In my personal opinion, there can sometimes be a disconnect between the health education classroom and the community resources that students truly need. Health, in general, can get a bad rap—but I want health to be celebrated. I want students to be excited about it. That’s how “Health-a-Palooza” was formed. Also keep in mind that this was a six to seven year process to make this happen!

Health-a-Palooza (not sure why we put the “a” in this name) is a school-wide community health fair designed to increase physical literacy in a fun, engaging way. Honestly, I was inspired by a carnival-like atmosphere with community vendors and, of course, everything offered at little to no cost.

If you’ve made it this far, the first step is finding other teachers, staff, or community members who can help you bring this idea to life. At my school, it’s been incredibly helpful to have Beta Club students and parents assist with everything from cutting fruit samples to monitoring bouncy houses.

Once you have some help, a funding source can really go a long way. Grants, community sponsors, or your PTSA can be great options. I don’t think you need money to host a health fair—but it definitely helps!

During Health-a-Palooza, students get to interact with community vendors, play on inflatable attractions, and win prizes from student-led games. It truly is a wonder. Health-a-Palooza kicks off our Wellness Week, which includes themed days and school-wide activities for students, staff, and the broader community.

Here are a few planning suggestions:

• First: Lock in a date—preferably at the end of the school year for the next school year.
• After that, I start vigorously emailing everyone (and their grandmother!) to recruit vendors.
• At the same time, we apply for grants to help ensure this is a free event for everyone.
• Some vendors—like bouncy houses and food—usually cost money, and organizing those things can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly.
• Once we’ve confirmed vendors, food, and volunteers, the next big step is advertising. Use social media, your school newsletter, and anything else you can think of to get the word out!

Day of the Event:

Magic is in the air! We typically have hundreds of community guests, volunteers, and more. Each student gets a health passport as they enter and a prize if they speak with all the vendors. We have somewhere between 20–30 different community vendors. Most are at no cost—examples include first responders, camp organizations, and different sports teams. It truly takes the entire community to pull this off, and I am so proud to be a part of it!

I highly encourage you to check out the links below from Cobb County School District for a better idea—and a visual—of the magic that is Health-a-Palooza.

Like the idea? Check out SHAPE America’s suggestions for creating activities for Health Literacy Month!

FINAL – Health Literacy Month Tip Sheet

Griffin Middle School Hosts Health-a-Palooza for the Community

Griffin Middle School Welcomes Hundreds to Community Health-a-Palooza

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Adam Mullis, the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com

Pair this blog post with the following:

How to Sustain a Culture of Health and Wellness at your School by Adam Mullis

Empower Student Leaders by Erin Hiltbrand Hall

Heroes of a Healthier Future by Jim Davis

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?