Summer Zen
Mindfulness Lessons for Youth in Bureau, LaSalle, & Marshall-Putnam Counties
Questions? Contact Beth Dellatori at 815.224.0889 or beth5@illinois.edu.
Community programs are provided by University of Illinois Extension and 4-H. They are open to all at no cost.
Mindfulness is "the simple practice of bringing a gentle, accepting attitude to the present moment." (David Gelles, Mindfulness expert). The benefits of youth practicing mindfulness include improved physical health, improved mental health, enhanced social and emotional skills, increased intellectual skills, improved cognitive outcomes, better emotional regulation, and an overall greater well-being.
Growing Gratitude
Practicing gratitude has many positive effects on youth. Studies show that youth who practice gratitude are happier, less stressed, and build better relationships than their non-practicing peers. During this lesson, youth will learn about different gratitude practices and plant gratitude flower seeds.
Dates, Times, & Locations for Growing Gratitude
June 11 - Hopkin’s Park, Granville - 10:30 - No Registration Required
June 11 - Oglesby Library - 1:30 - Click to Register
June 12 - Hegeler Park, LaSalle - 11:00 - Click for Registration
June 12 - Hennepin Pool - 1:00 (Mindful Eating at 2:30) - Signup at the Pool
June 17 - LaMoille Library - 2:00 - Register at the Library
June 18 - Walnut Library - 1:30 - Register at the Library
July 3 - Ohio Library - 2:00 - Signup at the Library
Crafting Calm
Using fidget tools can increase focus, attention, and listening. Youth attending this session will create a “calming starter kit” that includes: a stress ball, bead fidget, straw tangle, and activity cards.
Dates, Times, & Locations for Crafting Calm
June 5 - Ohio Library - 2:00 - Signup at the Library
June 7 - Walnut Library - 1:00 - Register at the Library
June 18 - Oglesby Library - 1:30 - Click to Register
June 20 - Granville Library- 1:00 - Registration at the Library
June 24 - LaMoille Library - 2:00 - Register at the Library
June 27 - Hegeler Park, LaSalle - 10:30 - Click for Registration
June 27 - Hennepin Pool - 1:00 (Yoga at 2:30) - Signup at the Pool
Mindful Mandalas
Mandala is the Sanskrit word that means “circle.” Mandalas are created with one focal point in the center and use geometric shapes and patterns to radiate outwards. Mandala coloring and painting can promote relaxation, mindfulness, and creativity in youth (and adults). During this lesson, participants will design, create, and paint their own Mandala.
Dates, Times, & Locations for Mindful Mandalas
June 10 - Utica Library - 1:00 - Signup at the Library
June 25 - Oglesby Library - 1:30 - Click to Register
July 2 - Hennepin Pool - 1:00 (Being Present Scavenger Hunt at 2:30) - Signup at the Pool
July 3 - Hopkin’s Park, Granville - 10:30 - No Registration Required
July 8 - Walnut Library - 10:30 - Register at the Library
July 8 - LaMoille Library - 2:00 - Register at the Library
July 9 - Hegeler Park, LaSalle - 10:30 - Click for Registration
July 10 - Ohio Library - 2:00 - Signup at the Library
Tranquil Visions
Creating art can be very therapeutic and relaxing. Youth will learn how to create a soothing piece of art during this session.
Dates, Times, & Locations for Tranquil Visions
July 16 - Granville Library - 1:00- Registration at the Library
July 17 - Hennepin Pool - 1:00 (Nature Art at 2:30) - Signup at the Pool
July 18 - LaMoille Library - 2:00 - Register at the Library
July 30 - Hegeler Park, LaSalle - 10:30 - Click for Registration
July 31 - Ohio Library - 2:00 - Signup at the Library
August 7 - Walnut Library - 1:00 - Register at the Library
All 3 Mindfulness Lessons in 1 Day!
July 9 - Buda Library - 1:30-4:00 - Signup at the Library
Sunny Strokes Summer Art Classes
June 17, 18, 24, & 25
10:00-Noon
Selby Township Library (DePue)
Call 815.447.2660 or visit the library to register.
University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences | United States Department of Agriculture | Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, please contact Beth Dellatori, 4-H Youth Development Educator, 815 N. Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, IL 815-224-0889 or beth5@illinois.edu