In Kentucky, 37.1% of children are overweight or obese, and 51% of Kentucky children are not exercising regularly (Kids Count, 2016-2017).  Kentucky has the 8^th highest rate of childhood obesity in the nation (State of Obesity, 2016).  In Campbell County (population 92,488), adult obesity is 32%.  Twenty-four percent of adults in the county are physically inactive.    Healthy habits started in childhood are likely to continue into adulthood.  In order to foster healthy habits among children in Campbell County, specifically lowering the obesity rate and increasing physical activity, the Campbell County Extension Service taught Yoga for Kids at Campbell Ridge Elementary School and Stories, Songs, and Stretches at Abby’s Child Enrichment Center.

 The family and consumer sciences agent and 4-H assistant partnered with the family resource coordinator at Campbell Ridge Elementary School to offer the University of Arkansas’s Extension program, Yoga for Kids-A 4-H Healthy Living Program, to eleven 3^rd-5^th graders.  The program was offered after school weekly for 5 weeks. The purpose of this program was to increase fitness, decrease stress, and improve mental focus in a noncompetitive manner. The children practiced poses and routines, breathing exercises and meditation, and engaged in fun, active games each time.  After completing the 5 week series, children were able to take home their own yoga mat to continue their yoga practice.  End of the series written evaluations showed that 73% of the participants had practiced yoga at home, 81% had shown yoga poses to their family and friends, and 100% thought yoga helped them relax. 1 month follow-up written evaluations showed that 81% had practiced yoga at home after the series ended, 91% said they were exercising more, 100% had practiced the meditation/relaxation techniques learned in class, and 100% stated that they felt they were living a healthier lifestyle since completing the yoga series. 

Another physical activity series, Stories, Songs, and Stretches, was taught 3 times to fourteen preschool aged children at Abby’s Child Enrichment Center.  The Stories, Songs, and Stretches curriculum was utilized. The overall goal of Stories, Songs, and Stretches is to improve school readiness in body, heart, and mind through yoga-inspired movement and stillness.  Each lesson included reading books, movement which included yoga poses and dancing to songs, and relaxation/meditation activities.   End of the series written teacher evaluations stated the following: “I loved all the yoga moves that went along with the stories.  The children had a great time moving to the music. The children learned a lot about feelings and emotional awareness.”