(SPARC)

By Sheldon Spackman

Growing Up Great!

SPARC launches inaugural Family Challenge

Oct 27, 2019 | 10:00 AM

Central Alberta families are encouraged to take part in an upcoming four-week series of free, family-friendly challenges that aim to help kids “grow up great.”

The inaugural SPARC Family Challenge (Strengthening Positive Assets & Resiliency in Communities) runs from Nov. 10 – Dec. 7.

Rania Page, co-chair for SPARC Red Deer, says by participating, families will learn more about 40 ‘developmental assets’ that create strong and positive connections within a family.

“It gives them tangible ways to build assets within their kids, while having fun,” she explains. “And there’s great prizes to win. We’re looking at family passes to recreation centres, things that families can use together to continue with that positive connecting.”

The 40 developmental assets according to Page, are the building blocks all kids need to thrive.

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“The higher the number a young person has, research shows us, the more likely they are to make good choices,” says Page. “And the lower the number a young person has, the more likely they are to engage in risky behaviours. Things we don’t want for our kids.”

Page elaborates that part of their goal is to educate the community on these 40 assets.

“So as a group, we can build assets in all kids that we meet, and within our own families,” she exclaims. “Some examples are having positive, adult-caring relationships outside of our own homes, another one is service to others, so having youth volunteer within their community and giving back. Another example of some of the more internal assets, are things like helping children grow up by having integrity and honesty and responsibility.”

Page points-out it’s also important to learn more about the education behind the 40 assets.

“Almost always, parents are doing this already,” adds Page. “So when they learn about the developmental assets, they become more intentional and deliberate about building them within their own children and within youth that they encounter within the community.”

Page says each week, participating families will be given the option to complete one of two challenges.

“The first one will be something that is achievable by anybody, very easily within their own home during the week,” she explains. “The second challenge is something a little bit more outside of your home within the community. For example in our first week, we’re encouraging families to take part in Red Deer Lights the Night – it’s a great family-centred activity, and we’ll be at Red Deer Lights the Night.”

To register, volunteer with SPARC, or find out more, email sparc40rd@gmail.com or visit sparcreddeer.ca/challenge.

Registration deadline is Nov. 4.