TRAILBLAZERS

A Generation Making Healthy Choices

University of Wisconsin – Extension

Supporting partners for this program are --

Americorps*VISTA Summer Associates

Walmart Healthy Living Grant

This year the 4-H Trailblazer Program had many goals.

Our main goal was to increase physical activity by providing fun and exciting new activities.

We were able to obtain this goal. Ninety percent of our Trailblazers felt that they were more physically active because of this 4-H program.

Lake of the Falls

“I ride my bike with 4-H and see new places to ride so I can bike more.”

Saxon Falls

Copper Peak

Parent: “TrailBlazers helped my son be more independent. He now rides his bike into town instead of waiting for a ride in the car.”

In addition to the goal of exercising in a fun way, we also enforced safety on a regular basis. We included

safety lessons, such as proper hand signals and wearing helmets, into every Trailblazer session.

A demonstration of the ‘stop’ signal.

Always ride in a single file line.

Boulder Junction

Boulder Junction

“I learned that even if no cars are coming you should use hand signals”

Learning about NEW places in Iron County!

Another main goal addressed in the 4-H Trailblazer program was to see and explore some of the most beautiful and interesting sites in the Iron Country Area.

We tried to make it to places that are sometimes overlooked by people who live around here in hopes that the youth involved with the program would become excited about these places.

Gile Falls

“It teaches good personal habits (exercise and nutrition). Also, the kids “get to know” Iron County”

-4-H TrailBlazer parent

Saxon Falls

About the Places We Visited …“I learned how to get there, where it is and the way they change between years.”

Lake of the Falls …”was my favorite place because we got to go on the rope swing.”

Copper Peak and Rainbow Falls

Foster Falls

One of the highlights for the Saxon group was riding through the river as you can see in this

video.

Work with GPS

Throughout the summer we fit in some work with GPS. We taught the Trailblazers many new skills using GPS.

We did several activities using GPS including, treasure hunts, lessons and possibly the favorite, geocaching!!

Geocaching Success

The Geocache we found at Superior Falls.

We also found one by “Mercer’s King”.

An end to the 2009 Trailblazer Program

We are so excited that we had a very successful summer with the 2009 Trailblazers. We were able to teach them healthy lifestyle choices such as better nutrition and proper amount of exercise while having a blast! We did many fun activities including; hiking, swimming, biking and canoeing. It was a great summer!

Copper Peak