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Encourage your kids and the entire family to pay more attention to their emotional and mental well-being. These wellness activities, from the 4‑H Inspire Kids to Do™ Healthy Living Activity Guide, are great ways to help inspire your kids how to be more aware of how they are feeling in any situation.

mindfulness

Don’t Worry, Journal

Kids feeling uncomfortable about a test, a performance, or a tough conversation is part of life. Encourage your kid to create a worry journal to help alleviate daily anxieties.

Supplies

  • A notebook or diary
  • Pen

Activity Steps

  1. For one week, if you feel worried or anxious, take out your journal and write down how you feel. You can write a few sentences, draw pictures, paint, or even make a collage.
  2. At the end of the week, revisit your journal and reflect on what you wrote down. Try answering the following questions:
  3. Did this worry stay in your thoughts only, or were there physical reactions as well?
  4. Was this worry specific, such as tomorrow’s math test, or about school work in general?
  5. Did worrying about this lead to steps you could take to solve the problem?
  6. Connect with your family and friends. Do they have the same worries as you? Think about how can you support one another.

Learn more at 4‑H.org/DontWorry

(Brought to you by The Ohio State University)

mindfulness

Breathe into Mindfulness

Being aware of your breathing is an essential part of mindfulness, which can help keep kids relax in difficult moments and reduce stress in school or other parts of their lives.

Activity Steps

  1. Find a quiet place. Sit in a cross-legged position on the floor or in a chair with a tall spine and shoulders relaxed.
  2. Inhale through your nose. As you exhale through your nose with your mouth closed, count “one” to yourself.
  3. Inhale again and count “two” to yourself on your exhale. Continue to do this as you count up to “five.”
  4. Begin a new cycle, counting up to “five” with each out-breath.
  5. Repeat three times, counting up to five and then beginning back at one again. Having your eyes closed may be helpful.
  6. Reflect on this breathing session. Did you start back at one after counting to five, or did you continue past the number five? Did you lose focus or stop counting? If so, were you able to draw your attention back to counting?

Learn more at 4‑H.org/Breathe

(Brought to you by the University of Delaware)

mindfulness
Daily Intention

Help kids reduce daily stress with intention setting. Intention setting allows them to be mindful of their mental, emotional and physical selves.

Activity Steps

  1. Select a word or a short phrase to be your intention or “code word” for the practice. Intentions or code words help remind you of your commitment to bettering yourself in a personal way.
  2. Sit or lie in a comfortable position and close your eyes.
  3. Think of a word or phrase that can help you focus on your activities today. This word or phrase will be your “code word.”
  4. Think of your code word. As you take your next breath in, say the word in your head. Repeat three more times.
  5. Think about the reason you chose the code word. What does this word mean to you?
  6. When you think of this word, what do you picture? What do you feel?
  7. Concentrate on that image for a moment as you take a few more deep breaths.
  8. When you’re ready, gently open your eyes.

Learn more at 4‑H.org/Intentions

(Brought to you by the University of Delaware)

Andrew ‘Boz’ Bosworth grew up in California 4-H, where he raised sheep and pigs and learned to code when he was 10. Today, the skills he learned in 4-H and his passion for science and technology led him to join the Facebook team in 2006, where he developed the social network’s News Feed, Groups, and Messenger features.

Now, as the Vice President of Augmented and Virtual Reality and a father of two, the 4-H alum wants to inspire more kids to find a passion for STEM learning as he did when he was younger. That passion has also inspired him to invest $1 million in STEM access and education through 4-H, which he will use to match all gifts through the end of the year.

During the holiday season, you can learn more about Boz’s 4-H story and love of STEM.

 

Delta SKY


Flying Delta this holiday season? You can read Boz’s story in the December issue of the airline’s in-flight magazine, SKY.

 

NBC Learn


As a part of the NBC News Learn-produced “4-H Inspires Kids to Do” video series, he shares his passion for STEM education and is joined by son for their “Science Saturday” activity.

 

Forbes.com


Read an interview with Boz where he shares how 4-H influenced his career and his $1M investment to 4-H on Forbes.com.

I had a goal in my head to try to ignite a passion for science and learning about science to kids across the country, and 4-H felt like the place to do it. Certainly, that was my own experience coming up in the program.

 

This season of giving, join Boz in growing the next generation of leaders by donating to 4-H.
Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $1 million!

4-H youth across the country are using their skills, passions, and drive to make a remarkable impact in their communities. From the youngest 4-H’er to young alumni, they see great value in giving back and inspiring those around them to do the same.

