According to Lerner and colleagues (2009) , they have consistently found that youth who participated in 4-H programs practiced healthier behaviors compared to youth who participated in similar programs. These behaviors included lower levels of substance abuse and higher levels of physical activity and healthier diets. However, like youth in the larger society, youth in 4-H still are at risk for health-related concerns such as obesity and accidental injury. In response to these risks, 4-H remains committed to its efforts to promote healthy behaviors in youth through 4-H Healthy Living programs. 

I began Dancefit at Mason County Intermediate school in 2018 reaching the entire school consisting of over 700 youth in grades third, fourth, and fifth.  Upon my return this year, youth are declaring their new knowledge of dance, healthy moving, and making good choices to include more movement through verbal evaluation I have performed at the end of the 2018 program year, and at the beginning of the 2019 program year. 

This year I am tailoring the program to focus on international dance and dances from other cultures for the fourth and fifth grade students. With the third grade we are learning Dancefit dances, line dances, 4-H games including 4-H Freeze, 4-H Star, and a camp favorite, Ships and Sailors. Some of the verbal testimonies I have heard include "I love 4-H dancing", "we played ships and sailors at my friends birthday party", "4-H Freeze is so fun, I love being able to make up new dance moves without anyone judging me". The inclusive atmosphere inspires youth to tap into their creative imagination to express themselves through the art of dance. One participant stated " I never thought I could do any of these dances until you helped me". 

Class time with them also opens opportunities up for other advertising of 4-H programs including summer camp, clubs, and workshops. The majority of youth that attended Summer Camp in 2018 was because of Dancefit. As this program grows, I intend that camp attendance will grow along with participation in other 4-H activities. This is a great outlet to reach a large amount of youth to further involve them in 4-H activities in Mason County.