VELVA – Brea Schiele has noticed something interesting. Since joining the Guys & Gals 4-H Club in Velva, she’s less tempted to reach for ice cream after school. The club encourages healthy habits, and at just 13, she’s already noticing changes in her choices.
Brea has made new discoveries about food thanks to club activities. “Last year, we made smoothies. That was fun,” she recalls. The Guys & Gals 4-H Club has earned the “Healthy 4-H Club” title for six years, focusing on nutrition and fitness.
Recently, the North Dakota State University Extension Service recognized 33 clubs across 17 counties for promoting health and nutrition. This year, each participant received a fun prize—a pop-it frisbee—after completing the program.
The goal is simple: to teach kids about nutrition and encourage them to incorporate healthier choices. Co-leader Nylenne Schiele saw other clubs getting awards and wanted the same for her group. They now regularly include fitness and nutrition activities in their meetings.
Just last week, club members enjoyed a line-dancing lesson. Colter Buchmeier, 12, found it enjoyable and mentioned his interest in archery. He also noted that he’s eating more fruits and veggies since learning about healthy habits. His younger siblings are making better choices too.
Lisa Marschner, 10, works on being mindful of her eating. “I eat less now that I’m more aware of what I eat,” she said, while also staying active with sports like basketball and softball.
These meetings often include hands-on food demos. Participants have learned to make energy balls and trail mix, promoting creativity in healthy eating. The club has also organized fun outings, like visiting a local grocery store to learn about food preservation.
Community service plays a vital role, allowing members to give back. “We’ve always been big on community service, often volunteering with the food pantry,” Schiele shared.
One engaging activity includes asking members about their favorite healthy snacks for a roll call. Schiele emphasizes a healthy snack policy and encourages pledges to make better choices.
During a recent club meeting, a blind taste test added fun and discovery. “The fruits were very interesting. The vegetables were okay too,” observed 12-year-old Robert Thex after his tasting experience. Exposing kids to healthy foods can shift their perspective, making them see that healthy eating can be enjoyable.
Schiele believes these experiences can lead to long-term healthy habits. “If it becomes second nature, that’s a win,” she said. The enthusiasm for fun, healthy activities keeps the kids engaged and excited.
Research shows that habits formed in childhood can last a lifetime. By promoting health in enjoyable ways, the Guys & Gals Club is making a positive impact on the lives of many young people in their community.
For further insights on youth health programs, you might explore the CDC’s recommendations on promoting physical activity and healthy eating among young people.
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