KidActive fosters the development of healthy kids in three distinct areas:

• active outdoor play
• learning outside
• active transportation 

We know that increasing the daily physical activity levels of children and youth positively impacts their mental and physical health.  Our work focuses on getting more kids outside and ensuring they have inspiring, safe and natural environments in their communities - nearby and accessible.

KidActive advocates for and promotes:

• Every child’s healthy physical, mental, social development and well being
• Accessible, safe environments that support physical activity
• Engaging tools and training for active, outdoor play and learning
• Multi sector opportunities to connect children and their families to natural outdoor spaces.

Action

As advocates for healthy child development, KidActive supports the need for multi-level, whole society strategies and action.

Support for Communities, Schools, Parents and Professionals:

• Resources and Tool Kits
• Workshops
• Professional Development
• After School and Summer Programs
• Early Years and Parent Workshops
• Community Presentations and Engagement

Each initiative identifies the outdoors as an ideal environment for learning, playing and active living. It is a critical “classroom” and an accessible “backyard” for children and their families to develop a meaningful relationship with their natural environment.

Approach

Children need collaborative action-backed strategies to support their growth into healthy and active individuals. KidActive’s approach contributes to every child’s health and well being, the strength of supportive communities, and the sustainability of our environment.

• Increase the quantity and quality of physical activity through fun, outdoor active learning and play at school, home and in the community.
• Connect children and their families with the outdoors. Fostering a positive relationship with the natural world is a critical link for the sustainability of our environment and our society.
• Build and enhance effective resources which contribute to the health and well being of children.
• Develop multi-sector partnerships that support a collaborative approach to healthy child development.
• Integrate sound research into program design and evaluation in collaboration with health and academic professionals.

Why We Do It - Our Rationale

Statistics and research clearly identifies immediate and impending health issues facing children and youth. According to the Standing Committee on Health, 26% of Canadians aged two to 17 are overweight. This statistic increases significantly for children of low-income families. Inactivity is directly contributing to our children’s health issues; including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health and joint problems.

Active, healthy and motivated children strengthen family, school and community environments. Integrating physical activity and play into children’s daily lives increases self-esteem, builds critical life skills, develops creativity and provides a sense of belonging. Higher activity levels increase motivation, improve academic performance, prevent chronic disease and enhance overall physical and mental health.

As we work to create optimal developmental environments for every child, it is critical that play be included with academic and socially inclusive opportunities. Safe outdoor spaces that support active play and travel need to be available to all children, in every community.