Summer SPARKS Health & WEllness
Explore, Grow, and Connect Through Health & Well Being
Summer is a time to explore, grow, and connect. As part of National Summer Learning Week, we’re spotlighting how communities across Wyoming are building healthier communities for young people. Whether it’s through physical activity, mental health support, or simple practices like preparing a smoothie or journaling, these programs give youth tools for lifelong well-being.
Briana Rickman, Director of Public Relations & Development for the Girl Scouts of Montana & Wyoming emphasized the power of summer learning for building healthy habits: “Summer learning is a powerful opportunity for girls to build healthy habits—both physically and emotionally—that support their overall well-being year-round. Through engaging activities, outdoor adventures, and mindfulness practices, girls grow their confidence, resilience, and connection to themselves and others.”
Why is it Important?
According to the Afterschool Alliance, out-of-school time programs are already helping young people stay healthy by counteracting screen time, providing nutritious meals, encouraging movement, and offering trusted relationships that support emotional well-being. These small, consistent supports can create lifelong habits.
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) notes that these programs also play a key role in reducing childhood obesity, hunger, and inactivity. The Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards offer clear guidance for providers looking to strengthen their impact. WYEN is proud to serve as the Wyoming Affiliate for NAA.
WYEN Director Michelle Sullivan: “Building a strong network is key to making sure that programs—and the young people they serve—have access to the resources, information, and support they need to thrive. We’re proud to partner with both the First Lady’s Hunger Initiative and the Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Foundation. Their shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of Wyoming’s children helps ensure that every child has access to the nourishment and care they deserve.”
Examples of Health & Wellness Work Across Wyoming
The Wyoming Hunger Initiative (pictured above) has a simple mission: to end hunger in Wyoming. Through innovative partnerships and support for local solutions, they’re working to prevent food insecurity by raising awareness and uplifting the efforts of anti-hunger organizations across the state. One flavorful example? The Boys & Girls Club of Douglas hosted a special family night featuring The Lamb Guys, a local ranching family. The event highlighted delicious, nutritious ways to serve lamb Wyoming First Lady Jennie Gordon spoke at the event, emphasizing the importance of working with local producers to support strong, healthy communities. “It was fun to include the kids and an honor to work with the First Lady,” said Shawna Towner, the Club’s Food Service Director.
Lights On in Lander launched the “Happiest Garden on Earth Club” where young people are learning by doing. They are practicing STEM skills by building raised garden beds and growing their own produce. And they are practicing health & wellness by spending time outdoors and eating fresh veggies! Check out this short video of young people harvesting veggies to make their own snacks. To celebrate National Summer Learning Week, they drafted a poem and recited it for us (see below):
For young minds to flow
Fruit and veggies must grow
Fun in the fresh air
For our garden we care!
We plant and weed
So our minds we can feed
Here at Lights On
The harvest goes on
The Girl Scouts invite girls to build emotional resilience by understanding their feelings, connecting with others, and expressing themselves through writing, art, and reflection. The message? You’ve got this—and you’re never alone. The Mental Wellness Patch Program activities are available to young people not currently participating with the Girl Scouts.
The 4‑H Healthy Living programs empower young people to be healthy – body and mind – with the skills to make healthy decisions and lead healthy lifestyles. Having the confidence and skills to lead healthy lifestyles not only improves overall well-being; it enables youth to tackle life’s challenges today and become leaders in their lives, careers and communities as they grow into responsible adulthood. Explore the 4-H Healthy Living Programs. And download their amazing “Fresh Chefs” cookbook edited by Carla Hall, Celebrity Chef, Author, and 4-H Healthy Habits Program Ambassador. You won’t want to miss the Key Lime Cake submitted by Trisha Yearwood, Award-Winning Singer, Cookbook Author, and Georgia 4-H Alumna.
Try This! Activities for Programs and Families
Build Connection and Reflection: WYEN Program Associate Emily Vercoe notes that, “Working with small groups is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get to know one another and their group leaders.” The Maine Math Science Alliance’s program, Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM offers several community builders and icebreakers. These conversation starters can be an easy way to create connection and bonds among members of youth or adults.
Go on a Movement Scavenger Hunt: Get outside and spot signs of summer—bike, walk, or run your way through a creative list from Cent$ible Nutrition. Then make a yummy smoothie using their simple recipe (pictured above).
Use Learning2Give for Health Literacy: Explore this collection of lessons and project ideas that help young people learn about advocacy, mental wellness, and safety.
Create a Kindness Jar: WYQuality Counts shares a variety of activities that are easy to implement. The Kindness Jar can help young people (and people of any age!) to recognize the way kindness feels and. They note that when young people “can express what kindness looks like, and when they recognize what kindness feels like, they are likely to approach their relationships with empathy.”
Practice Self Care: The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) reminds us that it’s important for grownups (staff, volunteers, and families) to practice self-care. They ask, “How can you be expected to take care of those around you if you aren’t taking care of yourself? Self-care means taking the time to do things that help will help both your physical and mental health.” See their recommendations for ways to implement at least one form of self-care into your daily routine.
Keep Learning!
Celebrate the possibilities that wellness brings: confidence, connection, creativity, and calm. Whether you’re running a program or spending time with family, now is the perfect time to create habits that last a lifetime. Want to see more? Visit wyoenrichmentnetwork.org/summer-sparks to explore other stories. Share your own summer learning experiences using #SummerLearningWeek and #ThriveBeyondTheBell.
Igniting Curiosity, Connection, and Growth All Summer Long
The Wyoming Enrichment Network is celebrating National Summer Learning Week (July 14–18, 2025) by spotlighting the amazing ways communities across the state are helping young people stay curious, connected, and growing all summer long.
Mission: We bridge the gap between Wyoming’s out-of-school programs and the communities they uplift, fueling them with resources, support and opportunities that inspire lifelong learning, growth and connection.
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