MADISON, Wis. (12/11/15)--It’s time to pump--clap--your kids’ savings habits up.

CUNA announced this week that “Credit Union Strong: Pump Up Your Savings” has been voted as the theme for next year’s National Credit Union Youth Month, which runs parallel with financial literacy month in April.

By transforming branches into “health clubs” and staffers into “personal trainers,” credit unions will be able to leverage the theme to encourage kids to get in shape financially. The youth-friendly messaging also will illustrate how credit unions can make members and their communities stronger.

“Getting your kids off the couch and getting them active has become a national priority, but equally important is preparing them to be financially healthy,” said Jeremiah Tucker, CUNA Youth Month coordinator. “We believe one of the best ways to do that is by helping youth foster a lifelong partnership with credit unions.”

The fitness-inspired campaign narrowly edged “Plant the Seed, Grow Your Money,” “Be a Savings Nerd/Nerd Out at Your Credit Union,” and “Mission: Save Money. Agency: Your Credit Union” as the theme for 2016.

Credit unions interested in participating in next year’s Youth Month can sign up for CUNA’s Member Celebrations e-newsletter to receive more event details, including the popular National Youth Saving Challenge, promotional materials, giveaways, apparel and decorations.

Tucker added that next year’s Youth Month also will offer a broader array of products with credit union-specific messaging and a social media bundle credit unions can use to amplify promotion of the event.

Furthermore, while the National Youth Saving Challenge--sponsored by GreenPath Debt Solutions--will continue to take place in April during Youth Month, the Youth Month promotional materials will no longer be tied to a specific month.

“We heard from some credit unions that they would like to celebrate Youth Month earlier in the school year, and others who wanted to celebrate in the middle of summer,” Tucker said. “This way, we’re giving credit unions the materials and tools they need to participate whenever it’s convenient for them.”