RVC Schools host second annual Wellness Fair

More than a hundred people gathered at the South Side Middle School track and field on Saturday morning for the Rockville Centre school district’s spring Wellness Fair.

The annual event was created to help students learn about and cultivate their Sources of Strength through a variety of fun activities focusing on physical, mental and emotional wellness. From the fun and excitement of painting inspirational messages on rocks to the soothing stretching of yoga, there was something for everyone to take part in.

Sources of Strength is a national suicide-prevention program, funded locally by the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation, which promotes healing and support by tapping into social strengths such as family support, positive friends, mentors, healthy activities, spirituality, and generosity.

The atmosphere was full of excitement as kids explored the different interactive booths spread out around the track. Many parents took the opportunity to bond with their children by spending time and engaging in different crafts and physical activities.

Of course, what wellness fair would be complete without several giveaways and prizes? Students would receive an array of free goodies including their own colorful artwork, free children’s books provided by the RVC Library, and a variety of sensory toys.

Unfortunately, the warm spring weather grew colder and cloudier as the morning carried on. Several participants were unprepared for the coming showers and decided to pack things up after about an hour of outdoor fun.

Despite the intermittent rain, the event was a major success. Not only did it help promote outdoor physical activities among students, it also encouraged mental and emotional wellness by providing a sense of community, belonging and support among the many students in attendance.

For more information about the Sources of Strength program and how it works with school districts across the country, visit SourcesOfStrength.org.