The Project ACES Challenge

Project ACES - Active Children Excel in School is a yearly physical activity challenge offered to public and private elementary schools in Carroll County each October. The goal of Project ACES is to increase daily physical activity in children, to improve health and fitness, making students better prepared to perform well in school. Regular physical activity reduces the risks for many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. It helps make students more alert and reduces stress. Project ACES promotes physical activity as FUN for students and school staff, friends and family.

Students in grades K-5 track a total of 60 minutes of moderate physical activity each day on a two week log. Activity at school, at home or in recreational activities can count. Incentives are offered by schools and classes for students to reach the goal each day. Many schools have special activities to promote the challenge. Staff members may participate along with the students. Students and teachers can win prizes from the Children’s Heart Health Action Team, which sponsors the program, and from their PTA's and PTO's. Schools earn trophies and award funds for their physical education and health programs by reaching participation goals.

The Challenge is sponsored by the Carroll County Children’s Heart Health Action Team, which formed in 1996 to promote heart health for children by encouraging increased physical activity, healthy food choices and non-use of tobacco. Coalition members include the Carroll County Health Department, Carroll County Public Schools, Carroll Hospital Center, Carroll Community College, Carroll County Department of Recreation and Parks, Cigarette Restitution Fund Program, C.R.A.S.H. Coalition, Safe Kids Coalition, The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County, Inc. and Westminster City Department of Parks and Recreation. The Children’s Heart Health Action Team is a collaborative partner of the Heart Health Improvement Work Group of The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County.

Project ACES has been recognized statewide and nationally as a successful, innovative program to increase physical activity in youth, and to promote school and community cooperation. Project ACES was awarded a Governor’s Citation for Youth Physical Activity Excellence from the Maryland Advisory Council on Physical Fitness in 2005, the Maryland School Health Council Program Award in 2006, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) School/Community Award in 2006, and the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association Program Award in 2007.

To view the Fall 2006 Carroll County school challenge results, click here.
To view the Fall 2006 Carroll County school staff challenge results, click here.

To view the Fall 2007 Carroll County school challenge results, click here.
To view the Fall 2007 Carroll County school staff challenge results, click here.

For more information, contact Dawn Eldridge at 410-876-4984 or deldridge@dhmh.state.md.us.