NISC Programs of Excellence 

• Year Awarded: 2026
• Programs of Excellence Name: Let's Have a Field Day
• Hosting Organization: West Cobb Senior Center, Powder Springs, Georgia

About Let's Have a Field Day: 

In celebration of National Senior Center Month, West Cobb Senior Center hosted its first-ever indoor Let’s Have a Field Day competition—an engaging, team-based event designed to promote wellness, social connection, and inclusive fun for older adults.

Thhe program transformed traditional “field day” activities into safe, accessible indoor games tailored specifically for active older adults of all ability levels.

The event addressed a common challenge facing senior centers: creating programming that is both physically engaging and socially meaningful while remaining safe and adaptable. Many older adults seek opportunities for light physical activity, friendly competition, and deeper social connection, but may feel limited by mobility concerns or hesitant to join highly competitive athletic events.

Let’s Have a Field Day directly responded to this need by offering modified, low-impact activities that emphasized teamwork, laughter, and participation over speed or strength. Participants competed in creative challenges such as:

• A no-running egg-and-spoon race
• A collaborative puzzle challenge
• A safe, older-adult-friendly axe throwing competition

The field day also featured additional team-based games like a scavenger hunt and ball toss.

People could register independently and be placed on a team, encouraging new friendships, or sign up with friends to strengthen existing social bonds. This flexible format removed barriers to entry and welcomed both long-time members and newcomers.

The program’s unique aspect was its reimagining of childhood field day traditions in a way that honored nostalgia while prioritizing safety and accessibility. "By shifting the focus from intense physical performance to cooperation and team strategy, the event created an environment where everyone could contribute meaningfully," said said West Cobb Senior Center Manager April Anderson. "The indoor setting ensured comfort, weather protection, and reduced fall risk, further increasing accessibility."

Participants benefited through increased physical movement, cognitive engagement, and enhanced social interaction. The games encouraged balance, coordination, problem-solving, and communication skills—all critical components of healthy aging. Equally important: the laughter and camaraderie strengthened emotional well-being and reduced feelings of isolation.

The senior center also benefited from increased visibility, energy, and engagement during National Senior Center Month. The event attracted participants who were drawn to the festive, competitive format, including those who may not typically attend fitness classes or structured programs.

"By offering a fresh, intergenerationally inspired concept in an age-appropriate format, West Cobb Senior Center Let’s Have a Field Day broadened the center’s appeal and demonstrated its commitment to innovative, inclusive programming," Anderson said. "Ultimately, the inaugural Let’s Have a Field Day fostered community pride, teamwork, and joyful movement—laying the foundation for a new annual tradition at West Cobb Senior Center."

Key takeaways from Let's Have a Field Day:

• While field day activities promoted light physical movement and cognitive engagement, the most meaningful benefit was the way the event brought people together.
• By placing people on teams—especially those who registered alone—the program intentionally fostered new friendships. 
• As a new and engaging event, it attracted both regular members and individuals who had not previously participated in fitness classes. 

About West Cobb Senior Center

The West Cobb Senior Center describes itself as a "one-stop shop for adults 55 and over...[We] offer a place where you can pursue your passions, connect with friends, and explore activities that will keep you engaged physically and mentally. Come have fun with Mitzi, who keeps her fitness classes fun and engaging with special theme days and challenges that keep you on your toes. Our calendar is full of exciting activities, from exercise classes and artistic endeavors to friendly games and exciting day trips with destinations like the Battery or the North Georgia Mountains. Classes are provided on a quarterly basis and registration is required. We also offer a small gym onsite, free of charge. Visit us and discover a world of possibilities for active seniors."