Stories from Heroes

We asked Alaska families to tell us how they enjoy physical activity with their children. We heard from parents all over this state, sharing ideas for inside and outside, warm weather or snowy days. For these Alaskans, heading out for some play every day is part of the family fun. As one mom in Port Alsworth says — “Everybody out. Every day!”

• Playing and working outdoors are part of this family’s tradition
  It’s no wonder that getting outdoors has always been a big part of Joylynn Lake’s life. When Joylynn was a child, her grandparents and her mother gardened and raised farm animals in Auke Bay, 12 miles from downtown Juneau.
  Read more about Lake family…
  
• For this family of 4, physical activity is a good thing that’s made even better when done together
  Maria Shawback is a single, working mother with three kids — Garen, age 11, Ellia, age 9, and Roen, age 7. It would be easy to be overwhelmed by such a brood. But instead of heading for the couch after work, Maria makes getting out and playing every day the rule, rather than the exception for her family.
  Read more about the Shawback family...
• “Everybody out, every day,” in Port Alsworth, Alaska
  Megan Richotte isn’t afraid of getting dirty. She knows that playing outside with her family might result in more laundry, but she doesn’t care. It’s all part of the fun.
  Read more about the Richotte family...
• Instilling good habits that will last a lifetime in Palmer, Alaska
  Rachael Richardson is a busy wife and mother, but still makes time to stay active with her husband, Brandon, and two children, 14-year-old daughter Rayna and 8-year-old son Kyler.
  Read more about the Richardson family...
  
• For this active family, a swing and gym mat in the house are essential pieces of furniture
  June Ruda, who has a 7-year-old son, believes a kid’s imagination is too good to waste with instructions on how to have fun.
  Read more about the Ruda family...