Success Story4-H Adventures Lead to Physical Fitness



4-H Adventures Lead to Physical Fitness

Author: Alexandria Bryant

Planning Unit: Breckinridge County CES

Major Program: Health 4-H Core Curriculum

Plan of Work: Improving community wellness through nutrition, physical activity and safety

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Moderate physical activity can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, stress and high blood pressure. Physically active people live longer and better quality lives that inactive people. However, physical activity levels decrease across the lifespan. Although youth should engage in 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day, there is a significant decrease in the amount of physical activity between elementary school and high school students. To address this need, the Breckinridge County Extension Office and local Middle School teachers provided a new 4-H Adventurers Club for Middle and High School youth. The 40 club members meet twice each month during the school year. In addition to club meetings and hands-on lessons from the 4-H Outdoor Adventures Curriculum, such as compass work and first aid, the club planned a variety of adventures including caving and hiking at Mammoth Cave National Park, touring the University of Kentucky Campus to learn about career opportunities, hiking and completing water quality tests at Rough River State Park, camping and completing the ropes challenge at West KY 4-H Camp, and a week-long trip to Florida for snorkeling, hiking, swimming, and learning about aquatic environments. The 4-H Adventurers Club aimed to show youth that good physical, mental, and social health can be achieved through a variety of fun, physical activities. Post-survey evaluations indicated that 100% of youth increased their physical activity and 100% of youth understood the importance of staying physically active throughout life. Over 89% of youth felt confident in their ability to demonstrate safe hiking, caving, and canoeing, 78% felt confident in their ability to navigate hiking trails, and 100% of youth tried a new physical activity. In addition, 100% developed teamwork skills, felt better about themselves, and knew how to handle stress. Finally, behavior changes were observed, including 78% of youth made healthier food choices at home, 78% increased the distance they were able to hike safely, and 77% served in leadership roles in their community after participating in 4-H Adventure Club. The 4-H Adventurers Club in Breckinridge County has developed life skills and healthy habits, while enjoying a variety of adventures this year!      






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