Silver Bow County 4-H Focuses on Health and Wellness

Published: 2020
By Kellie Kahtani

As Silver Bow County schools opened this fall, there was a void in activity for students. With the backing of the Silver Bow County 4-H Council, an afterschool health and wellness program was started. Members of the county 4-H program could meet after school Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in September and October to learn about nutrition, fitness, and the game of soccer at the Copper Mountain Park in Butte. Being outdoors, we were able to social distance and add an exercise program into our weekly routine. Each day started with a healthy snack and time to warm up on the playground at the park, followed by an hour of organized fitness activities, and ending with time to cool down and work on homework. Tuesdays and Thursdays, the organized fitness activity was learning the rules, practicing drills, and playing the game. Wednesday’s organized lessons were focused on healthy eating and activities from the “Lifetime Fitness and Health Decisions” 4-H curriculum. Members learned the importance of moving for 60 minutes each day and partnering healthy eating with exercise, all while being outside and being able to socialize with their peers and have fun. During this 2-month program, members increased their knowledge of types of play and how to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. They also were able to increase their ball control through the use of drills and organized play in soccer.