Connection and belonging are so important in all our meetings. It doesn’t matter if it’s a club or a project meeting. All youth, all adults, or a mix of both. Short or long.
Connection and belonging are the most important things. When youth feel like they belong, it helps:
- Build self-esteem and self-identity
- Strengthens mental health and sense of well-being
- Create a sense of control and optimism about the future *
Youth can help lead the way in creating connection. One way is by leading fun activities during meetings, whether online or in-person. We have provided all the tools youth leaders need to get started. Visit the Leading Recreational Activities page on the Wisconsin 4-H website: https://4h.extension.wisc.edu/resources/volunteer-resources/youth-leader-resources/how-to-lead-recreational-activities/.
There, you’ll find:
- How to choose the right activity for the group
- An easy, five-step guide for how to lead an activity
- Links to loads of ideas for games and activities to bring a group together
Adults, leading activities may be new to the youth leaders in your club or group. Support youth leaders in getting started by:
- Meet or talk with youth ahead of time to talk about the plan
- Give them a chance to practice leading the activity
- Schedule time in every meeting to have fun and connect
- Join in the fun!
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* Osher, D., Pittman, K., Young, J., Smith, H., Moroney, D., & Irby, M. (2020). Thriving, Robust Equity, and Transformative Learning & Development: A More Powerful Conceptualization or the Contributors to Youth Success. Washington, DC: American Institutes for Research and Forum for Youth Investment.
