Now that the kids are out for the summer, they will have lots of free time and, in some cases, not as many responsibilities. For a lot of our Garland County 4-H youths, they gain responsibilities by spending the summer caring for and working on livestock projects, working in their gardens, attending 4-H Club activities, or spending time in community service projects. This summer, Garland County 4-H is offering summer day camps and activities in June and July. For more information on those, call Carol Ann at the Extension Service office, 501-623-6841, or email her at [email protected].
This summer, I am sure you will hear your kids or grandkids say "I'm bored" more than once. Try and do something fun instead of giving them an iPad or sitting them down in front of a screen all day. Research has shown that kids spend more time using electronic media devices than they do on any other activity -- an average of seven hours a day, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Spending too much time on screens has been linked to not getting enough sleep, poor grades and a greater risk of obesity.
In 4-H, we have program areas that we educate youths in, civic engagement and leadership, healthy living, science, plant and animal science, and outdoor skills.
Help improve your community this summer. Collect food, clothing, toys, or personal care items to donate to shelters. You can also take time to learn about your local county government. To get started, visit http://www.garlandcounty.org. It is important to learn about your county and the choices officials make on transportation, health, law enforcement, education, elections and jobs.
Spend this summer trying new healthy recipes. You can find Arkansas food and nutrition resources at http://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/food-nutrition. Healthy living is part of the 4-H program and identity. 4-H believes that healthy habits begin in families and communities. Start those healthy habits at home this summer. Drink water to stay hydrated instead of sugary drinks and if you are craving something sweet, reach for fruit instead of candy.
Another part of 4-H is science and plant and animal science. There are a lot of fun places to go around Hot Springs and Garland County to learn about science, plants, and animals. Mid-America Science Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. They are also holding summer day camps. Swing by Garvan Woodland Gardens to see the beautiful scenery. Garvan Woodland Gardens' mission is to preserve and enhance a unique part of the Ouachita environment; provide people with a place of learning, research, cultural enrichment, and serenity; develop and sustain gardens, landscapes, and structures of exceptional aesthetics, design, and construction. Garvan Woodland Gardens is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Finally, 4-H focuses on educating youths in outdoor skills. Get outside and soak up the sun this summer! Visit Hot Springs National Park -- it is practically in your backyard. Enjoy a picnic by the tower, go fishing, or even go camping at Gulpha Gorge Campground.
Master Gardener information
Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month online. The meetings are open to the public, and guests are welcome. For more information, call the Extension office at 623-6841 or email Alex Dykes at [email protected].
EHC information
Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC, call 623-6841 or email Alison Crane, family and consumer sciences agent, at [email protected]. Follow Alison on Facebook @garlandEGF and @Garland FCS, and EHC on Facebook @GarlandCountyEHC.
4-H information
There are several 4-H Clubs for Garland County youths who are 5 to 19 years old. For information about Garland County 4-H Club membership or program benefits, contact Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension office, call 501-623-6841, or email [email protected]. More information is available at http://www.uaex.edu/garland.