Today’s youth are often fascinated by the images they see on a cell phone, television, or computer screen. Yet, they rarely experience those scenes first hand. According to the Child Trends databank the average amount of television 8 to 18 year olds watch is four and half hours per day. Total daily media exposure is equivalent to ten hours. Infrequent exercise and obesity are concerns often linked with excessive media use. The 4-H Youth Development Agent in Magoffin County recognizes the need to expose youth to educational opportunities through outdoor experiences to encourage less screen time for youth. 

In May of 2017 the Magoffin County 4-H Youth Development Agent began a 4-H Outdoor Adventure Club. The club focused on local opportunities for outdoor recreation that are available to the youth residing in Magoffin County. Agents in surrounding counties also realize the need for youth to experience their environment and discover new ways to stay active and healthy. 

The 4-H Youth Development agents from Rowan, Magoffin, Morgan and Elliott Counties came together to develop a multi-county outdoor adventure club. The 4-H Multi-County Outdoor Adventure club also teaches youth responsibility and promotes being active. The youth met once a month to demonstrate some sort of physical activity, observed/toured an educational facility and was provided with a healthy snack. Twenty-five youth have enrolled in the club up to this point and participated in hiking, swimming at Cave Run Lake and learned the importance of camp survival by making their own first aid kits.