Youth Section

SPJST Youth Section

The deadline for all Věstník items is 5 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of each month. Send your news and photos directly to: SPJST Věstník Editor Melanie Zavodny P.O. Box 100 Temple, Texas 76503 Fax: 254-773-8087 Email: vestnik@spjst.org Online: spjst.org/news/submitarticle-photo Questions? Call 800-727-7578

This section is dedicated to the youth of SPJST. As part of its membership benefits, SPJST offers a statewide youth program. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about opportunities offered to young members of SPJST, please contact your local lodge, District Youth Counselor (listed on page 2), State Fraternal Director at 800-727-7578, or visit www.spjst.org.

District Two youth events planned for May 22 annual meeting

The District Two Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Lodge 24, Cyclone. Registration is at 1 p.m., and the meeting begins at 2 p.m. All youth and adults are asked to enter the rock decorating contest. Rules and information are online at www.spjst.org. The youth club will have its annual silent auction. Members are asked to bring an item or items and to also keep the bidding going. Baked desserts are also great bidding items! The District Two Youth Club appreciates your support! We look forward to seeing you there! Fraternally, Patsy Koslovsky District Two Youth Counselor —SPJST—

Outdoor activities benefit kids

Modern amenities and indoor comforts have made life easier in many ways, but they’ve also helped to fashion a generation of people who spend much of their time inside. A 2018 report from the international research firm YouGov found that around 90 percent of study respondents from North America and Europe spend close to 22 hours inside every day. Children may get a little more time outdoors than adults, particularly if they participate in outdoor sports.

There are distinct advantages to engaging in more outdoor activities. Here’s a look at some of them.

• Improved mood and reduced risk of depression:

The YouGov report notes that around 15 percent of the world’s population is affected by different levels of seasonal affective disorder, which is believed to be a direct result of lack of daylight. Symptoms go away when days are longer and individuals can enjoy more sunshine. Children who go outside and get ample exposure to sunlight may experience a more positive mood and renewed energy.

• Lower risk of obesity:

Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg from the American Academy of Pediatrics says outdoor play can help reduce obesity in today’s youth. Children can enjoy selfdirected physical activity that also stimulates awareness of one's surroundings.

• Improved vitamin D levels:

Vitamin D has been dubbed the “sunshine vitamin” because sunlight hitting the skin prompts the liver and kidneys to create vitamin D in the body. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to depression and heart failure and may compromise the immune system. Children can improve current and future health by maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through healthy exposure to sunlight.

• Lower stress levels:

Students of all ages are faced with stressful situations that come at them from every angle. The arrival of the global pandemic has been an added stressor that continues to affect children and adults. According to research by the University of Essex, outdoor exercise offers mental health benefits that exceed those gleaned from indoor exercise.

Kalynn is proudly pictured with her prize winnings. Congrats! Lodge 25, Ennis youth wins 4 YAD first places

Dear Readers,

At District Three Youth Achievement Day, I won first place four times, and one time was second place. I will go to State YAD in July. YAD is fun! Kalynn Ryan, age 8 —SPJST—

Spending time in a green space can result in improved mood and self-esteem. A 2017 study of Japanese students found those who spent time in the forest for two nights returned home with lower levels of cortisol, a hormone used as a marker of stress, than students who remained in the city. The practice of destressing outdoors is often referred to as “forest bathing” or “nature therapy.”

lodge 25, ennis youth enjoy family movie night

lodge 25, ennis youth perform “The kolache song”

Dear Readers,

I love “The Kolache Song.” We loved going on the stage at Youth Achievement Day. We won first place.

I can’t wait to go to Camp Kubena. I heard about the things we will do at camp. I can’t wait to see the camp. I hope I will have a fun time.

Fraternally yours,

June Holland, age 5 —SPJST— Left to right are Luke, Maison, and June. Dear Readers,

My grandma, grandpa, Luke, June, and I just went to see the Sonic 2 movie. My favorite part was when he went against Knuckles. It was a really good movie overall. I recommend it for anyone. After that, we went to eat at Panda Express. I have a field trip to a museum in downtown Dallas. Upcoming also is Camp Kubena with my family, and I am stoked!

Fraternally yours,

Maison Holland, age 11 —SPJST—

• Better focus:

A dose of nature may help children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder improve their concentration levels. A 2008 study from researchers at the University of Illinois found that children with ADHD demonstrated greater attention performance following a 20-minute walk in a park as compared to a residential neighborhood or downtown area.

