by Prudence Caskey | Apr 1, 2022
To get help for someone call or text this number
Understanding Signs of Human Trafficking
The common misconception when the average person hears about human trafficking is that the victim has been kidnapped and sold into slavery across the world. The visions of young people restrained in the back of a semi tuck or cargo ship may come to mind. The reality of the matter is kidnapping of victims only happens in about 9% of these cases. The sad fact is that most victims are trafficked by someone they know and trusted at one point. Many victims even feel they are doing their trafficker a favor now and then in exchange for a new cell phone, video game, or some other type of prized possession.
Understanding the signs of human trafficking is the first step to helping the victims find their freedom. Many youth who are venerable can be influenced and controlled by savvy individuals they initially see as a trusted adult. Through research, the susceptible victims are targeted and are in over their heads before they know what has happened. Often, these victims feel stuck without any hopes of relief or rescue.
The signs to look for are subtle and for experienced traffickers, sometimes well hidden. A sudden change in appearance or attitude could be a sign of youth hanging out with a new crowd. If you notice youth that have a new friend who is considerably older, this could also be a signal that the relationship may not be healthy. Here is a sample of additional signs to look for:
- Sudden absences from school
- Repeatedly running away
- Abrupt change in attire, behavior, or relationships
- The existence of an older “boyfriend” or “girlfriend”
- Being escorted by an older male or female who is not their guardian
- Sudden existence of costly material belongings
- Homelessness
- Signs of psychological pressure, such as anxiety, depression,
- An overly submissive attitude
- Tattoos or other branding marks
- Lack of control over their schedule or money
- Unable to possess their own proof of identification
- Signs of physical trauma (like bruises, cuts, burns, or scars)
- Coached or rehearsed responses to questions
If you are a trusted adult and changes are noticed, a few well-placed questions, may help the victim open up a little. Victims may be resistant to questioning but may speak more freely with an open-ended conversation. Can you tell me more about, “the new friend’s name here”? What do you do when you hang out with “new friend”? Why did “new friend” buy you such a nice cell phone? It is not necessary to confirm abuse before calling the Florida Abuse Hotline to report suspicion. Remember, these victims can also be young adults that have been trapped inside a human trafficking ring for years. If abuse is suspected, please call Florida Abuse Hotline (report abuse for children) TEL: 1-800-962-2873 TTY: 1-800-4955-8771 The Florida Abuse Hotline accepts reports 24 hours a day and 7 days a week of known or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment and reports of known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Please use the links below to report a child or adult abuse. National Human Trafficking Resource Center 24/7 (for adults). 1 (888) 373-7888
BeFree Textline 24/7 Text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE) Send a text for crisis support, referrals, and more – to get help for victims and survivors of human trafficking or to connect with local services.
by pmdavis | Feb 2, 2022
Youth at teen retreat learning about financial literacy
The Northwest District 4-H Teen Retreat registration will close Feburary 7th. The actual event will be 25-27 @ Timpoochee 4-H Center. This weekend features leadership building and fun workshops for 12-18 years old youth.
Register NOW in 4honline for the NWD 4-H District Teen Retreat at 4-H Camp Timpoochee.
Friday’s Schedule
6:00-7:15 pm – Check-in & pizza
7:15pm – Welcome & District Intros
8:00 pm – Campfire
Saturday’s Schedule
8:30am – Breakfast
9:15am – Group Pic
9:30-11:30am – Workshop Sessions
12:00pm – Lunch
1:00-2:45pm – FUNshop Sessions
3:00pm – Rec Time – 4-Hers vs Agents Kickball & Nine-Square
5:00pm – Service Project
6:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – District & State Events Reports
7:30pm – Dance, Games & Snacks
9:00pm – Music, Campfire & Smore’s
Sunday’s Schedule
7:00pm – Rise & Shine, pack-up
When I ask the youth that attended previously what they got out of the program? They said they learned how to interview for a job, how to write a resume, and find college scholarships. Another teen said, I met really nice people from other counties and how to decorate cakes. A third memeber said she learned how to start managing her money.
For more information contact your 4-H Agent. We can’t wait to see you at the 2022 NWD 4-H Teen Retreat!
by aschortinghouse | Jan 15, 2022
While the Florida 4-H Horse Program is
4-H Youth participating at Area Horse Show.
composed of many opportunities, one of the most well-known opportunities is the Area and State horse shows. Each county in Florida is assigned to a specific Area, which hosts shows as a qualifier to the state show. Area North encompasses the whole of north Florida stretching from the panhandle to the coast down to Alachua. Below is some key information and important dates for the 2022 Area North show year.
