Is this Extracurricular Right for my Child? Try this 10-Point Checklist
With so many extracurriculars available these days, parents and kids are overwhelmed with choices. To choose the right one, know what to prioritize, says Heather Kent, associate director of the Florida 4-H youth development program, part of University of Florida’s...
Connecting Healthy Foods to Local Agriculture during 4-H Camp
Cooking with Florida Produce Knowing how to cook and being comfortable in the kitchen is an important life skill that has enduring benefits. Leon County 4-H hosted a culinary day camp with a unique twist: educating youth about Florida produce and local agriculture. ...
The Subtle Differences Series: Diversity
I recently the privilege to attend a national training conducted by Washington State University called Navigating Differences. The goal of the program was to help people become culturally competent. No magic pill exists to make us instantly culturally competent. We...
GaGa…What?
GAGA BALL If your youth has attended 4-H Camp Timpoochee or Cherry Lake with the UF/IFAS 4-H Camping Program, they've had the chance to play GaGa Ball. You're probably wondering what kind of name is GaGa ball. It's not just a made-up name. GaGa ball has a rich...
Happy National Ice Cream Day!
That’s right! It’s National Ice Cream Day, and you know in 4-H we learn by doing. So let’s beat the summer heat and make some ice cream! Ingredients 1 c. half-and-half 2 tbsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 3 c. ice 1/3 c. kosher salt Toppings of your choice...
Water Safety is Key to a Fun-Filled Summer at the Pool
Summer is here! As the long, hot days of summer move forward, there are many things to consider when it comes to children and water safety. Each summer we hear of tragic incidents of children drowning in pools, spas, and other bodies of water. These tragedies may be...
Solar S’mores
Summer time is a great time to teach youth about solar energy! Use s'mores to teach your kids about two different types of energy: kinetic and radiation. Kinetic energy is energy in motion. Radiation is energy made through electromagnetic waves. Heat and light waves...
Sunburn Blues
DID YOU KNOW that the sunniest place in Florida is Apalachicola? It sees an average of 241 days with sun...just one of the many reasons I love calling the Florida panhandle my home. I'm not exaggerating when I say I love being outdoors in the sun - going to the...
Rainy Day Activities
Summer is here, and I'm picturing long and lazy sunny days at the lake or beach. In Florida, the warm, sunny days of summer also bring afternoon thunderstorms and the possibility of tropical storms and occasional hurricanes. What to do on rainy summer days? During the...
PARENTS WANT TO KNOW: How to Choose a Safe and Fun-Filled Summer Camp for your Child
As the school year wraps up, you're likely trying to fill up your child's summer with fun and educational programs. Fortunately, you'll find a variety of day and residential summer camps out there. Does the thought of sending your child to camp cause anxiety for...