Credit unions across the country have turned into miniature financial health clubs in an effort to get young members focused on their fiscal fitness.

It’s all part of National Credit Union Youth Month, sponsored by CUNA each April. The theme for the 2016 National Credit Union Youth Month is “Credit Union Strong,” which positions credit unions as the No. 1 place for financial fitness, says Jeremiah Tucker, CUNA’s youth month coordinator.

“We want to position credit unions as financial fitness coaches for kids,” Tucker says. “We want to provide youth with opportunities, show them how we’re here to help them meet their goals, and make them stronger financially.”

To achieve that goal, credit unions have hosted events throughout April that show youth how to strengthen money skills and grow their savings, while also teaching them how credit unions are different from banks.

Here’s how some credit unions are celebrating National Credit Union Youth Month:

• Landmark Credit Union in Danville, Ill., is holding a coloring contest for a chance to win a $25 Toys R Us gift card.
• Picatinny Federal Credit Union in Dover, N.J., matches deposits up to $50 for each new youth account opened during Youth Month.
• Communication Federal Credit Union in Oklahoma City hosted a “kid-a-palooza” for young members that included building birdhouses, a bounce house, face painting, and passing out coloring books and crayons.
• First Community Credit Union in Chesterfield, Mo., developed a scorecard with activities that encourage young members to build physical and financial strength. A $300 gift card to a trampoline park will be awarded to a random young member that completes the scorecard.
• DuGood Federal Credit Union in Beaumont, Texas, held a social media scavenger hunt. Young members answered questions or completed tasks using Twitter, Snap Chat, and Instagram for a chance to win weekly prizes.
• Purdue Federal Credit Union in West Lafayette, Ind., gave new members who opened a youth account the chance to win prizes when they made in-branch deposits.

The National Credit Union Foundation held a Twitter chat April 20, which allowed credit unions to share how they help young members become fiscally fit.

While it's important to celebrate National Credit Union Youth Month, educating youth about the importance of financial literacy and the benefits of credit union membership should occur year-round.

Here's how some credit unions are connecting with youths:

It's the @Hulk! Great coloring contest entry from one of our little members! @CUYouthMonth #CUYouthMonth pic.twitter.com/iDpeGK3NdD

— NWPCU (@NWPriorityCU) April 15, 2016

An Olympic twist on #CUYouthMonth - our members posing on our Financial Fitness podium for a chance to win a FITBIT! pic.twitter.com/K6AG5VlCSL

— TruNorth FCU (@TruNorthCU) April 19, 2016

Students in Gray's Creek in #DenhamSprings loved had a blast learning about the importance of #saving! #CUYouthMonth pic.twitter.com/3HLa6MPSoa

— Pelican State CU (@PelicanStateCU) April 7, 2016

Members of our Youth Advisory Board helped us kick off #CUYouthMonth! Work
up a savings sweat and get #CU #Strong! pic.twitter.com/w2xhot7dRR

— OleanAreaFCU (@OleanAreaFCU) April 1, 2016

#CUStrong member Logan Yelton made a deposit and showed us his amazing jumprope skills for #CUYouthMonth on Friday! pic.twitter.com/iP5M1Tphca

— Greater Eastern CU (@GreaterEastern) April 11, 2016