In today’s highly digital world, kids are the least active generation in history. This sedentary lifestyle is negatively impacting their physical, mental and social health and well-being. BOKS is a FREE physical activity program designed to reverse this health crisis by getting kids active and establishing a lifelong commitment to health and fitness.  

BOKS programming serves kids of all ages and abilities and can be easily implemented into out-of-school time programs in park and recreation departments across the country.  

Providing curriculum, training and support to communities looking to establish and maintain impactful fitness and nutrition programs, BOKS serves the whole child from toddlers to high schoolers. Since COVID-19, and the resulting school and youth organization closures, BOKS has overhauled the delivery of its program to adapt to various learning environments. Whether teaching at home, in-person, or with a hybrid model, BOKS’ free resources can be utilized by anyone looking to provide children with much-needed physical activity to stimulate the mental benefits of movement and play during this difficult time. 

Built on the science and research documented in the book, Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, BOKS provides a safe, fun environment to practice skills through play, and can be put into action in any space — small or large. With customizable lesson plans that focus on a functional fitness skill of the week (ex. squat, push up, plank, etc.) and follow a set format, including a warm-up, running-related activity and team-oriented games, anyone can adapt the curriculum to fit their time and needs. The lesson ends with a short nutritional talk, or a BOKS Bit, to provide children with tools to make smart, healthy food choices. BOKS’ inclusive fitness tips, supported by our partner Special Olympics, ensure all kids can participate in the program.  And, our yoga and mindfulness lesson plans create a quiet space for kids to be reflective.

We truly believe that active kids = active minds and know that increased movement in a child’s day leads to increased academic test scores and improved social-emotional well-being. This led us to create BOKS Bursts, which are short 1 to 10-minute physical activities designed to help kids stay active throughout the day, energizing their brains for enhanced learning. The bursts are perfect for tight schedules and small spaces! It’s better if we just show you, so let’s try a quick movement break!  Try one of our favorite BOKS Burst – Travel the World (instructions in graphic below)!