Fitness and Community Service - Combining Exercise with Acts of Kindness and Volunteerism

Introduction

Helping out the community has been one of the common maxims taught to kids in childhood. But many often forget it while growing up and pay little thought to the idea of giving something back to the culture and community that raised them. But this can be easily remedied by taking kids volunteering every now and then.

They do not have to be selfless or selfish with their belongings or time or effort. All your children need to be kind and helpful, which is adequate for the purpose of serving the community. If you are wondering about the benefits of community service and volunteering for kids, they are endless.

In the 21st century, kindness and the habit of sharing are scarcely found in kids. Community service helps rectify the situation and instills gratitude and respect in children, as well as a healthy appreciation for all that they have. And the best part? Your kids will be physically active and mentally engaged all day long. Here’s a quick guide to combining exercise with acts of kindness and volunteerism.

Tips On Combining Fitness With Community Service And Volunteerism

Help Out At Community Kitchens And Parks

Encourage your kids to help out at community kitchens. From carrying massive utensils to hauling overloads of vegetables to serving food, there is something to do for kids of all ages. Children who love nature can help gardeners who maintain the community park by weeding, watering, and nurturing plants daily. You must accompany and guide them in their endeavors.

Participate In Charity Events And Fundraisers

It is ideal to organize charity events and fundraisers for the less-privileged, elderly, and orphaned kids to give them a better life. Or else, the track running event can be organized to raise money for a good cause. Whatever the initiative, encourage your kids to volunteer or participate in such competitions. It does not matter whether they win or lose; their efforts for a valiant cause are valued above all.

Volunteer At Old-Age Homes And Orphanages

Try taking kids to visit orphanages or community homes for the elderly on their birthdays or special events. Always remember to bring clothes, toys, food essentials, and delicious snacks for everyone. Make your kid serve and distribute these items. Ask them to play with the kids or help the elderly on their evening walk, as this will not only inculcate good values in them but also teach them to appreciate all that they have been blessed in life with. It will also keep them physically active and about all day.

Aid Community Hospitals And Clinics

If you have older children or teenagers at home, motivate them to help at the community hospital or local clinic. From learning all about emergency first-aid to playing Monopoly with hospitalized children, your children will learn proper life skills and develop empathy. Masks and sanitizers will keep kids safe from germs, but their lessons and epiphanies while helping people will last a lifetime with them.

Organize Community Cleanup Activities

Most urban areas are very well-polluted with casual trash, like empty food packets and beverage cans. The local authorities take away trash once a day, but what about the extra ones piling on the streets the rest of the time? It is time to take responsibility for your own neighborhood and stop littering. Organize community cleanup activities and divide kids into teams. Make a game out of it. Whichever team gathers the most trash wins a homemade ice cream cake party that evening, for example. This will keep kids engaged and active for all the right reasons.

Form Community Tutoring And Sport Clubs

If your older kids are good at studying or excel in music, encourage them to tutor less-privileged kids. This will not only hone your own child’s skills and help them do a kind deed but will also ensure those kids get a healthy chance at succeeding in life. Also, if your child is good at sports, inspire them to start a local sports club and support their endeavor. This will teach your kids valuable life lessons while letting the rest have a chance in life and fitness.

Let Your Kids Run A Lemonade Stand

During the hot summers, your child can run a local lemonade stand and offer free drinks to passersby and the less privileged. In winter, they can offer homemade soup or hot tea. A small action on their part can have a big impact on the community, especially when such kindness and thoughtfulness are involved, along with hard, physical labor.

Conclusion

Encourage your children to volunteer at various underprivileged old age homes, orphanages, and non-profit organizations, as it teaches them valuable life lessons while keeping them active. Be it community service or volunteering at the hospital, a kind and helpful child will go a long way in life, thanks to the physical activity and happiness involved.

References

https://www.participaction.com/blog/help-your-community-with-physical-activity/

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-living/volunteering-and-its-surprising-benefits.htm