Important Dates
- March 14 – April 1: Area North Registration, no late entries are accepted
- April 12, 5:30 CST/6:30 pm EST: Horse Show Virtual Prep Night on Zoom
- April 29 – 30: Area North Horse Show, Green Cove Springs, FL
- July 6 – 9: State Horse Show, Tampa, FL
Key Changes for the 2022 Horse Show
- Multi Horse Projects & Showing. All youth may now show multiple horses even at the State level. All horses must be certified project horses by Jan 1. Each rider/horse combo will be scored as a unit for points. No horse or rider may enter the same class as multiple entries.
- Walk Trot is coming to Area North! All walk trot classes are non-point classes. Youth may only compete in walk trot classes for two years- per horse/rider combination. Exhibitors entered in a walk trot class may not cross over into any loping or cantering class. If a walk trot exhibitor qualifies for the State 4-H Horse Show with points from in-hand classes, the exhibitor’s county 4-H agent will need to approve their advancement to the State 4-H Horse Show. Walk trot exhibitors will only be eligible to enter in-hand classes at the State 4-H Horse Show.
- Dressage tests are now “test of choice”.
- Saddle Seat & Gaited division are now gone; however, these type horses can still be shown in comparable classes.
- Sportsmanship Award Continued!
- Introducing, the “Crew”! Crew is an opportunity for horseless or non-showing youth to still be involved in clinics and horse shows by offering their skills in organization, grooming, cheering, and more. Crews are by-county, and their specifics may vary.
- Record Books are a critical component of your horse program year. We have record books for both riding and non-riding participants. Seniors are encouraged to use the NEW SENIOR Horse Record Book, especially if they intend on applying for the Horseman of the Year Scholarship. Juniors and intermediates may use the existing version. Additionally, your county may have its own version. Check with your agent to complete this part of your program. To find out more visit: https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/youth/horse/horse-record-books/
To stay up to date with everything Area North, follow us on our Facebook page at UF IFAS Extension 4-H Area North Horse Program.
This blog was authored by the following individuals:
Kelsey Irvine, UF/IFAS Nassau County, 2022 Area North Chair
Allie Anderson, UF/IFAS St. Johns County, 2022 Area North Vice Chair
Aly Schortinghouse, UF/IFAS Escambia County
by Allison Leo | Jan 6, 2022
The holidays are a joyous and wonderful time of year, but can also be very busy time, and at times, overwhelming. Now that we are back it is time to Children shift into the organized, orderly school day from that unstructured holiday break schedule. As a result, it is inevitable that children may feel some degree of stress from these transitions. Children and teens are still learning to regulate emotions, making them more susceptible to change’s resulting in stress.
Mindfulness is the act of creating awareness of your surroundings, emotions, and physical self in the present moment. It helps you connect to the world around you, while providing cognitive, social, and emotional benefits. Practicing mindfulness is not just for adults. Children can reap a multitude of benefits from learning and practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness equips children with the ability to adjust and deal with conflict encountered in their daily lives. It can also help children foster an optimistic outlook in life, react to stress in a healthy way, and develop a positive self-concept.
The practice of mindfulness is foreign to some adults, making it tricky to teach and model for young children. The best thing to do is keep the message simple and focus on modeling the behaviors. Being taught by an adult that models mindful behaviors daily will assist youth in mastering the techniques. Below are a few mindfulness activities you can do at home as a family or in a group learning environment, such as a 4-H club meeting.
Enjoy Nature
Going on a mindful walk is a simple way to help clear your mind and restore your focus. Taking a nature walk around your neighborhood or park is an easy way to exercise your mindfulness skills and enjoy nature. You can make it exciting by telling them you are going on a “mindfulness safari” and the goal is to see how many different birds, insects, and animals you can find on your journey. Below are some tips for going on a mindful walk:
- Start at a slow pace and gradually increase as the walk continues.
- Pay attention to the feeling in your legs and feet as you take each step. Then, notice how your arms and torso feel as you walk.
- Notice any smells around you.
- Listen to the variety of sounds around you. Notice if the sounds are close or far away.
Talking a walk in nature is a simple way to practice mindfulness Photo by Allison Leo
Meditate
Contrary to what you may think, you do not have to sit silently on the ground with your eyes closed to mediate. You can meditate while you are walking, eating, or doing household chores. The goal of meditation is to slow down and be in the moment. Guided meditation led by a family member are a way to relax and help reduce stress. Below is guided meditation titled “Relationship Fingers” from the University of Minnesota Extension.
