Exercise campaign
1 day–1 month
Can be adapted
Depends on the design of the campaign, e.g., pedometer app, mobile app, shared follow-up board, prizes
4–30 people (2–6 groups)
How to do it
Tip: You can also organize the campaign as an individual competition or a competition between young people from different areas. Alternatively, you can participate in existing national or local campaigns.
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Together with the young people, choose a campaign theme that inspires physical activity. Examples of themes:
- Step competition between groups
- Who cycles the most kilometers in a month
- Litter collection campaign: who collects the most litter bags in a week
- Active Christmas calendar: who completes the most activities
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Plan follow-up and visibility. Agree on how the groups’ progress will be followed up and made visible. For example, use a scoreboard on the wall or a shared digital platform where progress can be documented. Also decide on the campaign’s final goal and an appropriate prize.
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Divide the young people into teams. The campaign can have two or more teams. Each team can have its own cheerleader or “captain” who is responsible for motivation and follow-up.
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Encourage the groups and cheer them on during the campaign to keep track of their performance. Hold regular updates where you check how things are going, share experiences, and highlight fun moments.
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When the campaign is over, review it together: how did it feel to participate, what was fun, and what did we learn? Hand out prizes and thank everyone for their commitment. Also consider whether the campaign can be repeated later or become a permanent part of the organization.
A group-based campaign strengthens the community and supports a sense of belonging. The competitive element adds fun excitement and motivates people to move. Small successes and doing something together increase the sense of achievement, participation, and a positive attitude toward exercise.