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Planning a Safe and Engaging Paddling Adventure for Youth Part 1

Setting off on a paddling adventure with youth, whether it involves canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), offers a wonderful opportunity for them to get active, connect with the outdoors, and learn the value of teamwork. These activities can leave a lasting impression on the young people involved, fostering feelings of accomplishment, resilience, and fellowship. However, the responsibility on the adults leading these trips is significant. Ensuring a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience requires meticulous planning, a focus on safety, and a commitment to engaging each participant. Through this blog series, you will be provided with the insights and tools necessary to organize a successful paddling event for youth.

Securing Kayaks

Safety is the foundation of any successful paddling adventure, especially when involving young people. A critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of this safety is the secure transportation of your kayaks. Begin by firmly attaching your kayaks to your trailer using suitable straps. Before hitting the road, double-check that the straps are tightly fastened, the ends are securely tied off, and the kayak doesn’t move when you gently rock it.

When loading a kayak, always position the straps in advance. It’s a team effort to safely lift the kayak by its bow (front) and stern (back) handles—remembering to bend at the knees to protect your back. Once the kayak is evenly placed on the trailer’s crossbars, secure it properly by using the appropriate ties. Although ratcheting straps are commonly used, they can potentially damage your kayak due to excessive pressure. As an alternative, the use of buckle bumper straps offers a safe and user-friendly solution for both novices and experienced paddlers alike. Ensuring your kayaks are safely secured not only protects your equipment but also ensures the safety of everyone on the road.

Planning is Essential – Crafting a Float Plan

The backbone of a smooth paddling adventure is a detailed float plan. This document should outline your route, expected weather conditions, participant list with emergency contacts, and a timeline of the trip. Utilizing resources such as the Coast Guard Float Plan Central website ensures you don’t miss any critical planning steps. Your float plan should include not only the basics but also specific details such as the equipment each person will bring, health forms, expected departure and return times, access points, and the driving route. It’s also vital to assess and document the day’s weather, tides, water flow, and temperature, alongside local regulations, necessary permits, and the nearest emergency services and outfitters.

In addition to creating a comprehensive float plan, it’s essential to pack necessary items like water, snacks, sunscreen, and first-aid supplies, while encouraging lightweight packing to minimize the physical load on paddlers. Ensure that agents and other adults in charge involved are well-informed about the float plan, current and forecasted weather conditions, and the personal skills and comfort levels within the group.

Remember, the float plan is not just a list; it’s a snapshot of your group’s capabilities, equipment, and safety resources. Items not directly related to trip planning and participant safety should be recorded separately. Always leave the float plan with someone on shore who is familiar with the trip details, participants, and local area. This person’s responsibility is to alert local authorities should the group not return as scheduled. Typically, float plans are best entrusted to an agent and/or county extension director.

When you are out on the water, pay close attention to changing weather conditions. If the weather gets challenging, ensure your group stays together and maintains steady communication. In the case of unexpected thunder, lightning, heavy rain, or strong wind, find a protected area on land for the group to escape the elements. If the group gets off the water, be sure that boats or boards are far away from the water’s edge. Make sure to take all paddles and any food, water, and personal gear are with youth.

Choosing the Right Gear

Personal gear and preparedness are crucial for the success of your paddling trip.  When choosing a paddling outfit, prioritize versatility, durability, and protection against cold, and wet conditions. Here are some key guidelines:

  • Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear a PFD while on the water. Ensure it fits snugly without riding up over your face or head. If adjustments are needed, do so safely onshore.
  • Temperature Considerations: Youth and adults should dress for potential immersion. Hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, can occur in water temperatures as “warm” as 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to U.S. Coast Guard. Conversely, hyperthermia results from overheating, often due to hot, humid conditions. Dressing in layers will help adjust for body temperature changes during the trip.
  • Sun Protection: Applying sunscreen is critical for preventing sunburn and overheating, even on cloudy days. Due to the reflective nature of water, apply sunscreen often. Mineral sunscreen, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, forms a barrier against UV rays with a reduce risk of irritation or allergic reaction and is favored by many paddlers.
  • Avoid cotton and restrictive clothing: Steer clear of cotton clothing such as jeans and hoodies, which retain water when wet. Instead choose garments made from quick-drying, moisture-wicking synthetics, or wool, which provide insulation even when wet. Fortunately, outfitting yourself appropriately doesn’t have to break the bank—many of these items can be readily found at affordable prices in secondhand stores like Goodwill.

