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Summer Health Challenge for the Whole Family

We’re in the midst of summer and in our family we love visiting the community pool and beach, buying fresh produce at our local organic farm and bringing kayaks out on a nearby lake. 

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is beautiful and we try to get outside as often as possible. This summer, let’s do a health challenge together — as a family. Keep in mind, health is not just physical, so let’s focus on all areas of healthy living.

John tells us, "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul" (3 John 1:2).

Here is a 25-day summer health challenge for the whole family!

  1. Get a new family devotional to read together — take turns reading scripture out loud.
  2. Do a water drinking challenge together — it’s always great to drink more water.
  3. Have a water gun fight.
  4. Get a great night’s sleep.
  5. Host a “No Complaint” day — no one can complain all day.
  6. Check in with your kids daily. See how they are doing, what they are into and what they are thinking about.
  7. Plant a vegetable or herb garden — kids love gardening; you can start small.
  8. Visit the local library and pick out books to read.
  9. Make a large fruit salad together.
  10. Have a water balloon fight.
  11. Play with bubbles — see how many you can pop.
  12. Use a fitness app together as a family.
  13. Commit to hugging each other at least once every day.
  14. Make a family prayer jar and add to it all summer — see what prayers have been answered.
  15. Have a large salad bar for dinner. Let everyone pick out ingredients and help cut.
  16. Take a family walk.
  17. Host Thankful Thursdays where everyone shares what they’re thankful for with no repeats.
  18. Learn a new sport — like pickleball or spikeball.
  19. Let the kids choose a healthy dinner recipe they’ll cook — if they cook, offer to clean up.
  20. Do an outdoor service project together — sandwiches for the homeless, yard work for an elderly neighbor, etc.
  21. Train for a 5K walk or run together.
  22. Visit a local splash pad or public park.
  23. Try new fruits and vegetables. Make rating cards and see what new ones you like.
  24. Set 30 minutes per day for no technology. Instead, read, write, draw, do puzzles, paint, etc.
  25. Set “play dates” for the whole family. Go visit friends or meet them at a local park, lake or beach.

What would you add to this Summer Challenge list? Head to the #NWAdventists website or social media channels to comment and share.

Proverbs 17:22 tells us, "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Be joyful together this summer as a family! God wants to bless you abundantly. He is so crazy in love with you! And remember, when you’re outside, wear sunscreen and pack your water. 

Featured in: July/August 2024

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