Needed: None

Snowballs

Objective: Get to know who you will be working with and get you up and moving

Overview: Each person gets a sheet of paper and something to write with. Everyone has 3 minutes to write down a question on their piece of paper and crinkle it up like a snowball and throw it to the front of the room. You go around the room one by one and have everyone pick up a “snowball” read the question aloud and answer it.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Time Needed: 15-20 minutes depending upon group size

Materials Needed: Paper and a writing utensil

Foodbank Scattergories

Objective: Make a personal connection with one person that you will be working with and get your “creative thinking cap” on

Overview: Everyone pairs up with a partner to make teams of two. Someone randomly gives a letter for the first round. The teams will have two minutes to come up with words beginning with the chosen letter that are related to the foodbank. For example: if the letter is F acceptable words would be food, food drive, fruit or any other word that could possibly be related to the foodbank. There can be no repeats of words so if one team has the word food drive and another team has it on their list as well no one gets a point for the word. The team with the most words at the end of the two rounds are the winners.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Time Needed: 15-20 minutes

Materials Needed: Paper and a writing utensil

Words of Wisdom

Hello Interns!

We are so excited that you have chosen to do your internship with the

Idaho Food Banks Picnic in the Park program. We thought it was a great learning

experience and had a ton of fun doing it. There are a few things that we wish we

had known going into this internship so we thought that we would write you this

words of wisdom letter letting you know what did and did not work for us through

out our internship.

When it came to going out to the sites and getting the kids to play with us

we learned that it is best to get there before the serving time. This is because if

you approach the kids while they are in line for their lunches and let them know

that you will be playing games they are more likely to come and join you once

they have finished their lunch. If you do not approach the kids and let them know

who you are and what you are doing the chances of them coming over to play is

slimmer.

Another thing we found very beneficial while at the sites is once you have

introduced your self go to an area and start playing a game your self, such as

kick or catch. When kids see that you are playing and being active they come

over and ask to join. If you are just sitting there with a ball in your hand not doing

anything the kids do not feel as comfortable approaching you and asking to play.

In order to keep the games running smoothly it is a good idea to make

sure that the kids know you are an authority figure. Yes, they love that you play

the games with them but if they do not have respect for you then the games end

up in chaos.

When it came to training the volunteers there are a couple things we

recommend. It is always a good idea to start with an ice breaker, this is because

it allows everyone to get to know each other and feel comfortable with one

another. As you are going through the Prezi we found that if you pass around a

list of the sites the volunteers can see if there are any certain parks they would

like to volunteer at. This way at the end when they are filling out paper work they

already have an idea of where to when to sign up at.

Due to the activities portion of Picnic in the Park being so new a lot of the

time volunteers do not realize what they are volunteering for when they first get

to the training. We had a lot of volunteers come to the trainings thinking that they

were going to be passing out the food, so when they realized that this was not

the case they were not as interested. We learned that it is a good idea that after

the training to talk individually with each volunteer to make sure that this is

something they still want to do. If going out and playing with the kids is something

that they are not really interested in doing, just thank them for coming and let

them know about other volunteer opportunities with the foodbank that might fit

them better.

One of the tasks as an intern is to find a community partner. This is where

we had a difficult time. We e-mailed tons of businesses and teams such as the

Stampede around the Boise area and did not get many replies. While thinking

back and wondering what we maybe did wrong we came up with a few things

that we would do differently if we had the chance. First off we were using our

Boise State student e-mails. We think that if we had maybe chosen to use a

foodbank e-mail that the businesses might have taken the e-mail more serious

and actually replied. Another thing that we would have changed it we would have

made more phone calls. We thought that e-mail would be the best form of

communication due to everyone having busy schedules, but maybe having a

phone call be the first form of contact then if they were interested send them a

follow up e-mail would have been best.

We hope you have a great experience with this internship just like we did.

This is a great learning experience, but remember HAVE FUN!

Sincerely,

Boise State Interns summer 2013

Alexandra Seitz

Andrea Rice

William Maxson