By following safety guidelines and preparing with the right gear, paddlers can enjoy a safe and comfortable experience on the water, ready to face varying temperatures and conditions with confidence. In the next blog, we will discuss group management and safety considerations to take while on the water.

group of youth on kayaks in the water

Introducing youth to the joys of paddling can create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. At the same time, it’s crucial that we, as adults, prioritize their safety above all.

Resources:

Want to learn more? Check out Paddle TV on YouTube which has made great videos in partnership with the American Canoe Association (ACA) by following this link: https://americancanoe.org/education/youth-paddling-development/educational-videos/

Consider using the Paddle Safe Paddle Smart (PS2) curriculum that has been created by ACA when implementing a paddling component during day camps or workshops.

 

From Brushstrokes to Life Skills: The Spark of Art

From Brushstrokes to Life Skills: The Spark of Art

Art has always been a medium of expression. It allows emotions, ideas, and stories to be shared visually, bridging gaps where words sometimes fall short. For the young minds of today’s world, art offers a plethora of benefits that extend far beyond the canvas or sculpture stand. Art is not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s a potent tool that fosters communication, sharpens cognitive skills, and broadens horizons.

Improving Focus and Creativity Through Art

Art is a unique medium that demands both concentration and imagination. As youth experiment with colors, shapes, and techniques, they cultivate a creative mindset. The process of creating a finished art piece takes time, allowing youth to learn how to stay motivated through a long-term project. Whether creating or analyzing art, sustained attention to detail is required which helps youth to enhance focus. This interplay between deep concentration and imaginative exploration through art not only hones specific artistic skills but also fosters a broader capacity for creative thinking in various life scenarios.

Photo 1: Activities such as blind contour requires intense observation. This process trains youth to focus deeply and observe minute details, strengthening their attention span and observational skills.

Enhancing Communication Skills and Critical Thinking

Engaging with art serves as a dual exercise in communication and analysis for youth.  Although art gives youth a medium to express nuanced emotions and ideas visually, often conveying what words might struggle to capture, it can also increase their communication skills by increasing their visual literacy. Teaching the fundamentals such as the elements of art and principles of design gives youth the vocabulary needed to dissect art verbally. During this process, young people grapple with interpretations and the underlying intentions of artists, honing their critical thinking. In today’s visually charged world, recognizing these art elements helps youth decode and discern underlying intentions, making them more informed consumers of the visual content they receive in the form of ads and social media.

Photo 2: At this art exhibit, young artists not only display their creations but practice their communication skills.

Promoting Appreciation of Differences

Art introduces youth to a world that spans cultures and eras. Through engaging with various artists and forms of art, they gain insights into different values, beliefs, and narratives. The subjectivity of art teaches them that multiple valid perspectives can coexist, each shaped by individual experiences. As young artists create, they learn to value their unique voices and respect others’ individuality. Learning these skills helps to prepare youth to navigate the world with understanding and empathy.

Photo of artist surrounded by art students with a large canvas in the middle.

Photo 3: Art underscores the significance of individual expression and the beauty of varied perspectives.

How to Start an Art Program

Starting an art program for youth begins with the basics. Introducing them to the elements of art—such as line, shape, and color—and intertwining these with the principles of design, like balance and contrast, sets a strong foundation for understanding and creating diverse art forms. With these foundational skills in place, activities like group art critiques and art exhibits become both educational and enriching. For example, activities such as art journaling, reinforce newfound skills and perspectives, allowing a dynamic, hands-on exploration of the world of art that can be done in a workshop, club, or camp setting, but also at home. The National 4-H curriculum website offers many curriculum resources, alongside galleries and museums. Aside from being great for field trips, many local galleries offer youth year-round youth activities.

