Healthy Choices, Healthy Children
Using the Ripken Way to help youth develop sound character and vital life skills

At the heart of our mission to help youth realize their potential is the Healthy Choices, Healthy Children program.  Using an engaging and interactive format, Healthy Choices, Healthy Children seeks to help youth understand vital life lessons needed to display a positive, productive, and healthy lifestyle.  The program is centered on the teachings of Cal, Sr. – values and traits that helped Cal and Bill achieve their heights of success, on and off the field.

Designed to fit organizations and schools of all shapes and sizes, the program drives home the messages of life using two basic formats:


Healthy Choices, Healthy Children – Classroom Edition
An engaging program meant to be delivered in a structured classroom setting that features a variety of learning tools designed to inspire and encourage youth to live their lives knowing that others care about their success and their ability to make positive, productive decisions.  

View Lesson 1 

                        To purchase Healthy Choices, Healthy Children - Classroom Edition, visit the
                        National Middle School Association Store.

Healthy Choices, Healthy Children – TEAM Edition
A condensed version of the classroom edition specifically designed for use in conjunction with an athletic program.  This program is designed to give coaches and instructors a tool to incorporate life lessons on the field during teachable moments, encouraging youth to live the lessons of Healthy Choices, Healthy Children in every aspect of their lives.

View Lesson 1


The 12 Healthy Choices, Healthy Children lessons are:
For additional discussion topics click on each lesson.

1. Sportsmanship
2. Teamwork
3. Leadership
4. Communication
5. Respect
6. Avoiding Stinkin' Thinkin'
7. Personal Responsibility
8. Work Ethic
9. Developing Good Life Habits
10. Choosing to be Healthy
11. Choosing Your Teammates
12. Choosing Your Future

For more information about Healthy Choices, Healthy Children contact us at hchc@ripkenfoundation.org.