4-H’ers from clubs in 15 counties throughout North Dakota were recognized for incorporating nutrition, fitness and health activities into their club meetings in 2023-2024.

The 30 clubs, with a total of 662 members, earned the special recognition of being “healthy clubs” by meeting criteria which requires incorporating at least one nutrition or fitness activity into a minimum of six regular meetings during the year. These activities are often integrated into field trips, food demonstrations, or providing community service.

As an example of these activities throughout the year, the Divide County Roughriders 4-H Club, a 13-member club from Divide County, met at Crosby Curling Club rink and learned to curl, had a demonstration on hydroponic seeding, learned how to make healthy smoothies, and participated in Crosby community “Stroll the Night” celebration selling hot cocoa and pretzels and donating the profit to the local animal shelter. They also toured the Healthy Cricket store which specializes in fragrance and chemical free products. 

“Clubs participated in a wide range of healthy programming and community service projects. I commend the volunteers and teen leaders who serve as mentors for these clubs. I wish I could share all of the wonderful life skills and experiences they are providing for these children” says Julie Garden-Robinson, North Dakota State University Extension food and nutrition specialist and Healthy North Dakota 4-H Clubs program coordinator.

“Six clubs also participated in a family mealtime challenge, where they took steps to eat with their families more often, which can have numerous benefits such as better school performance, healthier meals and less risk behavior. 4-H programs can make a difference for the club members as well as their families,” she added. A few of their tips for eating together are putting away all electronics and making crockpot meals that can be ready at flexible times to meet busy family schedules.

Some clubs were in their first year as a “healthy club” and some clubs have participated for 17 years.  Each club member received a certificate of recognition and a small prize.

The clubs recognized this year are listed by county, number of members, number of years they have received recognition, and if they completed the month-long Family Mealtime Challenge.

• Adams – Adventurer’s, 23 members, 2 years 

• Barnes – North Valley, 22 members, 1 year; Valley Friends, 17 members, 13 years 

• Burleigh – Burleigh County Bowmasters, 60 members, 1 year; Clover Cakes, 16 members, 6 years, completed Family Mealtime Challenge; Clover Power, 13 members, 3 years; Meadowlarks, 15 members, 4 years, completed Family Mealtime Challenge; Silver Colts, 14 members, 14 years, completed Family Mealtime Challenge 

• Cass – Golden Clovers, 23 members, 3 years; Lucky Clover Buddies, 18 members, 4 years, completed Family Mealtime Challenge; Rush River Livestock, 61 members, 3 years; Valley Adventurers, 15 members, 16 years 

• Divide – Roughriders, 13 members, 2 years, completed Family Mealtime Challenge; Flickertails, 34 members, 17 years 

• LaMoure – Cloverleafs, 31 members, 12 years 

• McHenry – Velva Guys and Gals, 27 members, 5 years 

• Mercer – Star Equestrians, 10 members, 2 years 

• Ramsey – Country Kids, 15 members, 3 years 

• Ransom – Aliceton, 45 members, 13 years; Heart and Soul, 17 members, 8 years; Sandy Critters, 12 members, 5 years; Tri-Country Ag, 35 members, 10 years 

• Richland – Helping Hands, 10 members, 7 years 

• Sargent – Busy Bobcats, 9 members, 3 years 

• Sheridan – Clever Clovers, 11 members, 2 years 

• Steele – Wildlife Explorers, 28 members, 2 years 

• Stutsman – Country Kids, 15 members, 6 years, completed Family Mealtime Challenge; Fort Seward, 23 members, 1 year; Moon Lake, 16 members, 4 years; Golden Eagles, 9 members, 1 year

4-H clubs interested in participating in the 2024-2025 North Dakota Healthy 4-H Clubs program should contact their county office of NDSU Extension or visit the North Dakota Center for 4-H Youth Development to become involved.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Sept. 25, 2024

Source: Julie Garden-Robinson, 701-231-7187, julie.garden-robinson@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701-231-5391, elizabeth.cronin@ndsu.edu