This summer, LSU AgCenter Area Nutrition & Community Health Agent Layne Langley partnered with the Audubon Regional Library- Clinton Branch to conduct nutrition programs for their youth patrons.

During the physical activity program, children got moving with fun games and exercises designed to promote lifelong health. Langley led an interactive session where youth brainstormed the many benefits of daily physical activity—from boosting energy and mood to building strong muscles and bones. To deepen their understanding, Langley introduced the concept of sedentary behavior. In the “Physical Activity or Sedentary Behavior” game, children moved to different sides of the room based on whether an activity involved movement (like playing basketball) or was sedentary (like riding in a car). A favorite part of the lesson was listening to Stories of the Bayou: A Trip to Louisiana. As the story was read aloud, the children acted out scenes—doing 14 arm circles for the average length of an alligator, flying like a pelican, and more—bringing the tale to life through movement. This program helped children connect physical activity with fun, storytelling, and lifelong wellness.

On her second visit to the library, Langley introduced the children to MyPlate and the five food groups through a lively and engaging lesson. The children listened to The Adventures of MyPlate Nutrition Hero, a colorful story celebrating the superhero MyPlate and the importance of balanced eating. After the story, each child received a food or physical activity card. One by one, they placed their food card on the correct section of a large MyPlate display or led the group in the physical activity shown on their card. The children enjoyed the activity so much, they asked to repeat it several times! The fun continued as the children drew and colored their favorite foods on a MyPlate coloring mat, reinforcing their understanding of healthy eating in a creative and hands-on way.

Langley kicked off the Fight BAC(teria)! program with a fun and educational skit, “The Story of Bac,” enlisting help from the adults to bring the story to life. Special thanks to Amy Sanders, aunt of Andi and Aaryn Chase, for her wonderful support during the skit! The children were especially excited to meet the germ puppet, which made learning about hygiene both memorable and entertaining. Following the skit, the children participated in the Wash Your Hands Activity, where they sorted picture cards (like playing outside or taking out the garbage) onto a poster board under “Before” or “After” columns—learning when handwashing is most important. The highlight of the day was the Glitter Germ Experiment! Using glitter potion to represent germs, the children got to “see” how germs stick to their hands and then tried washing them off—an eye-opening and fun way to understand the importance of proper handwashing.

Langley wrapped up the summer program with Power Up with Breakfast, a fun and informative session focused on the importance of starting the day with a nutrient-rich breakfast. Campers discussed the many benefits of a healthy morning meal—like improved focus, better energy, and stronger bodies—and shared creative tips for making breakfast a daily habit, such as prepping the night before or choosing quick, wholesome options. The fun continued with active games that reinforced the lesson. Campers swapped the traditional Egg Spoon Relay for a creative twist, racing with tennis balls balanced on spoons. They also teamed up for the Pass the Milk Jug Challenge, where they raced to pass empty milk jugs overhead and under their legs in a fast-paced relay. This final session brought together nutrition education, teamwork, and movement—leaving campers energized and inspired to make healthy choices every day.

Thank you to Aubrey LeGette with the Clinton Branch Library for his help in coordinating the nutrition programs. His support played a key role in making these engaging and educational sessions possible for the children and families in the community. For more information about the nutrition programs in East Feliciana Parish, contact Layne Langley at 225-683-3101 or at lalangley@agcenter.lsu.edu