Did you know that youth gain as much weight during the summer as during the whole school year? The healthy meals, fitness activity and health awareness poured into them during school falls prey to summer slacking. 

According to the National Summer Learning Association, children gain body mass index (BMI) nearly twice as fast during the summer. BMI is a number calculated from a student’s height and weight. Known as a reliable indicator of body fatness, it is used to screen for weight concerns that lead to health problems. A BMI of 25-29 signifies overweight, while a BMI of 30 or more puts the individual in the obese category. And while we know that Hispanic and African American children are more prone to obesity, they are also the ones who benefit the most from healthy practices at school.

Consider these five ways to help your students stay healthy during the summer:

1. Get a health commitment from students before summer break. Develop a pledge form that allows students to choose their methods of activity, eating healthier and staying well — as well as the poor habits they choose to avoid. Have them sign it, include your signature and ask them to post it in a prominent place at home as a reminder. You may want to conduct a “healthy summer” ceremony and add an oral pledge in the mix.   
2. Encourage families to enroll their kids in a summer program. Find out what free or low-cost programs are available in your community and list them. Have students bring the sheet home to families. They can include school district summer enrichment programs, parks and recreation programs, Boys and Girls Club activities, sports, camps, and even faith-based programs.
3. Educate families about the summer slide. If you have a culminating event or end-of-year meeting, use the opportunity to educate parents about “the summer slide.” Not only is the summer slide about learning loss, but it is also about the loss of healthy eating and activity practices.
4. Give students and families a list of outings they can take. Perhaps parents can commit to one outing a week with their family. Provide them with a list of outing ideas including a park walk and healthy picnic, the zoo, time at a lake or river, public swimming pools or water parks, a visit to the mountains or beach, bicycle rides, morning or evening family walks, sports and recreation activities, or dancing time. Even moving to fitness videos or fitness television shows each week can be fun. Some afterschool programs coordinate a bicycle repair workshop before the school year ends so that students can ride their bikes during the summer.
5. Provide students with healthy recipes they can make at home. For many afterschool students, cooking classes are their favorites. Create a simple [Your Program Name] Summer Recipes handout for all students, so they can try healthy recipes and share them with family members. Make sure the ingredients include plenty of summer fruits and vegetables, and as little sugar as possible.

If you need tools and tips, don’t hesitate to contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for assistance. Central Valley Afterschool Foundation is committed to helping youth grow and develop in a positive way throughout the summer.