Just like on the Mountain, this section is dedicated to the tough teen topics. You will find reminders of the daily themes and devotions, the Challenges for the week, and information on keeping your mental health in shape.
DAILY CHALLENGESDay 1. 5 – Add in 5 more vegetables and fruits before we see you tomorrow. Veggies & fruits are packed with disease-fighting nutrients and give you energy, NATURALLY!
Remember ChooseMyPlate.gov plate, the smile (1/2 your plate) should be veggies & fruits. Day 2. 2 – No more than 2 hours per day in front of a screen (TV, video games, and recreational computer time). There are a number of studies that show a correlation between watching TV (sedentary activities) and obesity. Think about your time on the Mountain, with no TV at all, typically no cell phones or computers…how can you take this practice home with you? What other activities could you be doing at home if not in front of a screen? Day 3. 1 – At least 1 hour of physical activity per day. Physical activity, especially when it gets the heart pumping faster, is vital to maintaining a healthy weight and overall good health. Kids who are raised in active families tend to stay active as adults. How can you fit one hour of fitness into your day at home…you know you have extra time with your limit of 2 hours of screen time. Can you split the hour up if you have a busy day? Google & Pinterest are your friends for ideas! Day 4. 0 – Almost none (none would be fabulous!) of sugary beverages. To start with, no more than 2 servings per week of soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit drinks that are not 100% fruit juice. How much sugar is in those drinks? What can you do with Orange Juice, Lemonade, Limeade and the like to cut down your sugar intake? What can you drink more of to help you drink less of those sugary drinks? WATER!!! Day 5. Take these challenges home with you. How can you keep this going at home? Write your goals down and post them? Tell friends and family so they can help keep you on track? Challenge yourself to just one for a few weeks and then add in a 2nd, then 3rd, ect.! |
DEVOTIONS Respect
Honesty Caring Inclusion Patriotism Faith These Devotion themes are a huge part of Blue Ridge Leaders School! The skits that are put on by various clubs help remind us of the right ways to Lead, they present life situations that we may live everyday with or have never thought someone could survive in, they pose questions and remind us that we can agree to disagree while still loving each other. How are you reminding yourself to incorporate these devotions into your life each and every day? What lessons did you learn that you are using at home in your YMCA? |
MENTAL HEALTH* Something serious? Hotline numbers are available on the Crisis Line page.
Keeping your brain healthy is as important as keeping your body healthy. When we feel stressed or "out of control" it can be difficult to think clearly and concentrate. Things you can do to destress:
Sometimes, it isn't just stress. Sometimes depression creeps in and you feel like you are in the bottom of a deep hole and can not, no matter what you do, get yourself out. It happens to many teens. It is normal. You CAN and SHOULD get help. Do you think a friend is acting different? Look through the symptoms on this link, Teen Depression Symptoms 24 hour hotline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK 1-800-273-8255 Other phone numbers are available on the Crisis Line page. |