Kids yoga classes blend physical movement with education

Summer is a time of sun and adventures for families. This summer, two women, Amy Beenfield and Mandi Lotze, bring their sense of adventure and dedication to learning to the Kaysville Parks and Recreation building. Co-founders of Rooted and Wild Adventure Co. Beenfield and Lotze have designed Yoga and Movement classes for children ages 3-13 years old that go beyond simple health and exercise. Classes are once a week and started May 2 spanning over four weeks, and themed around local wildlife, blending physical movement with education. Another session starts in June.

“We’re using outdoor themed curriculum based on local forest animals,” said Beenfield. “Our yoga flow will be based on, like, the daily life of a rabbit. Each week we’ll learn about a different animal.”

Lifetime lovers of nature and the outdoors, Beenfield and Lotze currently reside in Davis County and are excited to bring their knowledge and passion to the local communities. They started their business, Rooted and Wild Adventures, in 2022 and have since organized various educational adventures for women and children. Beenfield and Lotze have also partnered with Kaysville City to participate in the Woman on the Move program to lead hiking trips.

“Educating and empowering women, and their kids, to get out there is what we’re all about,” said Beenfield.

By Megan Gleason | m.gleason@mycityjournals.com

“Entrepreneurship wasn’t something ever on our radar, but we found something we really love,” said Lotze. “It’s been so fun.”

While the Yoga and Movement classes are four-week curriculums, anyone is welcome to join later at a discounted rate. Classes are separated into age groups and will run through the month of June. The exact dates for each class can be found on the Rooted and Wild Adventures website or the Parks and Recreation website.

The Yoga and Movement classes are just a part of what Beenfield and Lotze have planned for the summer. Rooted and Wild Adventure Co. is an organization that offers guided outdoor activities for women and their children. This can range from snowshoeing and hiking to coordinated trips. They focus on educating women and their children on not only the practicalities of outdoor activities but the environment and local wildlife.

“Sometimes it can seem kind of an exclusive community or intimidating for people who didn’t grow up with that sort of thing,” said Lotze. “This is a bridge for people.”

While the business is still new, Beenfield and Lotze have big plans for the future. They have many other events and classes in the works within Kaysville and surrounding areas. These events will be year-round, focusing on Utah’s many beautiful and exciting wonders.

“We try and think of things that can be done every season,” said Lotze. “Coming up this summer, we have a full calendar of kayaking, backpacking, yoga, and more.” l

4-H is not just livestock and horses

By Megan Gleason | m.gleason@mycityjournals.com

KAYSVILLE—The Utah House, formally a show house for sustainable living, has expanded as part of the Utah State University (USU) Botanical Gardens extension to house the Davis County 4-H Program within its walls. 4-H is a national program for children and teens focusing on the power of learning by doing. This motto includes various educational opportunities ranging from agriculture to public speaking and leadership skills. The Utah House is the location for many great clubs, such as gardening, horseback riding, mountain biking, shooting sports, and community events happening throughout the year.

“If there’s an interest from a kid, 4-H has something for them,”said Lauren Montgomery, the 4-H Program Coordinator for Davis County. “We do the typical course and livestock programs everyone thinks of in 4-H, but we also do STEM nights and camps. There are clubs for 3D printing, robotics, sewing, and cooking. We have it all.”

The program has also started incorporating Family Nights, where parents are encouraged to participate in activities with their children. These activities vary depending on the month and tend to revolve around relevant topics or to celebrate special events. The next Family Night the program will be hosting is in celebration of May 4, focusing on space-related topics.

“Our main goal is to make them [children] better community members,” Montgomery said.

Following the 4-H pledge, children and teens are encouraged to take active roles within their communities and educate them- selves about the world around them. This includes leadership opportunities for teens to assist in teaching younger children during club and camp activities and volunteer work. The program often has community service events managed and led entirely by the Teen Council.

“They plan everything; I just keep them within the realm of possibility,” said Montgomery. “We do an overnight trip for the teenagers, which is a way to reward them for their hard work.”

The Teen Council has planned projects such as tying blankets for the needy and sending thank you cards to local first responders.

All the clubs and programs organized by 4-H are funded through grants, donations, or individual fundraisers organized by the clubs. Each club has fundraisers a few times a year, typically organized by the members.

“We’re a non-profit, so everything that comes in goes right back into the community and to the kids,” said Montgomery. “The next fundraiser we have is with the horse club. They’re doing horse rides for the public.”

Many clubs within the program are run entirely by volunteers. These volunteers are typically parents or simply community members who wish to promote the next generation’s learning. Anyone can propose an idea for a new club if there is interest in it and any volunteers willing to oversee it. 4-H assists volunteers with materials and curriculum ideas on their website.

“There’s a strong need for a STEM club,” Montgomery said. “I would love to