Success Story4-H Outdoor Adventure: Getting back outside



4-H Outdoor Adventure: Getting back outside

Author: Brandon Darst

Planning Unit: Madison County CES

Major Program: Natural Resources

Plan of Work: Develop and Strengthen Leadership and Life Skills

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

According to Reserve America, “Research has also shown that going on a hike in the woods can improve blood pressure, increase mental health and even decrease your risk of cancer. This is true of the young and old alike.” Finally out of COVID isolation, the CES restarted some 4-H Clubs. One club in particular is called the 4-H Outdoor Adventure Club. This club is designed to teach participants survival skills through hands on lessons. 
Once CES was able to restart in-person clubs, the CES took advantage of this opportunity and had clubs outdoors regardless of weather or temperature. The participants really bought in by showing up even in the Winter months to learn.
The CES reserved the shelter for all club meetings to provide an outdoor classroom. The CES provided lessons on building shelter, fire making, and tools to help survival during day hikes and camping trips. The CES taught lessons on using ferro sticks and strikers which was a new skill for all participants. The CES did a lesson on pocket survival tools and the participants were able to build their own kit using the knowledge they gained throughout the meetings.
The CES is planning an end of the year camping trip for all the participants giving them opportunities to demonstrate all that they have learned. All participants are excited about this experience! 






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