Author: Christy Stearns
Planning Unit: Clinton County CES
Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health - FCS
Plan of Work: Healthy & Active Lifestyles: Nutrition & Food Access, Physical & Mental Health
Outcome: Initial Outcome
To increase family engagement and promote the Pumpkin Walk, the Clinton County Extension Office partnered with 21st Century Community Service Club members at the local high school who painted and hid “pumpkin rocks” around the community for people to find and redeem for prizes at the Pumpkin Walk. The expected audience for the scavenger hunt was younger children and their families, but it was quickly realized that the activity served a greater purpose. Research from the American Addiction Center notes that individuals in recovery may struggle with boredom if don’t have things to fill their time that once focused on getting and using drugs. One of the ways to prevent relapse and avoid boredom is to have a strong social support network along with activities to fill spare time to assist with restlessness or loneliness. Shortly after the rocks were hidden, one young lady from our community reached out via social media to ask more questions about the number of rocks hidden, locations, timeframe, etc. and shared that the Pumpkin Rock Scavenger Hunt gave her a focus every time she wanted to use. In her words, “this gives me something to do instead of getting high”. She found 24 of the 50 rocks initially hidden. Teens painted and hid more rocks for support. Extension staff have remained engaged with the participant and have ensured connection to a variety of other community resources and programs. This simple activity is a great example of unexpected outcomes of the most positive measure.
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