In 2020, during the school closures and distance learning instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic, HCAT Arlington developed family engagement kits to help keep kids and families active and healthy during times of isolation. HCAT Arlington partnered with local organizations, including Aspire! Afterschool Learning, AHC, Inc. and the Hoffman-Boston Elementary School PTA, to develop tailored and themed kits to meet the needs of the children they serve.
Outdoor Exploration Kits were provided to over 100 Aspire! Afterschool Learning students to encourage outdoor play in the adjoining natural space near Aspire’s program site. During distance learning breaks and after school, staff led students out to the Washington and Old Dominion Trail to explore Four Mile Run and the surrounding wooded areas. The outdoor exploration kits included binoculars, magnifying glass, compass, nature scavenger hunt, bird identification guide, bike lights, and sidewalk chalk with a list of ideas to make sidewalk chalk obstacle courses. HCAT Arlington partnered with Bike Arlington, Walk Arlington, and Arlington County’s Department of Human Services on these kits.
Healthy Eating and Gardening Kits were distributed to 48 families receiving produce bags that were distributed by the PTA to families in need. Contents of the kits included measuring cups and spoons, MyPlate nutrition resources and activities, children’s healthy eating book, jarred spice, and recipes using that spice. HCAT Arlington also collaborated with the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener program to distribute free herb plants for families.
Physical Activity Kits were distributed to over 80 youth residents attending virtual after school programs at AHC Inc. affordable housing properties. The kits included items to encourage physical activity including, a frisbee and hacky sack ball, kids yoga book, jump rope with corresponding activity cards, foam dice with fitness game boards, and sidewalk chalk with a list of ideas to make chalk obstacle courses. Resident services staff incorporated activities from these kits into their online afterschool curriculum to keep kids active while learning. HCAT Arlington also partnered with Arlington County’s Department of Human Services to develop the kits.