The Northumberland Sports Council partnered with the Municipality of Port Hope and the Town of Cobourg to train their summer camp counselors on how they can incorporate more physical literacy into their daily programming.
I find the best way to train people in physical literacy is by getting them to do the activities that highlight different physical literacy concepts. Physical literacy is so much more than just physical activity. Physical literacy is how physical activity makes us feel, how we interact with others, and how we test the limits of our bodies. What better way to learn about physical literacy than moving your own body?!
Physical Literacy Camp Counselor Training
- My name is Molly and I am the Coordinator and Physical Literacy Advocate for the Northumberland Sports Council
- Check out our website under Physical Literacy for a list of resources and a quick recap
- Now I want to get to know all of you! = Chicken Name Game
- Catch the rubber chicken, tell us your name and show us your best chicken impression
Pt 1 Current State of Children’s Physical Activity Levels
- Do the kids you work with like to be active?
- How are their abilities?
- What is the movement skill that most children struggle with?
Pt 2 What is Physical Literacy
- Takes the whole child into account – implementing physical activities that will make children more confident, competent (FMS), and motivated to be more active during camp and in their everyday lives
- How can we get the kid who HATES physical activity active?
Pt 3 What is your physical literacy journey?
- How do you feel about physical activity?
- Did you like gym class?
- When did you stop participating in organized sport/ recreation?
- What movement skill(s) do you feel you could improve on the most?
- Being enthusiastic and excited = kids are enthusiastic and excited
Pt 4 Practicing our Physical Literacy
- Balloon Keep Up
- Throwing against the wall Left and Right Hands
- Cup Catch
- Rock Paper Scissors Evolution
- Rock Paper Scissors Chase
- Hula Hoop Rocker Paper Scissors
- Flamingo Tag
- Obstacle Course
- Green Tape Fun
- Chicken Crossing
- Over Under Chicken
- Up and over race (laying down then get up and hop over everyone)
Implementing physical literacy into your day
- Chart Paper in groups of 3-4
- What does physical literacy mean to you?
- When could you implement more physical literacy into your camp day?
- What are you going to do this summer to increase your physical literacy abilities?
Feedback about the training:
Thank you again for spending some time with our camp staff last night. The staff gave great feedback about the training and really enjoyed yourself and the activities! Thank you again, I really appreciate it.
Child and Youth Program Coordinator
Municipality of Port Hope