- Author: Sophie Loeb
The Spring 2016 4-H Healthy Living Ambassador Garden Training program is now accepting applications! The program is ten-weeks of garden-enhanced nutrition and physical education for elementary school children administered by teens (ages 13-19) in local afterschool programs during Spring of 2016. HLA aims to meaningfully engage teens in service learning activities that promote the health and well-being of their communities while providing them with skill building and leadership opportunities.
In the spring of 2015, we worked with 33 teens at 5 different elementary school garden sites, reaching 400 students each week across San Mateo County. Our Teen Teachers will begin this program with an overnight intensive training at Elkus Ranch Environmental Education Center in Half Moon Bay.
Healthy Living Ambassadors are provided with an array of opportunities within the program. Teens are awarded up to 40 hours of community service credit towards high school graduation, and develop professional skills for future careers and current high school education – including leadership development, teaching tools, and outdoor education practices. Further, all teens are supported to attend an all-expense-paid overnight training at UC Elkus Ranch Environmental Center in Half Moon Bay, March 5-6. Benefits also include mentorship by professional University of California Program Staff, and for qualifying participants, professional recommendations for future employment. Those seeking to continue their service, are welcome to volunteer service at Elkus Ranch summer day camps. Added bonuses include: a private tour of AT&T edible garden and kitchen on June 1, one year enrollment into the 4-H program, a “4-H Youth in Action” t-shirt, and swag bag full of great gear.
Applications are not limited to 4-H members only; everyone is welcome. There is no cost to participate, and the overnight training is free for the teens. Recruitment is limited to 30-40 Healthy Living Ambassadors, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. All applications must be received by February 10 for priority placement.
4-H programs offer youth a safe, healthy, caring, and enriching environment, engage youth in long-term, structured learning in partnership with adults, assist young people in engaging, exciting programs while developing valuable skills with lifelong benefits, and provide training and technical assistance to help youth with skill development.
For further details, HLA staff are available to meet with interested individuals or are able to schedule a short in class presentations for students. HLA staff are looking forward to a great third season of the Healthy Living Ambassador Program!
For more information, please visit: http://ucanr.edu/sites/smsf4h/About/4-H_Afterschool/
4-H and 4-H HLA are educational programs of UC-Cooperative Extension. If you are interested in making 4-H Healthy Living Ambassadors part of your school or organization in San Mateo or San Francisco Counties, please contact pminnick@ucanr.edu for assistance and more information.