Written by Kim Silva, Extension Agent, University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Middle school students from Shue-Medill combine a clean-up campaign with personal wellness
Service to the community, symbolized by the “Hands” pillar of 4-H, was actively demonstrated by a group of teenagers from the 4-H afterschool program at Shue-Medill Middle School.
These youth participated in “Plogging for a Purpose,” a Delaware 4-H initiative that combines walking or jogging with picking up litter. This activity not only benefits the environment but also promotes personal wellness.
Working in pairs, the teens traded their phones for gloves and garbage bags, dedicated to making their school property cleaner and brighter.
The effort provided surprising insights. One student shared, “I love being outside,” while another was taken aback by the sheer amount of trash found. In a world where simple consideration is often overlooked, this effort also served as a visible act of kindness toward their entire school community.
The students hope their cleaner environment will discourage future littering. Their enthusiasm was clear, as many requested another opportunity to continue plogging in the future.
Everyone can participate in plogging in their own communities. For more information visit the Delaware 4-H Prevention Education: Behavioral Health and Wellness site or learn more about Delaware 4-H.