Gandhi was once thought to have said, “It is health that is real wealth, not pieces of gold and silver.” Whether or not the quote can be attributed to him, the truth remains: Health is something worth prioritizing. Today, being healthy means more than physical fitness—it also includes emotional and social well-being. 4-H recognizes this holistic approach to healthy living by offering programs that strengthen both body and mind, including life-changing trips overseas. 
Healthy living isn’t just eating your vegetables and brushing your teeth. It’s also broadening your horizons through exposure to other cultures, which is just what 11 Ohio 4-H teens recently did during an eight-day cultural immersion experience in Puerto Rico. The trip offered a healthy balance of physical activity, mindfulness, community connection, and cultural awareness. Joined by five Minnesota 4-H members, the group explored both rural and urban environments, learning how health and well-being are shaped by place, culture, and daily life.
The experience began in San Juan before the group traveled into the mountainous community of Castañer. From the start, teens took responsibility for their well-being by grocery shopping, preparing meals together, and navigating new foods and routines in an unfamiliar setting.
Warren County 4-H Youth Development Educator Steve Brady, who coordinated the trip, noted that when Ohio 4-H youth step into a new culture like that in Puerto Rico, they’re not just traveling—they become immersed in learning about life in another culture.
“They built real multicultural skills—working side by side with Puerto Rican 4-H youth in service projects that taught them how to communicate across differences,” he said.
Daily activities reinforced healthy living through movement and connection. Participants swam at the “Al Mango” swimming hole and learned Bomba, a traditional Puerto Rican music and dance style, from local musicians. A town scavenger hunt encouraged social engagement, communication, and confidence.
The group was challenged physically and mentally during a hike to the Salto Santa Clara waterfall, where teamwork and encouragement were essential. Healthy living also included understanding food systems through visits to local coffee farms, where teens picked coffee cherries and roasted beans while learning about Puerto Rican agriculture and sustainability.
The final days blended outdoor exploration, art, and service, including snorkeling in La Parguera’s mangroves and working alongside Puerto Rican 4-H members in a school greenhouse.
Brady added, “That ability to connect globally is a lifelong benefit they carry back home in Ohio, enriching their leadership and perspective, making them more well-rounded individuals ready to thrive in their local communities.” 
By the end of the journey, participants returned home with stronger resilience, cultural empathy, and a broader understanding that healthy living extends beyond physical health to include community, connection, and shared experiences.
If you would like to support 4-H international programs, visit the Ohio 4-H International Travel Support Fund today to donate.