Alison Crane checked a 4-H High Adventure Trip in Minnesota off her bucket list this year.
By Alison Crane
A bucket list is different than a to-do list. A bucket list is a list of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish before “kicking the bucket.”
To-do lists help us keep track of several tasks we need to complete or a task that requires multiple steps to be finished. To-do lists can be useful when trying to accomplish something on a bucket list.
Recently, I accomplished something on my bucket list. Since 1994, I have wanted to go on a 4-H High Adventure Trip. These trips usually involve chaperoning a bunch of teenagers while carrying a 40+lb backpack, hiking, camping, canoeing, and portaging for several days in the wilderness. This year’s trip took us into the Boundary Waters of Minnesota for four days and at 54 years old I was the oldest camper.
I can honestly say that it was the hardest thing I have ever done. We had to train and plan for the trip and physically condition before going. I survived the trip and overall had a good time (The kids were great!) but I will admit that I have crossed off any other extreme camping from my bucket list and will stick to “glamping” when it comes to sleeping outdoors.
Not all bucket list adventures have to be so physically challenging to be worth putting on your list. Take some time to write out what you would like to experience or do and then start making some plans to accomplish those goals. Research has shown that bucket lists are actually good for our health.
Planning trips and anticipating what you will see and do can be positive for mental health. Preparing physically and mentally to be able to do something that you have been looking forward to doing is also good for your cardiovascular health.
Bucket lists can also include things you would like to do to benefit your family or community. Giving back has social benefits it also benefits our physical and emotional health. The Garland County Extension Service has four organizations that provide service opportunities for both youth and adults. To learn more about the Extension Homemakers Council, Extension Get Fit, 4-H, or Master Gardeners, call 501-623-6841 or email acrane@uada.edu.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
