PDF Fitness is an important part of scouting programs. The Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos programs all include some requirement about nutrition. And this continues into Boy Scouts with the requirements for the First Class rank and merit badges. A Cub Scout nutrition game is a way to introduce these concepts to younger Scouts.
About a year ago, I came across this game on the USDA site. Use it with any of the requirements which reference the food pyramid or healthy food choices. I can’t find the link on their site anymore, but I did save a copy of it.
This is basically a go fish game with different types of food. I liked how the kids talked about the different types of food they saw on the cards. There were a couple of scouts who were even talking about if the food on the card should be at the bottom of the pyramid (a more healthy choice for the food group) or at the top (a less healthy choice). Even my den chiefs had some lively discussion about what was shown for the different food groups.
Printable copy of Food Pyramid Go Fish Game (includes instructions)
I wish I could come across the original page on the USDA site with the link to this, because there were some other great materials there also. If anyone finds it, please let me know.
I loved the idea, but I was less than impressed with the foods presented. Six types of sugar laden cereal? Strawberry “Whole” Milk – which is somehow “Fat Free” milk? *facepalm*.
It’s definitely an awesome idea, though, and I suppose representing what American kids actually eat and not what they should eat will get better results than presenting things like spinach and asparagus and hummus, since it seems like most kids wouldn’t even be able to identify those foods, much less put them in a category.
I guess I get a little spoiled at the diversity of foods the kids in my area eat since we’re in the “Cereal State” (full of nuts, fruits and flakes – and I DO mean the people, not the food. *wink*)
Yes, I was surprised at some of the foods presented also. I think there is even a donut card in there somewhere. From nosing around the USDA site, I gather that we are supposed to instruct the youngsters that some foods in a group are better choices than others. Yes, French fries are potatoes, but wouldn’t baked be a better choice (for example)?
I’m not sure that message is getting through though. I know my kids like to stretch their imaginations when trying to figure out where something fits in a healthy diet. No – CheezIts are not dairy!
Thanks for posting this idea! I think it is a good lead into what is a healthy choice and what is not. I think I’m going to add that “whomever has the healthiest matches wins!!” That way they will be trying to match the healthy cards. Thanks again; it was exactly what I needed!!!
Strange that they would put so many strange and unhealthy options on the cards but I suppose the points others have made or valid and I really like Loretta’s idea. Here is the link for other informational and lesson items http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/resources/mypyramidclassroom.html…I just followed the tab that said “kids” and then something about teachers. Anyway, hope that helps.
Tiffany
Okay that link didn’t work…lame. try this http://www.choosemyplate.gov/kids/index.html
click on classroom materials
p.p.s. that’s a bagel, no donuts
Here is the link for the game: http://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/Resources/go-fish_color.pdf#xml=http://65.216.150.153/texis/search/pdfhi.txt?query=go+fish&pr=FNS&prox=page&rorder=500&rprox=500&rdfreq=500&rwfreq=500&rlead=500&rdepth=0&sufs=0&order=r&cq=&id=4e86736114
It is already colored in. There is a link for cards that are black and white as well. I’m glad you have it on here because I printed some, but had printer issues and couldn’t find it again. I was looking for matching game and not go fish.
Found the web site http://teamnutrition.usda.gov/resources/mypyramidclassroom.html
it has the card game in color and black and white.