Fourth- through sixth-graders attend health jam

On Sept. 22 and 23, 93 fourth- through sixth-graders from Lee, Ogle, and Stephenson counties attended University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H Health Jam, at Camp White Eagle, Leaf River and KSB Hospital, Dixon.

4-H Health Jam teaches students about healthy lifestyles, nutrition and fitness practices, and health-related careers.
A partnership between U of I Extension, KSB Hospital, and the National Center for Rural Health Professionals annually plans and conducts the program.

Illinois 4-H was one of eight state organizations that received a $50,000 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation through National 4-H Council to encourage young people to develop and maintain healthy, active lifestyles.

The grant money sponsors five 4-H Health Jams throughout Illinois and helps rural communities tackle wellness issues that are a major health concern nationwide.

In the 8 weeks following 4-H Health Jam, students engage in classroom learning activities taught by Extension youth development educators.

During these activities, youth continue to explore the human body, healthy lifestyles, and the “Walk Across Illinois” fitness challenge.

Local participating classrooms for Health Jam ’09 were St. Mary School, Dixon; Steward Elementary School; and Etnyre Elementary School, Oregon.