In support of the Administrative Priority to Target Outreach and Expansion the Health Rocks! curriculum was implemented in Grimes County. Health Rocks! brought youth, families and communities throughout Grimes County together with the aim to reduce tobacco, alcohol and drug use by youth. Health Rocks! facilitated youth’s development of life skills in the area of critical thinking, decision-making, communication, managing feelings, stress management, and goal setting to encourage resistance of risky behaviors through interactive games and activities.
The 81 participants from Navasota Jr. High and Stoneham Elementary were provided with accurate health information regarding statistics and consequences of youth tobacco, alcohol, and drug usage. The Day Camp format’s success was attributed to being taught by the Grimes County Youth Board members who were the participants’ peers. Texas AgriLife Extension provided the training of the instructors, partnered with Twin City Mission who provided school supplies and workshop materials, Navasota ISD allowed facility usage, and Lee Tabernacle United Methodist Church supplied meals and snacks.
The participants demonstrated knowledge of the difference between legal and illegal drugs, the effects of tobacco and smoking on the body, the need for considering options before making decisions and evaluating decisions, and noted the advantages of setting goals. Each participant completed a retrospective evaluation. Personal testimonies included “I will never smoke in my life.” , “I’ve learned which drugs are legal and illegal and how much they harm our bodies.” , “The experience changed my life in so many ways.” , and “I have learned that stress is good and bad depending on the situation.”
Health education and youth development will continue to be strong programs with outreach audiences in Grimes County.
Content for this article was provided by Dale A. Fritz, Ph.D., District Extension Administrator-Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
.jpg)