Instructions
- Read through each section carefully. This worksheet is your guide to becoming a Community Activity Explorer!
- Complete the activities in each section. You'll be brainstorming, solving safety puzzles, and designing a plan to get people active.
- Use your own experiences and local community as inspiration for your answers. There are no single "right" answers for many questions.
- Try the optional Challenge Question at the end if you want to stretch your thinking.
Part 1: Map Your Local Activity Zone
Every community has hidden gems for physical activity. Your first task is to identify them. Brainstorm and list at least two places in your local area for each category below.
Community Spaces (e.g., parks, courts, public squares)
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Outdoor Environments (e.g., trails, forests, beaches)
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Aquatic Settings (e.g., public pools, lakes, rivers, ocean)
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Part 2: Safety Investigator
Being active is fun, but staying safe is essential. Read the three scenarios below. For each one, identify two potential hazards (dangers) and suggest two safety strategies to manage them.
Scenario A: The Skate Park
You and your friends want to use the local skate park after school. It's popular, a bit crowded, and you notice some cracked pavement in one corner. There are no adults around.
Potential Hazards:
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Safety Strategies:
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Scenario B: The Bushwalk
Your family is planning a 2-hour hike on a trail you've never been on. The weather forecast is mostly sunny, but there's a small chance of a storm later in the day. Your phone has 50% battery.
Potential Hazards:
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Safety Strategies:
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Scenario C: The River Swim
It’s a hot day and your group of friends decides to cool off at a local river swimming spot. There are no lifeguards. Some of your friends are daring each other to jump off a large rock into the water.
Potential Hazards:
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Safety Strategies:
- ______________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________
Part 3: The Community Action Plan
Your local council wants to encourage more young people to get active, but they need ideas! Choose one type of space (like a park, pool, or trail) and create an action plan. Propose two creative strategies to increase its use and explain why each strategy would work.
Chosen Space/Environment: ____________________________________________
Strategy #1:
What is your idea?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Why would this strategy work to increase use?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Strategy #2:
What is your idea?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Why would this strategy work to increase use?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Part 4: Challenge Question (Optional)
Think beyond physical safety. Sometimes, people don't use public spaces because they don't feel welcome or comfortable. Describe one social or emotional barrier that might stop someone from using a local park or basketball court, and propose one idea to make that space more inclusive for everyone.
Barrier: _________________________________________________________________________
Idea for Inclusivity: ________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Note: Many answers are subjective. The samples below are examples of strong responses.
Part 1: Map Your Local Activity Zone
- Community Spaces: Answers will vary. Examples: City Park, Northwood Basketball Courts, town square, local oval.
- Outdoor Environments: Answers will vary. Examples: Green Mountain hiking trail, Miller's Forest, Sunset Beach.
- Aquatic Settings: Answers will vary. Examples: Central City Pool, Blue Lake, Johnson River.
Part 2: Safety Investigator
- Scenario A (Skate Park):
- Hazards: Colliding with others; tripping on cracked pavement; injury without adult help; peer pressure.
- Strategies: Wear protective gear (helmet, pads); inspect the area before riding; go with a buddy and agree on a meeting spot; communicate with others ("dropping in!").
- Scenario B (Bushwalk):
- Hazards: Getting lost; bad weather (rain making paths slippery); phone dying; dehydration or injury.
- Strategies: Tell someone your route and expected return time; pack a rain jacket and extra water; bring a portable charger or save phone battery; check the weather forecast right before leaving.
- Scenario C (River Swim):
- Hazards: Unknown water depth or underwater objects (rocks, branches); currents; peer pressure to do something dangerous; no supervision/lifeguard.
- Strategies: Never swim alone; enter the water feet-first to check the depth; don't give in to peer pressure; have a plan for emergencies (know who to call).
Part 3: The Community Action Plan
Answers will vary. A strong response should present a clear idea and a logical explanation.
- Chosen Space Example: Local Park
- Strategy #1: Host a free "Park Sports" day once a month with equipment for different games (soccer, frisbee, etc.) provided.
- Why it works: Removes the barrier of not owning equipment. Creates a social, low-pressure event that encourages people to try new things and meet others.
- Strategy #2: Install better lighting along paths and add a designated "teen zone" with charging stations and seating.
- Why it works: Improves safety, making the park usable in the evenings. Creates a space where teens feel welcome and can socialize, encouraging them to spend more time there.
Part 4: Challenge Question
Answers will vary. The goal is to show empathy and critical thinking about inclusivity.
- Barrier Example: Feeling judged or not being skilled enough. Someone might avoid a basketball court because they think everyone else is an expert and they will be laughed at for being a beginner.
- Idea for Inclusivity Example: Create designated "Beginner Hours" or "Just for Fun" times where competition is discouraged and a coach is available to offer friendly tips. This creates a welcoming environment for new players to learn without pressure.