In a typical week, The National Wildlife Foundation notes that only 6% of children ages 9-13 play outside, while kids in this same age group devote over 7 hours per day to electronic entertainment, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In order to combat this epidemic, the Lincoln County 4-H Council, as well as the Lincoln County Extension District Board has identified a goal of creating increased awareness, knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to make informed choices regarding healthy lifestyles, including physical activity. To help advance this directive, the Lincoln County 4-H Agent has partnered with community volunteers to create a 4-H Outdoor Adventure Club. The club has elected officers, and through youth planning, has set goals of increasing outdoor physical activity, while also learning about the natural environment. So far for the 2021-22 program year, 14 youth have regularly participated in club activities, including hiking, ziplining, and kayaking. A pre-post test showed the following results for these youth: 

• 91% gained a new appreciation of the natural environment
• 91% report using skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school, and in the community
• 100% reporting spending more time outdoors as a result of the program.