Recreation in 4-H club meetings
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Email4-H club meetings should include time for recreation to foster creativity and engage youth in fun activity.
Michigan State University Extension reminds 4-H clubs that recreation is an important factor in having successful club meetings. In a 90-minute meeting model, recreation should generally represent 15-20 minutes of the time. Having a variety of fun activities adds enthusiasm and enjoyment to the meetings. Youth can learn leadership by taking the lead during recreational opportunities and can develop public speaking and other communication skills. Recreation activities can also help youth develop life skills that they can use to be successful in life.
The recreation time at 4-H club meetings promotes fun and social interaction among youth of all ages, and for the adults as well. The variety of fun-filled activities adds enjoyment and a sense of belonging. It also gets youth up and moving. “Games and Activities” by North Dakota State University 4-H states “encouraging physical activity in children, adolescents and adults is important for the physical, social and mental health benefits.” Research also shows youth who are involved in physical activity are more likely to be physically active adults.
A few ideas of recreation include games, charades, scavenger hunts, relays, sports, puzzles, word searches, a party for members and families, picnics and hikes. Healthy refreshments can be part of recreation with different members responsible throughout the year. The goal of any recreation activity is to allow members and volunteers to build relationships and connections while having fun.
Education is another staple at a 4-H club meeting and education at a meeting could be accomplished through the learning of fun and new recreational activities. 4-H Club Recreation and Team Building Activities from Iowa State University 4-H contains resources that help with decisions on what type of activity is needed and how long the activity should last. Some clubs have a different recreation committee that plans the recreation activities for each meeting while others elect recreation officers for the year.
Use your imagination and create your own games using new twists on old standards. For more information on 4-H club development visit, the 4-H Club Development website.
