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Florence County 4-H Youth Can!
| Name | Debra Clowney-Parnell | | Situation | Youth in Florence County are among the increased number of young people in the world who lack knowledge in nutrition and the importance of nutrition and fitness. Almost half of school age youth eat no fruits, no vegetables, skip breakfast and are overweight. 4-H Youth Can is a program that is designed to teach youth how to work for a better community by improving the healthy choices available in their community. The Youth Can
project is designed to encouraged youth in 4-H clubs to become involved in promoting fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity in their communities. | | Response | Through the collaborating efforts of Florence County 4-H, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee and Clemson University Extension, Youth Can! was piloted in Florence.
The Youth Can! program consisted of 9 interactive lessons led by
the club leader during regular meeting times. Three community clubs participated in the project and completed a service project related to healthy eating or being physically active. The lessons were designed to teach youth how to work for a better community, encourage youth and adults to work together to solve community problems, how to do research to figure out the best solutions, teach youth ways to get their ideas to work and work well, and to help youth connect with people in their community who will help them.
A total of 76 youth and parents participated in the program. Participants
completing the program each received a $10 Wal-Mart gift card and the club a $75 gift card.
| | Impact | The participants planned and implemented three community-based service
learning projects, which led to additional interest and youth participation in 4-H. Community projects developed included a Summer Fitness Fun Day at a community park which involved planning fitness activities and healthy snacks and the development and distribution of
Healthy Snacks For Kids leaflets.
The project increased awareness and meaningful participation on issues
that affect the health of the youth and their community. The program
helped youth determine goals, identify resources, create presentations,
think about their choices and evaluate their own progress. In addition, participants in the project showed an increase in confidence and self-esteem. |
Last update5/23/2008
This website is maintained by Tomika Orgbon.
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