For 117 years, Kansas 4-H has been meeting the essential needs of youth through hands-on learning experiences. Outdoor recreation is foundational to Kansas 4-H because it teaches youth the importance of staying active and healthy.
When 4-H was established, health was defined as physical activity. Through the years, health has transformed by expanding to discuss healthy living, healthy relationships, foods and nutrition, and much more.
As part of 4-H, healthy living is woven into the curriculum.
Amy Sollock, Southwest Regional 4-H Specialist, provides leadership in the project areas of healthy living and 4-H camping, among others.
“Kansas 4-H has a long tradition of providing outdoor recreation programs for young people,” Sollock said. “These programs encourage and reinforce the importance of building healthy peer to peer relationships, leadership development, physical activity, and an appreciation of the outdoors.”
Sollock also said that summer camp at Rock Spring Ranch is one way this programming is delivered.
“While many local Extension units offer day camps across the state, the ultimate outdoor recreation experience for many young people is 4-H camp at Rock Springs Ranch,” Sollock said. “Rock Springs Ranch provides high quality programming through their trained staff, who facilitates the daily activities and operations at 4-H camp. The facilities and beautiful surroundings of Rock Springs Ranch make a prime location to get kids off their devices and outside, immersed in the natural environment around them.”
Through outdoor recreation, 4-H provides healthy living opportunities including summer camp at Rock Springs Ranch, shooting sports, among others. Outdoor recreation is an excellent way to reduce stress, sleep better and get stronger while also trying new activities.
Chandra Plate, Northwest Regional 4-H Specialist, provides leadership in the program areas of Natural Resources and Shooting Sports. As part of her job, she interacts with youth participating in outdoor recreation.
“The wildlife and shooting sports 4-H projects combine unique opportunities for youth to engage in healthy living, civic engagement, physical exercise, conservation, and lifetime sports,” she said. “All 4-H projects are tools used with the goal of positive youth development.”
Plate also said that outdoor activities help meet the essential needs of youth: belonging, generosity, independence, and mastery. While they are growing in knowledge and skills they are also growing toward mastery of the skills of personal safety, responsibility, contributing to community, leadership, and communicating effectively.
“As safe, caring, certified volunteers or staff engage in outdoor activities with youth, a sense of belonging is established which helps youth grow in their ability to feel like they are a valuable part of a community,” Plate said.