FitFamilies initiative promotes holistic wellness for Airmen, families

  • Published
  • By Steve Warns
  • AFCEC Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  Get up. Get out. Get fit. Together.

That’s the motto for FitFamilies, a new U.S. Air Force initiative designed to promote the holistic wellness among Airmen and their families. 

The Air Force Services Activity will administer FitFamilies and installation force support squadrons will operate it.

“We provide child and parent recreational programming and recreational opportunities,” said Jon Grammer, director of programs for AFSVA. “The goal is to strengthen families and build ready and resilient Airmen by engaging children, youth, teens and their families to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Air Force installations have started their requests for funding and will receive a funding allocation to support “Ready to Launch” and “Design it Yourself” program options. Allocations range from $10,000 to $60,000.

“Ready to Launch” programs include “Off We Go!” -- Four Season Family Adventures; Golf 4 Kids; Junior Get Golf Ready; Youth and Teen Cohesion Challenge and Youth-Sized Outdoor Recreation Equipment.

The opportunities are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

 The Four Season classes or recreational adventures encourage children to participate in outdoor adventures to develop active, healthy lifestyles. Children use the book “Kids’ Outdoor Adventure Book: 448 Great Things To Do in Nature Before You Grow Up” to discover the four seasons. 

Golf 4 Kids is a summer program offering lessons to youth ages 8 to 13 during a two-week period. 

Junior Get Golf Ready is a year-round program adapted from the Get Golf Ready program. It consists of five lessons, and family participation is encouraged.

The Youth and Teen Cohesion Challenge gives kids the chance to participate in adventure race events that create a cohesive team experience and family bonding. It incorporates calisthenics and other exercises, lasts about two to four hours and covers an overall distance of three to seven miles.

“This program is built around GORUCK, a small grassroots company that is plugged into a young, active tech-savvy group of participants,” said Linda Weston, marketing specialist for AFSVA. “The company was selected specifically for its military relevance, small event footprint and focus on group and team dynamics.”

There are two “Design it Yourself” components: programs and equipment.

Programs range from arts and crafts, featuring activities such as digital photography and painting and riding your own skateboard, to outdoor recreation activities such as rock climbing and horseback riding.

To find out more about FitFamilies, go to www.myairforcelife.com.