Fostering Art Skills through Florida 4-H

In 4-H, recognition of our youth members is an important step in creating a sense of belonging and developing positive self-esteem. A dedicated art program can provide youth with the opportunity to share their knowledge and be recognized for mastery gained in art through various Florida 4-H events. Below are some of these events:

  • Share the Fun in our County/District Showcase and 4-H University.
  • Florida 4-H Graphic Design and Photography Contests
  • Florida 4-H Holiday Card Contest
  • The Insect Art Contest (Insectathon)

 

Conclusion

Incorporating art into the lives of young people provides multifaceted benefits. From enhancing communication and critical thinking to fostering a deep appreciation for the vast spectrum of human experiences. Moreover, starting an art program in your county not only equips youth with technical competencies, but also instills values of empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness. As our society grows more interconnected, cultivating these qualities becomes an invaluable investment in our youth’s future.

We would like to thank BLICK Art Materials and the Artists League of the Big Bend for generously supporting the art program in Leon County 4-H. For more information about upcoming art workshops with Leon County 4-H, visit the UF IFAS Extension Leon County 4-H Facebook page or contact the Leon County 4-H Team at leon4h@ifas.ufl.edu.

Resources:

National Gallery of Art: https://www.nga.gov/learn/learningresources.html

National 4-H Curriculum for Visual and Creative Arts: https://shop4-h.org/collections/creative-arts-curriculum

 

Engaging Youth in Agriculture through Field Excursions

Agriculture plays an important role in our society, yet a noticeable gap in understanding and engaging with this sector is evident among youth. Often, this disconnect stems from misconceptions about agriculture and the vast career opportunities it offers. Addressing these challenges requires long-term educational efforts that provide youth with hands-on experiences in the form of field excursions to increase interest and participation in Agriscience topics. The Ag Adventures program, an annual venture between UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC) and Florida 4-H, was created in response to this need. It aims to immerse students in the diverse and rich world of agriculture through experiential learning.

A group of children wearing casual clothing and sneakers are gathered under an orange canopy tent, attentively listening to an instructor speaking. The tent is set up amidst tall, dried cornstalks that stretch into the background, suggesting an agricultural learning environment.

Ag Adventures connects youth from urban and rural areas to a large-scale farming research center, offering a firsthand look at agriscience topics in action.

Program Overview

For years, Ag Adventures has been actively engaging 4th and 5th graders from counties across the Panhandle. This program introduces students to several key subfields in agriculture, with an emphasis on sustainability:

  • Soil Science: Students learn about the critical role of soil in natural ecosystems and agriculture. Hands-on experiences, such as exploring a soil pit, help youth gain a deeper understanding of soil science topics.
  • Agricultural Technology: Students explore the latest innovations in precision agriculture, including drones and sensor technology, and their role in promoting sustainability and economic growth.
  • Entomology: Focusing on the vital role of pollinators, students learn about the impact of insects on the ecosystem and our food supply. Field activities, like insect collecting, offer practical understanding of the importance of these animals and the need to protect them.
  • Agronomy: By learning about crops such as corn, cotton, and peanuts, students gain insights into the economic and historical significance of agriculture in North Florida. Through this section, researchers and agents are able to showcases the diversity and complexity of plant science in a tangible way.
A group of children in yellow shirts gather around a soil pit, engaged in an educational activity. An instructor stands in the background, overseeing the experience. The foreground shows a close-up of the textured soil and straw, highlighting the hands-on aspect of the learning environment.

Students explore a soil pit, uncovering the hidden wonders of soil science and gaining hands-on insight into soil formation in our region.

Benefits of Field Excursions

Engagement in programs like Ag Adventures offers a multitude of benefits, equipping students with valuable insights and experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom. Such field excursions are important for:

  1. Strengthening STEM Appreciation: By contextualizing STEM concepts within the framework of agriculture, Ag Adventures bridges the gap between classroom learning and its practical applications. This approach not only enriches students’ understanding of STEM but can also spark their curiosity about agriscience.
  2. Facilitating Career Exploration: Ag Adventures provides a platform for youth to explore various careers in STEM. Through interactive experiences and exposure to academic pathways, the program demystifies agriculture, making it more accessible and relatable. This engagement broadens their career horizons and helps them envision a future where they can apply their learning in diverse ways.
  3. Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: Ag Adventures offers youth from all backgrounds a chance to experience large-scale farming firsthand. By connecting youth directly with the source of their food, the program fosters a deeper appreciation for agricultural contributions and the interdependence between urban and rural communities.
A photo of a lab setup showing four potted plants on a table. In the foreground, a thermal imaging camera is mounted on a tripod, its screen facing the camera. The real plants are in focus in the background, while the thermal image shows them in bright contrasting colors, indicating temperature variations across the plants and pots.

Ag Adventures enables young learners to engage with faculty members and discover cutting-edge agricultural research. For example, NFREC researchers demonstrate the use of thermal imaging technology to detect drought stress in crops, showcasing practical applications of science in farming.

Conclusion

The Ag Adventures program enhances the educational experience of 4th and 5th graders by merging classroom learning with real-world agricultural practices. This initiative by UF/IFAS Extension deepens their appreciation for STEM, opens new avenues for career exploration, and introduces them to the unique aspects of rural life and agriculture. We hope students develop a more comprehensive understanding of the world, laying the foundation for them to become informed and engaged members of society.

This program occurs annually in the fall. If you are interested in your school participating, please contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office.

References:

Behrendt, M., & Franklin, T. (2014). A review of research on school field trips and their value in education. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 9(3), 235-245.

Jean-Philippe, S., Richards, J., Gwinn, K., & Beyl, C. (2017). Urban youth perceptions of agriculture. Journal of Youth Development, 12(3). https://doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2017.497

 

Meet the Author- Valerie Mendez

Valerie Mendez is the 4-H Agent in Leon County, Florida

My name is Valerie Mendez, and I am Leon County’s newest 4-H Youth Development agent. I was born in Colombia and was raised in Jacksonville, Florida. I received my bachelor’s in microbiology and cell science and will be graduating with my master’s in soil and water sciences from the University of Florida this upcoming December. My passion for science and education was nurtured throughout my childhood by many community leaders. It is my hope now, as an adult, to empower youth to reach their fullest potential in a safe, creative, and inclusive environment.

As a 4-H agent, I help implement educational curricula that develop critical thinking skills, leadership, and self-efficacy for youth through community clubs, school programs, and summer camps. I recruit, train, and support a team of volunteers as club leaders and 4-H advocates. I also collaborate with local businesses to encourage greater participation and visibility of 4-H in Leon County.

Valerie hopes to help youth learn to love science as much as she does!

One goal of our 4-H program is to increase youth knowledge and skills relating to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). With the help of our wonderful volunteers, we have developed clubs, camps, and workshops that include a wide range of STEM topics youth can participate in. For example, our horticulture club and workshops introduce youth to topics that are relevant to urban gardening such as plant propagation, succession planting, and detection of beneficial insects. Our Wild about Woods club focuses on native plants and wildlife identification with the option to participate in the Forest Ecology Contest at the North Florida Fair. I look forward to continuing to support existing STEM topics and expanding the topics we provide to include microbiology, soil science, and artificial intelligence. Apart from STEM, our program also focuses on developing communication skills, leadership, and civic engagement using 4-H’s famous learn-by-doing approach of teaching.

Valerie is fluent in English and Spanish and volunteered as a translator for 4-H prior to becoming a 4-H extension agent.

Our program would not exist without the help of our wonderful volunteers. They truly are the heart of our 4-H program. We are always in search of caring adults that are passionate about teaching youth new skills. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in Leon County, feel free to contact me by email at valeriemendez@ufl.edu or by phone at (850)-606-5204. Please make sure to follow our Facebook page (@ UF/IFAS Leon County Extension) to stay up to date on all things Leon County Extension!