Relationship Fingers – Start by holding out your hand with your thumb pointed towards yourself. Take a breath. For each finger we are going to be focusing on a relationship we have with someone. There is no ‘right’ person so don’t worry about who you choose.
- Start by holding your pinky finger and think of someone who is far away from you. Take a breath for them. Really look at that relationship. What do you notice?
- Next focus or touch your ring finger. Think of someone who is leaning on you right now or who may be more vulnerable in this moment. Take a breath for them. Really look at that relationship. What do you notice?
- Hold or focus on your middle finger and think of a leader in your life. Take a breath for them. Really look at that relationship. What do you notice?
- Focus on your pointer finger and think of someone who is close to you. Take a breath for them. Really look at that relationship. What do you notice?
- Last, hold or focus on your thumb. Consider the relationship you have with yourself. Take a good look. What do you notice? What are you committed to? Take one last breath and shake it out.
Gratitude
When we feel and express gratitude to people in our lives, it creates loving connections, builds trust, and makes us feel joyful. Gratitude can be shown by giving someone a hug or telling them how much you appreciate them. Gratitude journals can easily be made at home or you can print off a pre-made template. This version is simple and is a great start for kids: https://researchparent.com/gratitude-journal-for-kids/.
- What’s the best book you’ve ever read? What did you like best about the characters?
- Name one thing that makes you smile every time you hear or see it. Why?
- Describe one thing that made you feel cozy today.
- Who is the one friend you can always rely on?
- What are five things you are looking forward to next year?
Gratitude Journals are a simple mindfulness activity kids can complete every day
Walker, K., Sharpe, K., Anderson, M., Caines, T., Johnson, C., Kennedy, D., Nguyen, K., Odendahl, S., & Santl, K. (2021). Social Emotional Wellbeing: A Guide to Support Youth Thriving. St. Paul: Regents of the University of Minnesota.
by Julie Pigott Dillard | Jan 3, 2022
The Northwest District 4-H Teen Retreat is back and promises to be better than ever!
Planned FOR 4-Hers BY 4-Hers, the weekend long retreats features leadership building and fun workshops for 12-18 years old youth.
Mark your calendars for February 25-27, 2022, and register NOW in 4honline for the NWD 4-H District Teen Retreat at 4-H Camp Timpoochee.
Friday’s Schedule
6:00-7:15 pm – Check-in & pizza
7:15pm – Welcome & District Intros
8:00 pm – Campfire
Saturday’s Schedule
8:30am – Breakfast
9:15am – Group Pic
9:30-11:30am – Workshop Sessions
12:00pm – Lunch
1:00-2:45pm – FUNshop Sessions
3:00pm – Rec Time – 4-Hers vs Agents Kickball & Nine-Square
5:00pm – Service Project
6:00pm – Dinner
2019 Teen Retreat
7:00pm – District & State Events Reports
7:30pm – Dance, Games & Snacks
9:00pm – Music, Campfire & Smore’s
Sunday’s Schedule
7:00pm – Rise & Shine, pack-up
FUNshop Sessions – when you register, you’ll rank your top three choices from the list below:
- TikTok & Line Dancing
- Shooting Sports
- Drawing
- Grilling
- Cake Decorating
Packing List
2020 Teen Retreat Participants
- Sheets, blanket & pillow
- Towel, toiletries & shower shoes
- 2-3 changes of clothes & sleep clothes – be sure to check the weather and be prepared!
- Daily meds – Put all OTC and Rx meds in a large ziploc bag and give to your 4-H Agent.
- $ for camp store, snacks & drinks while traveling
Your 4-H Agent will coordinate county travel to and from the event, and you should check with them if you have specific questions. We can’t wait to see you at the 2022 NWD 4-H Teen Retreat!
by pmdavis | Dec 16, 2021
4-H Music Magic Teen Retreat
February 25-27, 2022
We are so excited to be able to offer a face-to-face teen retreat “4-H Music Magic” February 25-27, 2022! Join 4-H teens and faculty from the panhandle of Florida to learn new skills in a fun and educational way. Teen youth are encouraged to participate in the weekend filled with fun and hands-on experiences. Feel free to invite your friend that are not in 4-H already. They will just need to join. At the conference you will have the opportunity to network with 4-H educators and other volunteers to help you become a stronger 4-H member.
The conference registration will be open until February 7. The cost is $120 per person, paid to your county office. Some scholarships are available talk to your local 4-H Faculty member if you need financial help to attend. You will be required to register through the 4-H Online, under events labeled NWD 4-H Teen Retreat.
During the registration process you will be ask what your workshop/funshop preferences are for more information about these and a tentative schedule can be found on the 4-H DII website. For more information contact your local Extension Office!
