As we continue with part two of our series ‘Planning a Safe and Engaging Paddling Adventure for Youth,’ our goal is to highlight the key elements that make these excursions both memorable and educational. You will be introduced to the essentials of group dynamics, communication strategies, and incorporating educational components to your trip. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day camp, the information in this blog will help you navigate the challenges and delights of introducing young paddlers to the wonders of the great outdoors.
Paddling is a Group Activity
A successful paddling trip depends greatly on strong group dynamics and clear communication. Prior to getting on the water, it’s essential to conduct a thorough on-land training session that covers the basics of paddling, maintaining balance, and methods for recovering from a capsize. Turning these drills into interactive and enjoyable activities can greatly alleviate any nervousness and boost the confidence of your youth participants. For those organizing multi-day camps, scheduling this training a day in advance can be particularly beneficial—the more familiar youth become with these practices, the better.
A successful paddling trip fosters solid group dynamics, clear communication, and teachers essential on-land training that covers paddling fundamentals, balance maintenance, and capsize recovery techniques.
Before setting out, it’s important that designated adult volunteers take on the specific roles, such as the lead and sweep, to maintain order and ensure the group’s safety throughout the adventure. The lead is responsible for navigating the route, monitoring for hazards, being mindful of other waterway users, and setting a pace that accommodates the entire group. The sweep boat, positioned at the end of the group, ensures that no one falls behind. This position requires experience with rescue situations, the capability to offer aid during capsizes or emergencies, and typically includes the responsibility of carrying a first aid kit along with having certifications in first aid, and CPR.
Effective and clear communication is essential when on the water. All paddlers should stay within earshot of each other to facilitate this. However, if distance makes verbal communication challenging, hand, paddle, and whistle signals become crucial tools for conveying messages. For instance, holding a paddle horizontally above your head signals others to stop paddling. Raising your arms vertically signifies an all-clear or prompts others to proceed. Waving your paddle overhead indicates a need for assistance in emergencies. To direct paddlers, use your paddle to point in the intended direction of travel, avoiding using it to point out hazards.
Whistle signals also play a key role in communication:
One whistle blast calls for attention, urging the group to stop and wait for further instructions.
Two blasts instruct paddlers to stop and remain in their current location.
Three blasts signal an emergency, indicating that help is needed.
By creating clear communication among experienced adults, the trip not only becomes safer but also serves as an opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and leadership to youth on the trip. This structure provides a secure environment where youth can focus on refining their paddling skills and fully engage in the educational aspects of the activity. Modeling teamwork within the adults fosters a sense of unity throughout the team, enabling everyone to navigate challenges more effectively.
In case of a Capsize
When someone capsizes, it’s essential to remember your rescue priorities. The safety of people is always the most important. First, make sure everyone is safe. Then, collect boats and paddles. After securing the larger items, you can retrieve smaller gear like water bottles and dry bags.
If you’re the rescuer, it’s crucial to stay calm and control your boat to avoid becoming a casualty yourself. Ask for help if needed, giving clear instructions to the victim or other group members. If you’re witnessing a capsize, sometimes the best action is to stay clear unless the rescuer calls for assistance. If asked to help, follow their instructions while keeping yourself and your boat under control.
As a potential rescuer, remember the sequence talk – reach – throw – paddle – go.
Talk: Start by getting the attention of the capsized paddler using your voice, whistle, or another sound device. Often, simply talking them through staying calm and performing a self-rescue is enough.
Reach: If more than verbal guidance is needed, use the reach method. Extend your paddle or arm to help. Guide them to the front of your kayak for safety, avoiding having them hold onto the side, which could destabilize your kayak.
Throw: When the capsized paddler is too far for a reach, throw them a rope or a life float they can grab onto.
Paddle: If neither talking, reaching, nor throwing works, paddle close enough to them so they can be safely pulled to safety using the reach or throw method.
Go: As a last resort, you may need to get into the water to assist, which involves significant risk. Ensure bystanders are calling for help while you swim to the capsized paddler’s aid.
This approach ensures everyone knows their role in a capsize situation, prioritizing safety and effective rescue techniques.
Outdoor Education and Stewardship
Enhance your paddling journey by turning it into a comprehensive educational experience, focusing on the local ecosystem and conservation initiatives. By immersing participants in the surrounding natural environment, you deepen their connection and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Teaching and practicing Leave No Trace principles is key to fostering respect for our natural surroundings. Paddling leaders play a crucial role in emphasizing the importance of minimizing our environmental impact, showing consideration for wildlife, and preserving the natural beauty of our waterways. Instilling these values in young paddlers helps them understand the critical role they play in conservation efforts and encourages them to engage in responsible outdoor behaviors well into adulthood.
