5210 DoDEA Artist Spotlight Winners Announced

In April, we celebrated The Month of the Military Child! The Month of the Military Child is a time to recognize and honor military families and their children for the sacrifices they make and the challenges they overcome.

Children of military families make sacrifices and face unique challenges. For example, as they grow up, military children often move to new states or countries many times as their parent(s) transfer(s) to new assignments. Military children move an average of 10 times while growing up! Because of these frequent moves, they have to adjust to
starting new schools and making new friends. Also, children of military families often have a parent deployed and may not get to see that parent for long periods of time.

Former Defense Secretary, Casper W. Weinberger, started the Month of the Military Child in 1986. He wanted to recognize the sacrifice that military children make by having one or both parents in the military. The Month of the Military Child is sponsored by the Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy and supported by many other organizations.

We celebrated The Month of the Military Child by partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to host an Artist Spotlight competition for DoDEA students based on the 5210 Healthy Military Children campaign. The winners are Hailey and Tiara!

Yes, it’s time to get ready for back to school!

As the school year winds down and summer approaches, school personnel also need to think about the start of the next school year.

Promoting the 5210 message through back to school materials is a great way to encourage healthy behaviors among school-age children. Materials to consider purchasing for back to school can include pencils, magnets, tote bags, water bottles, and bracelet bands.

Grab the 5210 logos here and get ready for back to school!

MacDill Air Force Base spreads the 5210 message!

Healthy Military Children is going strong at MacDill Air Force Base (AFB) thanks to the Healthcare to Health (H2H) Certified Health Education Specialists and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist on site.

Each month, the MacDill AFB Chapel hosts a family dinner and bingo night. H2H is there to provide information to parents and facilitate a 30-minute interactive 5210-based educational experience for the kids.

Activities have included the following:
• taste testing fruit infused waters
• using food models to build a healthy plate, and
• using a life-size game board where kids complete the activity listed on the space they land on (e.g.,10 pushups).

Kids love ‘spinning the wheel’ and answering questions about their own physical activity, screen time, and consumption of fruits and vegetables and sugary beverages.

Each month between 35 and 70 family members enjoy a meal, fellowship, and five spirited games of bingo, and they receive reinforcement of key healthy lifestyle behaviors.

MacDill AFB has also offers a run club and recently have initiated cooking classes for the entire family. They are also promoting the Great Outdoor Challenge for children to participate in during the summer months.

Look for 5210 in your local commissary!

According to Commissary Connection, in April 2018, during the Month of the Military Child, commissaries worldwide will promote 5210 and the importance of encouraging healthier lifestyles for military children and families. Check your local commissary for dates and times of 5210 related tours and activities!

 

5210 DoDEA Artist Spotlight

In April 2018, to celebrate the Month of the Military Child, the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) will partner with The Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State to host an Artist Spotlight competition on DoDEA’s Facebook page based on the 5210 Healthy Military Children campaign. DoDEA students are eligible to participate. Submission deadline is April 19th. Voting will occur on the DoDEA Facebook Page from April 20th to April 30th. Winners will be announced on May 1st, with artwork displayed on the DoDEA Artist Spotlight page.