Great Opportunities for Achieving Leadership 4-H G.O.A.L. Summer Camp Great Opportunities for Achieving Leadership University of Florida IFAS Extension, Osceola County Extension Laura E. Valencia, 4-H Youth Development

Situation Hispanics are no longer considered a minority group in Osceola County as 49% of the population is Hispanic; even so in the past 4-H has not been able to successfully engage this audience in youth programming efforts. Cultural differences, language barriers and social stresses provide a challenging environment for young people to develop positive social behaviors and life-skills.

Methods Osceola County Extension 4-H pilot a target approach to educate Hispanic youth in healthy living behaviors; including nutrition, healthy snacks, physical activity and financial education through what they know and love most, SOCCER. The pilot program was targeted to the area of Buenaventura Lakes were there is a high concentration of Hispanic families. The Camp was offered at no cost to the participants for 4 weeks from 10am -3:30 pm at a local library and County Government Park.

Lessons Healthy Lifestyles Leadership and Citizenship STEM Nutrition Education Physical Activity Leadership and Citizenship 4-H Life Skills Wheel STEM Physics Financial Education Financial Soccer Turf Management Turf and Soils Natural Resources Stewardship

Immediate Results Survey results pending. 16 participant attended this 4 weeks camp. 10 out of the 16 have enrolled in a 4-H Club for the new 4-H year. Collaboration with other agencies. Funding for a Summer Program Assistant.

Conclusion The impact of this project in Osceola County area was to reach Hispanic/Latino families, to engage them in 4-H Youth Development programs and for children to adopt behaviors in healthy living including nutrition and physical activity and financial education.

What is the most important thing they learned from the. 4-H G. O. A. L What is the most important thing they learned from the 4-H G.O.A.L. Summer Camp? “Laughing all together, building cooperative skill”. “To have and make the most out of everything” “That sportsmanship is very important because if you don’t communicate well [might] not work as well” “It is important to exercise and have a healthy diet, especially while exercising” “Stay fit and active, how to save more money, and being healthy” ‘Teamwork, helping each other that needs helps playing.”

Summer of 2015

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