Reflection
Incorporating a debrief, or post-trip reflection session, into your paddling adventure is an excellent way to incorporate principles of experiential learning, which values learning through action and reflection. After your trip, taking time for a debrief enables participants to express their thoughts on the activity, confront challenges encountered, and share new insights. Purposeful reflection is essential to the experiential learning process, helping learners to internalize their experiences and apply their insights in future contexts.
Debriefing among adults is also important. Scenarios encountered during the trip may highlight potential opportunities where additional training from certified instructors to improve paddling skills and safety knowledge is needed.
Conclusion
Embarking on a paddling adventure with youth offers more than just a day on the water; it’s an opportunity to foster teamwork, respect for nature, and a commitment to environmental stewardship through experiential learning. By incorporating safety, education, and reflection, we not only ensure a memorable and enriching experience but also instill important values and skills that youth will carry with them long after the trip ends.
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.
Paddling Trip Checklist for Leaders
This checklist serves as a foundational tool for leaders to ensure that every aspect of the paddling trip is accounted for, from safety to environmental education. By following this guide and utilizing the checklist, leaders can provide a safe, enjoyable, and enriching paddling experience that youth participants will remember for years to come.
September 1st serves as the start of the new 4-H year and the first week of October serves as National 4‑H Week each year. Throughout Florida and especially in the Panhandle, the first month of the 4-H year is full of events, activities, and social media posts to celebrate the impact of 4‑H. Once the start of the new year and National 4-H Week are over however, momentum for the program can ebb and flow. Here are 10 ways that you can continue to celebrate and promote 4-H in your club and county.
Give Back
Local programs are always looking for resources to continue growing their programs. From serving food, to collecting essential items, to making a donation, 4-H members can help provide resources and serve their communities.
Wear your 4-H Gear
Nothing says 4-H pride like wearing a 4-H clover. Dress yourself (or the entire family-including your pets) in 4-H green and 4-H gear, available at Shop 4-H.
Set up Informational Booths
If your local grocery store or hardware store allows, set up a table to share information about your local 4-H program or club. You can display 4-H posters, hand out flyers, or showcase the work of local 4-H members. 4-H has long-standing partnerships with Tractor Supply Co. and Joann Fabric and Craft Stores.
Highlight your 4-H Members
Share social media posts about your 4-H members and their accomplishments. 4-H clubs, counties, and even the NW 4-H District all have social media pages that showcase 4-H accomplishments. Take to social media to share a 4-H memory, express how 4-H shaped who you are today, describe what 4-H means to you, post an old 4-H photo, or shout-out your 4-H club.
Become a 4-H Volunteer
If you are a 4-H alum, you might be looking for ways to reconnect with 4-H. Consider giving your time to a local 4-H club by becoming a volunteer.
Showcase Your 4-H Work at a Local Fair
The Fall is Fair Season in the NW District. 4-H members can submit booths, entries, livestock, and a variety of other things into local and regional fairs. Even if you don’t submit anything, many of our local fairs have judging contests to participate in.
Prepare for Judging Teams and Competitive Events
4-H has a variety of judging teams and competitive events that are offered year-round. These opportunities are great ways to learn a specific skillset and work on teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. While many of these teams and events are in the springtime, you can start to prepare now to be ready when they start.
Have a 4-H Reunion
4-H alumni often credit 4-H for the connections they have made, remembering the friends they made and those who they may still keep in touch with today. Gather your old 4-H friends and spend some time together reminiscing on your 4-H experience or recreate your 4-H project together.
Send a 4-H “Thank You”
We all have a reason to thank our local 4-H leaders and volunteers. Whether you grew up in 4-H, you have kids in 4-H, you are in 4-H, or you’ve witnessed the positive work of 4-H in your community, send a “thank you” note to your local Extension Office to show your appreciation.
Try Something New
4-H is an organization that helps youth start a new skill or allows them to try a different interest. Do you want to dabble in fashion? Get a taste of cooking? Build a Lego robot? Ride a horse? 4‑H is the place to where all these things are possible.
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 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.
Hunting, when approached responsibly, can be a rewarding and educational experience for young individuals. As a 4-H agent dedicated to fostering a love for the outdoors, I recognize the importance of instilling a strong foundation of ethics and safety when introducing youth to the world of hunting. To ensure a positive and educational introduction to this amazing tradition, several key considerations should be considered.
