A camper learns how strawberries are grown from Andy Rollins and Ginger Bowen, Clemson Extension agents, at a local farm during 4-H Food, Fitness and Fun summer camp.

DATE: 7/11/07

CONTACT: Liz Smitherman, (864) 232-4431, Ext. 125; esmithe@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

4-H’ers learn healthy lifestyle at camp

GREENVILLE – Twenty-six 4-her’s from Greenville and Spartanburg counties got a chance to learn how to lead a healthy lifestyle at the 4-H Food, Fitness and Fun summer camp last month. The camp was hosted by Clemson Extension.

They were taught the importance of eating a healthy and balanced diet, how to prepare their own healthy snacks, and the importance of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Marlyne Walker, food safety and nutrition educator with Clemson Extension, explained to the campers about discretionary calories, the importance of eating from the five food groups of MyPyramid and exercising daily.

They also participated in Veggie Olympics and visited the J.E. Cooley Farms and Beechwood Farms to see where and how vegetables and fruits are grown. Andy Rollins, Clemson Extension agent in Spartanburg County led them on the farm tours.

“Campers were surprised at how much they enjoyed eating healthy snacks,” said Liz Smitherman, Clemson Extension 4-H agent in Greenville County. “Instead of having a soda they learned how to make strawberry smoothies.”

“By the end of the camp, they were excited to make healthier food choices for themselves and their families,” said Ginger Bowen, Clemson Extension 4-H agent in Spartanburg County.

The camps were made possible through a grant from the South Carolina 4-H state office.

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