Through a collaboration with NBC News Learn, 4-H is telling the story of five young women who are making a difference in their communities. These stories, sponsored by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Bechtel, and Bayer, highlight their work in critical areas from computer science to health equity and show how their experience in 4-H empowered them to share their voices and be leaders.

Meet Addy, Pearl, Aja, Dani Jo, and Mayyadah, and learn more about their story, featured in the new NBC News Learn series, 4-H Inspires Kids to Do.

Agriculture: Addy and Pearl

Michigan 4-H’ers Addy and Pearl used their leadership skills gained through 4-H to give back to their hometown of Cass City, MI, when it became a food desert. Through Michigan State University Extension, they created Meating the Need for Our Village, a program designed to fight hunger through agriculture. Overall, the program has made a $60,000 impact on the community by providing 2,500 gallons of milk, 10,000 pounds of meat, and 270 dozen eggs to families in need.

 

STEM: Aja

Illinois 4-H’er Aja’s passion was ignited through her frustration with the under-represented minority STEM gap. She started See Me in STEM, with a mission to provide exposure, access, and STEM opportunities to underrepresented youth. She partnered with her 4-H mentor through the University of Illinois Extension to launch her program and has since impacted 122+ youth through 15 events.

 

Health & Wellness: Dani Jo

Utah 4-H’er Dani Jo has a personal passion for educating youth and community members on opioid addiction and the impact it has on lives. She formed a youth coalition to spread the word about the dangers of opioids and resources people can turn to for help. Through community events and partnering with community leaders such as the Sheriff’s Department, the coalition is working to educate their peers and families on properly disposing of opioids and other medications and encouraging doctors and pharmacists to be mindful of the number of pills they are prescribing.

 

Equity & Inclusion: Mayyadah

Washington 4-H’er Mayyadah connected with youth with vastly different backgrounds and life experiences from her own through her 4-H experience. When she noticed the inequities her LGBTQ+ friends experienced, she worked with fellow 4-H’ers and adult leaders to launch the Washington State 4-H Teen Equity & Inclusion Task Force. In the last year and a half, Mayyadah and her fellow teens have provided education to local and state 4-H leaders and have worked to ensure that at state events, youth nametags have a place to designate which pronouns they use.

 

Donaldson Company, Inc. is excited to join 4-H as a national sponsor in celebrating the 12th annual 4‑H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) when it kicks off across the country in October 2019. 4-H NYSD is an interactive learning experience that gets youth excited about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and spotlights the many ways millions of youth are engaging in 4-H Science programs year-round.

This year’s challenge, Game Changers, was designed by Google and West Virginia Extension service. The challenge, which features an interactive coding kit, teaches kids ages 8-14 how to use computer science (CS) to create games, solve problems and engage with topics they’re passionate about.

As a partner of 4-H, The Donaldson Foundation also focuses on providing impactful NYSD programming to youth in communities where Donaldson employees live and work. Employees at 17 plant locations across the U.S. raised their hands to facilitate NYSD activities in their local communities.

Donaldson, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a global manufacturer of filtration solutions. For over 100 years, Donaldson has been continuously innovating to solve complex filtration challenges. Today, the company is one of the largest providers of unique filtration technologies and high-quality filters and parts.

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The Donaldson Foundation, founded in 1966, funds charitable causes on behalf of Donaldson Company, Inc. The Foundation’s mission is to positively impact the communities in which Donaldson Company employees live and work by supporting education—with a spec focus on STEM education. Led by an employee volunteer board, the Donaldson Foundation grants upwards of $1.2 million each year to nonprofit organizations nationwide.

Donaldson is rooted in technology innovation and the encouragement of STEM learning; the company is proud to support 4-H’s National Youth Science Day challenge—which can give youth the inspiration to become tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the 2019 4-H NYSD event! Click here to order a kit for your club today. Visit our website for more information on the Donaldson Foundation.

 

Like myself, many teens don’t always listen to their parents’ advice. However, if another adult gives them the same advice, they are more willing to listen to it.

I often find that I prefer to work through difficult problems or plan events and logistics with adults other than my parents. What I enjoy about other adults is the connection. I can form a professional relationship as a colleague as opposed to the people that make me clean my room.

How you view the adult(s) in your youth-adult partnership will lead the way into how you both view the relationship and how well you work together to accomplish tasks. If you find yourself in a situation where the adult is making the majority of the decisions, and you would like to take on a more significant role in the process or gain more decision-making authority, just ask! Sometimes it can be difficult to muster up enough courage to ask for the responsibility of decision making, but you need to be vocal. The adults you are working with may not want to overwhelm you with the work. Never feel like they don’t have faith in your abilities.

So how do you ask? I think it’s simple. Approach the topic in a professional manner. Tell the adult you have confidence in yourself and want to test and grow your skills. If you have the chance to make more important decisions, you can grow in your leadership abilities. If you are still wary about asking for more responsibility, remember nothing can happen if they say no. If the adult does say no, show them you can take on more by successfully completing a few tasks. Then, ask again.

One thing that I commonly see in youth-adult relationships is a lack of communication. The most common way I see this is when the youth does not voice their opinions, show progress on the activity, or ask questions. The relationship in which you are working is a professional one. Although you may be a teen, or even younger, refrain from thinking you are inferior or that the adult is running the show. Both parties need to take equal responsibility.

I want to leave you with one more nugget of advice. Listen to your adult partners. They have real-world experience and have encountered many incidents. Your adult partners can provide information from experience. They have an understanding of what can work in an instance and what may not be as successful. Just speak up and ask questions.

 

For over 100 years, 4-H has inspired families, shaped careers, and impacted communities. On October 6 through 12, we will celebrate the impact of 4-H during National 4-H Week. Here are some ways you can celebrate 4-H!

Host a 4-H Rally

With permission, host a 4-H rally at a school or community center. It’s a great way to bring the community together to celebrate and show the pride of your local 4-H program

Give Back

Local programs are always looking for resources to continue growing the programs. Help programs like the Flying Squirrels or Green Turtles (not real clubs, by maybe) thrive by making a donation that can help provide supplies to kids in the area.

Wear Your 4-H Gear

Nothing says 4-H pride like a 4-H tee! Dress yourself (or the entire family – pets included!) in 4-H green and 4-H gear, available at Shop 4-H.

Set Up Information Booths

If your local grocery or hardware store allows, set up a table to share information about your local 4-H program. You can display 4-H posters, hand out flyers, or showcase the work of local 4-H’ers.

Shout-Out a 4-H’er

Kids love 4-H. They enjoy the time they spend with 4-H friends, look forward to their next 4-H meeting, and plan all year to show off what they’ve learned. Recognize the hard work and dedication of 4-H’ers by shouting out one or an entire club on social media.

Storefront Displays

In some communities, you can ask local businesses to display 4-H posters. Many may be willing to dedicate their entire storefront to 4-H signs, memorabilia, and décor for the week.

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.

Share Your 4-H Story

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. Use and follow the hashtag #InspireKidstoDo, share your story, or read stories similar to yours.

Have a 4-H Reunion

4-H alumni often credit 4-H for the connections they’ve 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. Whether you grew up in 4-H, you have kids 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/4-H office to show your appreciation,

4‑H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) is an annual initiative inspiring kids everywhere to take an active interest in STEM topics through hands-on learning. Celebrations begin October 1, with participation across the country in classrooms, clubs, homes, and afterschool spaces.

This year’s 4‑H NYSD challenge, Game Changers, was developed by Google and West Virginia Extension Service. It teaches kids how to use computer science (CS) to create games, solve problems, and engage with topics they care passionately about. Demand for CS skills across nearly every industry in the workforce is growing steadily, but kids aren’t prepared to take advantage of the opportunity.

4‑H NYSD is designed to make CS is fun and accessible, helping kids build confidence in their skills while sparking their curiosity to learn more. Through this year’s challenge, it is important to convey that having a background in computer science will be beneficial to all kids, regardless of whether they want to work on a farm, in an art studio, or an office.

Game Changers is a three-part challenge, drawing career and real-world connections between computer science and 4‑H’s non-STEM pillar areas—civic engagement, healthy living and agriculture.

  • Pitch Your Passion is an online activity that allows kids to create an animation advocating for a cause or issue they care about using CS First and Scratch. We’ll be featuring a few of these projects on 4‑H.org/NYSD and social media starting October 14!
  • Program Your Playground is an unplugged activity where kids design their own games of tag and invent playground games to learn concepts like pattern recognition and abstraction.
  • Hack Your Harvest is an unplugged activity where kids learn how to solve and create their own agriculture-themed logic puzzles to learn about automation, optimal efficiency, and programming.

The challenge kit includes all the materials you need to perform each activity, as well as clear instructions for facilitators, offering both low and no-tech options for events without internet access. Also, because Game Changers is an entry point to CS, teachers and facilitators don’t need any prior experience with computer science or coding to guide youth through the challenge.

Thanks to our community partners Afterschool Alliance, American Library Association, First Book, and Imagine Science, more kids and groups will have access to 4‑H NYSD by receiving the Game Changers kit.

Learn more about the 2019 4‑H National Youth Science Day challenge!

For Sofia, a Juntos 4-H’er and senior at Moreno Valley High School in California, it was not hard to notice how her school stood out for all the wrong reasons. “Every city has its sketchy areas, and my school… it is not high class like the other high schools.” She explained. If you step foot into another high school, it is a completely different sensation.” She shared.

Many of the neighborhoods that funnel into her school are less affluent than their surrounding areas. With almost seventeen percent of the population in the area living below the federal poverty line(Data USA), it is challenging for her school to provide the same resources to students as other schools in the area.“They [the other high schools] have a program that focuses on students and connects them with doctors and patients, and we are the only high school in the district that is not offered that program,” she explained. “It makes it seem as if we don’t get those opportunities because we probably won’t even make it to be a doctor.”

Sofia saw the lack of funding and limited program selections at her school that was directly affecting the perception of Latino students on their abilities to pursue higher education. To help Latino students gain more confidence in their educational potential, Sofia looked for a place where she could allow her community members to be heard. After Juntos 4-H was launched at her school, Sofia realized that she could use the program as an outlet to become more in touch with her community and it provided clarity about the power of her youth voice.

Sofia remembers how much her self-confidence increased and her connection with her community drastically improved after visiting UC Merced’s campus with her fellow Juntos 4-H members. “It allowed me to understand that I am worth value and anything is possible, even being Latino and part of the minority group,” she said. “I feel like just listening to everybody’s stories and how people suffer through immigration problems connected me more with the people of my own demographic.” This new bond with her community sparked a desire in Sofia to help her community address some of the issues regarding unequal educational opportunities she witnessed, especially knowing that she had the proper support from her Juntos family.

Sofia became president of Juntos 4-H at her school and used her leadership position to increase Latino advocacy in her district. She saw that doing so not only supported a positive impact in her school district, but also gave a newfound sense of confidence to other Juntos 4‑H members. Recently, Sofia and her fellow Juntos 4-H members spoke at to the Board of Supervisors at her City Hall about the importance of funding for the schools and programs in their community.

“Money was the issue, but the interest of the kids who want to continue these things and who want to see growth within themselves is priceless,” she said. For Sofia, bringing her peers and community together to advocate for themselves was empowering and something she sees as very valuable to the Latino community. She wants to continue to foster this in younger kids at her school.

Though the Juntos 4-H program was launched at her school under the original intent of encouraging Latino students to pursue a higher education after high school, Sofia believes that the program stems into a much larger context of uniting the Latino community and making them feel heard. “Juntos 4-H provides a home and a place in which you can safely feel like it is your community,” she explained. “It is so necessary for people to find somewhere to belong and to find somewhere to get their questions answered by a mentor.”

Sofia hopes to utilize her senior year as president of Juntos 4-H to expand its positive impact on her community to as many people as possible. She is making it a priority to make every one of the 76 percent Hispanic student population at her school feel safe and never feel deterred from pursuing their desires.

“For the upcoming year, I want to involve all the other students and makes sure that they know they have a safe place to communicate and are not scared of achieving new things,” she said. “I hope expanding the program gives more students, not only myself, an identity as to what the community is like and that there are actually people that care for them and that they have someone to relate to and trust.”

A little over 20 years ago, Lisa Borg started Ozark Miniature Tack and Equine Supplies. A lover of horses and all things equine, Lisa designed and offered quality equine supplies for minis and ponies. About two years ago, Ozark Mini Tack was purchased by State Line Tack, who not only saw a good business opportunity but great leadership and knowledge in Lisa.
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Today, Lisa is a member of the State Line Tack marketing team where she uses her equine industry knowledge to help State Line Tack connect with organizations who also want to support the equine community through experiences and education. National 4‑H Council is the newest organization to partner with State Line Tack, inspiring kids to jump to new heights through the partnership.

While there’s a clear connection between 4‑H and State Line Tack, Lisa connects with 4‑H on a more personal level.

She is a 4‑H Alumna.

Lisa’s parents immigrated to the United States from Denmark in the mid 1950s. In 1969, at the age of 8, Lisa was introduced to 4‑H. As her 4‑H experience began in Bellevue, Washington, she discovered what she truly loved – horses.

“[My mom] realized that 4‑H was a very American thing,” Lisa explained. “And 4‑H to her was the equivalent of what your child can do from start to finish.”

Like her mother, who grew up on a dairy farm, Lisa also understood the importance of valuing all animals, thanks in part to 4‑H. Because of the values learned in 4‑H, her mother spent what Lisa describes as “thousands and thousands of hours” driving her back and forth to 4‑H club meetings, events, and shows.