Safety Training and Ethical Hunting Practices:
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers comprehensive safety resources, emphasizing the importance of proper firearm handling, wildlife identification, and safe hunting practices. Educating young hunters about the critical role of safety protocols ensures a secure and enjoyable experience in the field. There are a variety of hunter safety courses available. Visit the Which Hunter Safety Course Is Right For You? | FWC (myfwc.com) webpage to find out what course to see what may work best for your family. If you have completed an online course and have a certificate, you can participate in the upcoming Field Day on November 18, 2023 at West Pittman Baptist Church in Holmes County. Visit the Hunter Safety Registration (site.com) webpage to register or find other courses in your area on a different date.
First Shot Fundamentals:
Holmes County 4-H has been awarded several grants from the The National Rifle Association (NRA) Foundation. Our Holmes County 4-H Shooting Sports Program includes archery, rifle, and shotgun disciplines. Youth members learn “first shot fundamentals” that will translate to important life skills as they may choose to ultimately participate in hunting opportunities. Emphasizing the values of fair chase, respect for wildlife, and the importance of humane and responsible harvesting helps instill a deep appreciation for the natural world and ecosystem.
Conservation Education:
Collaborating with 4-H programs that incorporate conservation education can help young hunters understand the vital role they play in wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. Teaching the principles of sustainable hunting and the importance of maintaining ecological balance contributes to the development of environmentally conscious and responsible hunters. This also includes ongoing education and research related to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Holmes County and the surrounding region to learn what we, as hunters, can do to help.
Mentorship Programs:
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission often organizes mentorship programs that pair experienced hunters with newcomers. These programs, align with 4-H’s emphasis on positive youth development and foster a supportive learning environment. Mentors follow the guidance outlined in mentorship materials to provide hands-on training, impart valuable skills, and promote the development of strong ethical values in young hunters. Visit the Mentored Hunts Registration (site.com) webpage to find upcoming opportunities across the state of Florida.
Legal Compliance and Regulations:
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provides up-to-date information on hunting regulations, licensing requirements, and seasonal restrictions. Educating youth about these regulations instills a sense of responsibility and legal compliance, contributing to the cultivation of law-abiding and conscientious hunters.
By integrating these considerations into the process of introducing youth to hunting, we can ensure that they develop not only a passion for the sport, but also a respect for wildlife and the natural world. Together, we can foster the next generation of responsible and ethical hunters who prioritize safety, conservation, and ethical hunting practices in their outdoor adventures. For more information about how your youth can get involved with Holmes County 4-H, visit the Holmes County 4-H (holmescounty4h.com) webpage.
Miah, daughter of the Holmes 4-H Agent, enjoys the opportunity to harvest her first deer at age 6.
Holmes County 4-H Agent, Chris Lauen, introduces his children to a Holmes County whitetail buck.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
Now that the weather finally cooling down, it is fair season in the Florida panhandle! Fairs aren’t just about rides and food but also about participating in showing livestock, entering exhibits, and competing in judging contests. There are so many opportunities at fairs for 4-H youth to participate in and gain knowledge from. Agricultural judging contests are great for youth who are interested in learning about agriculture. There is a statewide virtual agricultural judging contest and an agricultural judging contest at the North Florida Fair.
This year we will be hosting the 4th Annual Florida 4-H Virtual Ag Judging Contest. It will take place on October 26th at 6:00 pm EST on Zoom and it is free! There will be training before the contest to allow 4-H youth an opportunity to learn about each topic before participating in the contest. The training will be held on October 24th at 6:00 pm EST on Zoom. This contest is great for 4-H youth to learn how to judge bulls, dairy cows, poultry, goats, swine, hay, grain, peanuts, and tomatoes. There will also be questions on tool identification, weed identification, and soil samples. To participate in this contest youth must be 4-H age 8-18 and will need to register in 4-H Online. If you have any questions about this event, please email Evie Hunter (evie.hunter@ufl.edu) or Chris Decubellis (cdecube@ufl.edu). We had so much fun creating this contest virtually and are super excited for youth all over the state to participate! This is our 4th year doing this contest and we are happy to see it grow!
The North Florida Fair Ag Judging Contest will take place on November 11th at the fairgrounds in Tallahassee, Florida. This contest will cover judging steers, heifers, eggs, hay, and grains. This contest is for youth 4-H ages 8-18 who are interested in learning how to judge agriculture. To participate in this contest youth must register in 4-H Online and contact your 4-H Agent to sign up. If you have any questions about this event, please email Robbie Jones r.jones1@ufl.edu or Evie Hunter (evie.hunter@ufl.edu).
Both contests are great for youth to learn about how to judge each topic. It is very important to know how to tell if you are feeding your animals good hay and grains to make sure your animals stay healthy. It is also important to learn about the structure and what to look for in each livestock animal. Both contests are fun to participate in and learn about the importance of ag judging. I look forward to seeing both contests grow, and more youth learn about the importance of agriculture.
For livestock judging study materials, check out these links:
