National Activity Professional Week – 2026
Beyond the Ordinary
By Debbie Hommel, ACC/MC/EDU, CTRS
National Activity Professionals Week, which is January 26th through 30th this year, has always been a week of celebration and acknowledgement of the hard-working activity professional. It is our opportunity to salute the tireless efforts of the activity professional.
The National Association for Activity Professionals has defined this year’s theme as “Beyond the Ordinary”. They have also organized an amazing week of activities and resources to celebrate our profession. Each day has a quest (something fun to do and share on the NAAP Facebook page), an activity to share with your department, leadership resources and activity specific resources. Visit the NAAP NAP week page for all the details.
Here are some more ideas to celebrate our week.
- Create a “Beyond the Ordinary” Photo Gallery
Develop and display a photo gallery of activity programs in a high-traffic common area. Include brief descriptions outlining the therapeutic, social, cognitive, and emotional benefits of each activity. Select some of your more memorable moments. - Host an “Activity Open House”
Send invitations to staff, families, and community members. Set up themed display areas in the recreation room that highlight the value and outcomes of therapeutic activities. Include informational materials, photographs, and activity props. Offer refreshments, decorate festively and include door prizes. - Share Poems and Writings About Activities
Locate poems or short writings that reflect the purpose and impact of activity programming. Display them in common areas, include them in family communications, or read them aloud during activity groups. - Request a Mayoral Proclamation
Request an official proclamation from the mayor’s or township office recognizing National Activity Professionals Week. These proclamations often include an official seal and may be presented in person by a local representative. Incorporate the presentation into a facility-wide event, then frame and display the proclamation. Township websites typically provide instructions and suggested language. - Create a Promotional Video using the theme “Beyond the Ordinary”
Develop a short video highlighting the benefits of activities. Use a popular song and feature residents, staff, and families participating in activities or dancing, while holding signs that describe activity benefits. Display the video on continuous loop in the lobby along with posters or printed materials explaining NAP Week. - Conduct an “Activity Scavenger Hunt” or Activity Bingo
Create game cards for staff, residents, and families with interdisciplinary activity-related tasks, such as escorting a resident to a program, participating in a one-to-one visit, or spending time in the activity room. Activity staff verify completion. Completed cards are entered into a drawing, with winners announced at the end-of-week celebration. - Offer an “Activity Trivia Game”
Develop trivia questions related to your activity program, activity staff, or the benefits of engagement. Participants submit completed trivia sheets, with winners drawn daily or at the end of the week. - Create an Open Mural of Reflection on the theme – Beyond the Ordinary
Hang a large sheet or roll of paper in a common area and invite residents, families, and staff to write thoughts or messages about activities. Attach markers securely to encourage participation. - Plan an “Activity Olympics”
Designate each day of the week to a different activity domain. For example, Monday may focus on cognitive engagement (“Mental Aerobics Day”), while Tuesday emphasizes physical wellness (“Let’s Get Physical Day”). Highlight benefits throughout the week and include interdisciplinary challenges or friendly competitions. - Celebrate as a Department
Host a luncheon or private celebration to recognize and appreciate your activity department and professional peers. - Invest in Professional Membership
Honor yourself during NAP Week by joining or renewing membership in NAAP or state or local activity association. Professional membership offers education, support, current resources, advocacy, and validation for the important work activity professionals provide.
“Let’s do what we love and do a lot of it.”
Marc Jacobs