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5 month Health & Wellness program for Webelos Scouts. Seeks changes in behavior by addressing the Scout’s screen time, physical activity and diet. Program documented through monthly workbooks and weekly journals.
Switch is a pilot program created to focus on the health and wellness of Cub Scout families. The program focuses on changing the scout’s behavior by reducing their screen time (computer and TV); increasing physical activity; and increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten. Hence “Switch” what you Do, View and Chew!

The pilot program uses monthly themed workbooks to gradually change the behavior of the scout and scout’s family by monitoring physical activity, media viewing and diet, then setting goals for each participant to improve. All goals and daily results are kept in a logbook or journal. The monthly workbook also contains “Switch” promotional and informational “chotchkies” that help the scouts keep up with their progress in the program.

Background:
Developed by the Northern Star Council in conjunction with the National Institute on Media and the Family, the pilot program will use NIMF’s Switch curriculum as originally designed. The NIMF field tested the current program with over 1,300 families and produced favorable results in health and wellness behavioral changes. The program was developed for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders and will be tested in the Prairie Lakes District of the Northern Star Council using first year Webelos. The first phase of the pilot program (2009) has had an estimated 30 participants.

The second phase of the program is scheduled to launch in late 2009 and anticipates an increase in participants using the same curriculum. The third phase of the program is planned to have the entire Northern Star Council participating in a tailor-made program for the BSA tied to Cub Scout advancement based on the original Switch curriculum and the results from phases one and two.

Status:
Currently, the Northern Star Council is completing their review of the first phase results and are preparing for a second year of testing by enrolling participants for phase two. Additionally, it has been recommended by the parents of program participants to put more information online to support the individual families. The council is currently working to accommodate this request.

Please contact Allie Gardiner agardiner@northernstarbsa.org of the Northern Star Council or Merril Davis merril.davis@scouting.org of the Innovation Team with any questions.