Now more than ever, it is important to explore the world around you (safely, of course). Studies show that when you get out and explore with your young people, you are not only teaching them confidence and independence, but how to appreciate the little things. Not to mention, the opportunity to spend quality family time with them outside. Please keep in mind all current Ontario COVID-19 regulations when exploring. For more information, you can visit our website: https://4-hontario.ca/about-4-h/covid-19-news-updates/

In 2020, ParticipACTION released The ParticipACTION Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth, which is the most comprehensive assessment of child and youth physical activity in Canada. Studies show that, youth are more sedentary than ever because of the widespread availability of social networking.  In our 5th episode, we are joined by a very special guest: Dr. Leigh Vanderloo, the Knowledge Translation Manager at ParticipACTION. A special thank you to Dr. Leigh Vanderloo and ParticipACTION for joining us on the 4-H Ontario FYI Podcast. The Healthy Living Initiative resources that we mentioned are available here: https://4-h-canada.ca/healthyliving/physicalhealth.  For more information on ParticipACTION and how to get involved in their initiatives, visit their website: https://www.participaction.com/en-ca

This month at 4-H Ontario we were focusing on our critical thinking skills. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone has had to live through extremely, dare I say unprecedented times. With that comes this overwhelming need to create some sort of resolution to our lives or our circumstances. Which also means there is an even larger chance of miscommunication and misinformation. Especially, in our very dynamic digital landscape, when every individual can share their opinions which the click of a button. Thank you to our sponsor, FS, for their ongoing support and leadership of the Ambassador Program.

This month marks one whole year since COVID-19 first hit Ontario. We sat down with our 2021 4-H Ontario Ambassadors to reflect on the year we have had and what we have been able to take away from it. Thank you to our sponsor, FS, for their ongoing support and leadership of the Ambassador Program.  To be featured on the 4-H Ontario FYI Podcast, or you have ideas on a topic you think we should discuss, reach out to [email protected].  We are developing a series of supports and material called Taking Our Mental Health to Heart which will be available later this year. If you or anyone you know is struggling with anything and would like to talk to someone, please reach out and get help.  You can call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6888 or Text 686868.

With COVID-19 having an impact on mental health, mindfulness is a conversation we have been having a lot at 4-H Ontario. Jocelyn Wells, helps us define and learn to practice mindfulness in our everyday lives. 

In honour of our first episode, we wanted to showcase our appreciation for our volunteers and youth and spend some time talking about gratitude. Due to the pandemic, as an organization, we had to continue to pivot, but our volunteers and youth stood alongside us all along because of their dedication and passion for 4-H. That makes this such a good place to start! The staff at 4-H Ontario are so grateful to work with such passionate individuals who care so much. We’ve had a lot of amazing stories of youth & volunteers this year and wanted to share a little bit of that.