The Vermont Out-of-School Time (VOOST) Network, in partnership with the Vermont Department of Health, is excited to once again be able to offer funding and support for afterschool and out-of-school time programs to implement SPARK (Sports, Play & Active Recreation for Kids) programming. The focus of the SPARK Afterschool curriculum is to provide leadership techniques and activity ideas that encourage youth ages 9-13 to be physically active. Their philosophy is: Include ALL youth, ALL youth ACTIVE, and ALL youth learning to enjoy movement.

S.P.A.R.K Training

Teams of youth and adults from eight sites were up and playing together for most of the training under the direction of energetic sixty two year old Ken McMillan.  “One whistle means freeze, two whistles means gather together.”  Ken brought energy, humor, and hands on tips using examples from the curriculum to get everyone up moving.   Said one participant, “I loved that children were involved – I’ve never attended a workshop where children were invited . . . they really helped to break the ice and added a very real component to the workshop!”