Conducting Leisure Activities in a 4-H Community Club Gathering
In a typical 4-H community club meeting, the "fun" element is an essential part of the agenda. Known as the recreation/refreshments section, this segment is officially recognized as the "fun" part of the meeting [1].
While the search results do not provide a specific number, it is clear that this is the main "fun" element in the meeting's order of business. Other enjoyable parts may include engaging project activities where children actively participate and share [4]. However, these are not always categorized purely as "fun" but rather as educational and participatory.
The variety of recreation activities throughout the 4-H club year plays a crucial role in keeping all ages engaged. These activities can be categorized into four main types: table/board games, camp/recreation games, cooperative/team-building activities, and sports activities.
One such sports activity is One-base Kickball, a fast-paced version of kickball played with one base, soft ball types, and no pitcher [7]. In this game, each team member kicks once per inning, and outs are recorded if the fielding team catches a kick in the air or throws the ball at the kicker and hits him/her below the shoulders [6]. The final kicker of each inning must go all the way out and back without stopping, and the final member of the team who kicks may remain at the base until the next kick [8]. One-base Kickball games usually last between 20 to 30 minutes and can be played outdoors, making it suitable for ages 5 to 18 [9].
Another engaging activity is "Form a circle", where players take an object and act out a brief scene with what they consider the object to be, repeating with the next member of the circle until no one can think of any more uses for that object [5]. This game usually lasts between 10 to 15 minutes and is suitable for ages 5 to 11 [6].
For those looking for more recreation resources, the American Camp Association offers numerous resources for sale as well as a complimentary option [3]. Additionally, Ohio 4-H provides Recreation Leader resources such as a yearly program guide, more game ideas, and an activity planning worksheet [2].
In the game "Supersized Dutch Blitz", players make cards with 8.5 x 11 inch cardstock that duplicate the common card game Dutch Blitz and play in a life-sized manner [10]. This game can be played indoors and is suitable for ages 5 to 18, usually lasting between 20 to 30 minutes [11].
In conclusion, the "fun" element in a typical 4-H community club meeting is the recreation/refreshments section [1]. Other enjoyable parts may include engaging project activities where children actively participate and share, but these are not always categorized purely as "fun" but rather as educational and participatory. The variety of recreation activities throughout the 4-H club year keeps all ages engaged, and resources for these activities are readily available.
- The recreation/refreshments section, recognized as the "fun" part of the 4-H community club meeting, is essential and offers a variety of activities.
- Table/board games, camp/recreation games, cooperative/team-building activities, and sports activities are just some of the recreation activities available in a 4-H club meeting.
- One-base Kickball, a fast-paced version of kickball, is an engaging sports activity that can be found in a 4-H club.
- The game "Form a circle" is another activity that encourages creativity and imagination in children aged 5 to 11.
- The American Camp Association offers various recreation resources for sale, including a life-sized version of the card game Dutch Blitz, suitable for ages 5 to 18.
