Success StoryEmpowering Youth



Empowering Youth

Author: Vanessa Harris

Planning Unit: Menifee County CES

Major Program: Nutrition and Food Systems General

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The Menifee County Cooperative Extension office hosted a three day 4-H Day Camp for youth ages 9 to 14. The 4-H Day Camp offered multiple learning experiences each day for youth based on the 4-H/Youth Development core areas. The camp empowers youth with skills that will last for a lifetime. Youth gained knowledge and skills about nutrition, food preparation and cooking, sewing skills, STEM, and water quality activities. The Menifee County SNAP-ED assistant presented, MyPlate for Kids to a group of 12 youth. MyPlate for Kids encouraged youth to eat more fruits, vegetables an 100% whole grains. Youth completed pre and post evaluations which resulted in the following: 67% overall improved with eating vegetables and 67% improved with eating both fruits and vegetables for lunch and snacks. The camp allowed the youth to eat the lunches they prepared by themselves each day. Recipes prepared consisted of fruits, vegetables and 100% whole grains. Youth now have skills to prepare healthy meals at home. By the end of camp 86% of the youth were confident in using measuring cups, measuring spoons, and planning a meal following MyPlate. The camp was very successful and will be used as a kickoff to future youth programs at the Menifee County Extension office.   







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