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“She knew that 4‑H would help me in life,” Lisa says. “Back then, there wasn’t anything out there. And so for [my mom], it was really incredible that [4‑H] was a place that she can bring me. I was able to learn not only how to become a better student but be able to help me in my life. I could be the best person I could be because of 4‑H. There was no discrimination. We were all the same when we walked into that 4‑H meeting.”Lisa also remembers the connections she made through her 4‑H experience.

“We learned to rely on each other,” she recalls. “Even though we competed against each other, we rooted for each other, and we were always friends at the end.”

When remembering the friends she made, the skills she learned, and the opportunities she was fortunate enough to have, she stresses that those experiences would not have been possible without family.

“Without our parents, our family members, or whoever it is that’s taking us everywhere, it wouldn’t happen. I think we really need to acknowledge the fact that they helped us,” she says.

Because of the help she received, plus her 4‑H experience, Lisa went on to study International Business at Washington State University, traveled the world, and today, helps State Line Tack become a leader in equine supplies and education for all ages in all communities.

Through the 4‑H and State Line Tack partnership, Lisa hopes to create a local impact and help raise more awareness of 4‑H programs in communities where 4‑H may not be prevalent. Additionally, she wants more kids to experience what 4‑H has to offer, whether through equine programs, other livestock learning, and more.

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“4‑H is great about providing educational opportunities for the kids. And it’s on an equal level. I think that’s one of the most important things. They understand what it means to win, to lose, to try again and again. There are so many different things that 4‑H does for kids and the future.”

Lisa credits 4‑H with teaching her so many of the valuable professional skills she still uses today including organization, presentations and time management. On a personal level, Lisa raises and shows Shetland ponies, and her first homebred world champion is now being well cared for and loved by a young 4‑H’er in Indiana.

About the Partnership

State Line Tack is a proud supporter of 4‑H’ers across America. National partners like State Line Tack help fund local equine programs and support National 4‑H Council’s mission to grow 4‑H from 6 million to 10 million kids across the country. Learn more about our partnership.

4‑H alumni are always eager to share their 4‑H story. It’s a proud moment as they recount their experience at 4‑H camp, attending and showing at their local Fair, or completing a 4‑H project. These experiences are what shaped them to become who they are today. Whether they’re farmers, educators, or small business owners, alumni credit 4‑H for giving them the skills needed to do what they are passionate about, both personally and professionally.

Through our partnership with American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), we seek to ignite the desire of young people to embrace agriculture, cultivate innovation, and empower them with opportunities to improve the world around them. These young people grow up to become Farm Bureau members at the county level and have stories of their own to share.

Meet Denise H., proud Louisiana 4‑H alumna.

Why was 4‑H important to you growing up?

DH: I was raised on a produce farm along with nine siblings. Our parents instilled in us great work ethics. We raised and grew everything we ate. So, there was not much time for after-school activities. 4‑H was the best opportunity for us to learn more about many of the things we were already doing as a family. My involvement in 4‑H allowed me to gain many leadership abilities that remain an important part of my life today.

How has 4‑H shaped who you are today?

DH: 4‑H was very instrumental in molding me into who I am today.  My interest in many things started at home; however, 4‑H was where I learned more, and it helped me build my confidence to participate in the many projects. It helped me build the confidence to become a leader, first by participating at the local level, then to participate at the state level. 4‑H helped me to find what my interests were and to grow those interests. It helped me become who I am today. I can say that without 4‑H, I never would have had the confidence to speak before a group. It was the start of a passion I have today, and that is to educate youth and adults about how their food is grown.

Are you still involved with 4‑H now?

DH: I am still involved with 4‑H today. I don’t know if there was a time that I wasn’t involved in 4‑H in some form. I was heavily involved while my children were growing up through 4‑H. Later, assisted the 4‑H agents whenever they needed help after they graduated because my youngest never stopped working with 4‑H’ers either. I then formed a non-profit, the Fast Food Farm, where I work with 4‑H’ers and FFA students.  The goals of the Fast Food Farm are: to educate consumers of all ages about how their food is grown; create innovative educational materials to which teachers and students can relate; teach the importance of agriculture to our daily lives and to the economy; provide mentoring opportunities for all students; and provide leadership opportunities for 4‑H, FFA, and Pro-Start students. The students are trained to be peer teachers for the two large events we have at the farm each year. I serve on the St. James Parish 4‑H Foundation Board, as well as the Louisiana 4‑H Foundation Board.

From 4‑H to Farm Bureau: 4‑H was Where I Learned More

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