Getting outside and engaging in any activity has a variety of benefits for children and adults. (MS)

Editor’s Note: See the back page for SPJST Summer Camp opportunities. —SPJST—

Lodge 25, ennis youth: dr. pepper drinkers

Dear Readers,

I had fun at the hall with my buddies. We drank Dr. Pepper, and we did a contest to see who was the club captain. It was hard. We couldn’t finish it because it was the end of the party. I love being at the hall with my friends.

Fraternally yours,

Luke Holland, age 8 —SPJST—

Rainy day activities for kids

There are numerous reasons for children to spend time outdoors. Soaking up sunlight and fresh air can do everything from reduce stress to improve cardiovascular health.

Unfortunately, not every day is tailormade for spending time outdoors. When inclement weather threatens, some creative thinking may be necessary to keep kids happy and occupied. As the COVID-19 pandemic may still be affecting some communities, there’s the added challenge of ensuring indoor activities are conducted in a safe manner.

TOP LEFT PHOTO: Carol Nesuda Mraz welcomes Kalina Lutts into her home and shares family history with her. PHOTO 2: Jameson Tricket tries to find the rabbit. PHOTO 3: Luke and Grayson tell their jokes. PHOTO 4: Candace spins Madison. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: Tori plays Pin-the-Tail on the Rabbit.

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club Easter Fun

Sunday, April 10, 2022 ❖ Lodge 25, Ennis Hall

ABOVE PHOTO: Lodge 25, Ennis youth and guests are “eggstra eggcited” about the hunt. Happy Easter!

ABOVE LEFT PHOTO: June finds the prize egg. ABOVE RIGHT PHOTO: Madison and friend Kalina Lutts (Kalina’s great-great aunt Wilma Nesuda painted the mural behind her). BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: Lodge 66, Waco members visit Ennis - Sandra, Jamie, and Jameson Trickett with the Oliver family.

Lodge 25, Ennis Youth Club met on Sunday, April 10, 2022. Everyone had a great time playing “pin the tail on the rabbit,” “big bad wolf,” telling knock- knock Easter jokes, and hunting eggs.

See you at our next meeting on Sunday, May 1! Rita Holland Youth Leader —SPJST—

Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Celebrate Earth Day

Lodge 48, Beyersville Youth Club members celebrated Earth Day with several projects. Makayla Newsom planted another tree on the farm, and Sarah Bosley started an herb garden. Sarah is also working on a greenhouse. —Submitted by Michelle Newsom, Youth Leader

Here are a few ideas for getting started.

Plan a scavenger hunt

Parents or caregivers can hide an item and set children on the course toward finding the treasure by providing

Lodge 30, Taiton youth wins showmanship award

Dear Vestnik Readers,

On Sunday, April 24, 2022, I exhibited my roaster project for my county fair. I received reserve champion roaster and first place in showmanship. It took a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve my goal, and I am greatly blessed. Sincerely, Bethany Baker, age 15 —SPJST— clues that incrementally lead to the final hiding place.

Visit the library

Libraries have a host of activities ideal for rainy days. Apart from various genres of reading materials, there are

Lodge 30, Taiton youth wins grand champion award

Hi! My name is Abigail Garrett, and I am a member of Lodge 30, Taiton Youth Club. This past week, I showed rabbits and a commercial heifer at the Wharton County Youth Fair. I placed 30th out of 141 pens with my rabbits and was so excited to win grand champion with my heifer, Costa. I also placed fourth in showmanship with her. Abigail Garrett, age 11 —SPJST— movies to rent, informational classes, rooms for club meetings, and even arts and crafts events.

Establish an indoor campsite

Camping is a popular outdoor activity that can go on rain or shine. Those who are averse to camping in the rain can recreate the magic of camping in-

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth confirmed at church

Dear Readers,

Sunday was a special day for our family. Madeline was confirmed at church. She also spoke at the service. We hope everyone is doing well! Rileigh Kitchen, age 15 Madeline Kitchen, age 12 Skeet Kitchen, age 11 —SPJST— doors. Set up a tent or make a lean-to from blankets and sheets. Use a fireplace or stove to roast marshmallows and make indoor s’mores.

Make homemade playdough

Invite a few of the children’s friends over and mix up a batch of homemade playdough. A handy recipe can be found at www.iheartnaptime.net/play-

Lodge 185 New Braunfels youth participate in color run

We had so much fun at our first color run. Our mom and older sister Mallory volunteered at the event and sprayed us with water and color. We hope they do it again next year! Anabella Velasquez, age 9 Shaylee Velasquez, age 9 —SPJST—