The Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Louis, MO, recently held a successful Kids Bash Health Fair, designed to promote health and wellness among children in the community. The event was inspired by Pastor Barnes’ vision of creating a healthier community by focusing on the youngest members. Pastor Barnes believes that while addressing the healthcare needs of adults is crucial, impacting children can have a ripple effect, as they are likely to share what they learn with their parents and guardians. This approach not only fosters healthier habits in children but also encourages families to adopt better health practices, ultimately building a stronger and healthier community.
The health fair provided a range of educational and interactive activities aimed at teaching children the importance of healthy living. The event emphasized the benefits of eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and maintaining regular physical activity. Children learned how these habits can improve their overall well-being and enhance their academic performance. In addition to general wellness, the fair covered critical topics such as fire safety and gun safety at home, dental health, and asthma management. These sessions aimed to equip children with practical knowledge that they could apply in their daily lives.
One of the most engaging aspects of the health fair was the variety of presentations by health and safety professionals.
Dr. Denise Johnson delivered an insightful presentation on overall wellness, which captured the children’s attention. The local fire department provided an interactive session on fire safety, complete with a tour of a fire truck, which was a hit among the kids. Dr. Esther Beekes spoke about dental health, emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene. Kenny Sims, a fitness expert, conducted a lively fitness presentation and set up a mini-obstacle course, which encouraged children to be active and have fun at the same time.
The event was supported by around 20-25 dedicated volunteers who played a crucial role in its success. Their responsibilities included organizing, setting up, and breaking down tents, tables, and chairs for attendees and vendors. Volunteers also guided attendees through different stations and assisted in various presentations. The health fair was a collaborative effort, with partnerships from several organizations such as CareSTL Health, Affinia Healthcare, the American Red Cross, Flex Training, and the local fire department. Although Girls Inc. of Saint Louis and the Saint Louis County Health Department could not attend as planned, their support was still appreciated.
Approximately 50 children attended the Kids Bash Health Fair. A notable moment from the event involved a father who decided to bring his sons after seeing the event advertised on Facebook. Initially, one of his sons was reluctant to participate in the obstacle course. However, after observing other children and receiving encouragement, he eventually joined in and completed the course with a smile on his face.
This transformation highlighted the positive impact of the event on individual children.
Another touching story was that of a family from Sudan who enjoyed the activities and connected with Sudanese church members, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Ernie Williamson, one of the organizers, shared some valuable advice for other churches or organizations interested in hosting similar events.
- He emphasized the importance of understanding the specific needs of the community and tailoring the health fair to meet those needs.
- Setting clear goals and developing a comprehensive plan to achieve them is crucial.
- Additionally, he stressed the importance of early planning and effective marketing.
- Promoting the event through multiple traditional and digital platforms at least three weeks to a month in advance can significantly enhance attendance and community engagement.
Despite being only the second attempt at organizing the health fair, this year’s event showed considerable improvement over the first one held in March. However, Ernie acknowledged that there is always room for improvement.
Lynnette Williamson, a volunteer at the event, shared her personal experience and the impact the event had on her.
“I really enjoyed being able to connect with the community that our church sits in,” she said. “It was nice to hear from one family that they decided to come because they saw our flyer on Facebook. It made me realize the importance of digital outreach and how it can bring people together.”
Lynette also noted the excitement of engaging with the community beyond the usual church services. “Seeing the community members, especially the children, interacting with us as more than just churchgoers but as people who care about their well-being was truly rewarding. It made me feel that our church is not just a place of worship but a vital part of the community.”
The Kids Bash Health Fair at Northside was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of community collaboration and the importance of focusing on children’s health to foster a healthier future for all. The event not only provided valuable health education but also strengthened community bonds and showcased the church’s commitment to serving its neighbors. As the church looks forward to future events, the lessons learned from this health fair will undoubtedly help in creating even more impactful and engaging community initiatives.
