4-H Youth DevelopmentPlan of Work

Back to Plans for the County

Henry County CES

Title:
4-H Youth Development
MAP:
4-H Youth Development
Agents Involved:
Cathy Toole, Maryellen Garrison, Levi Berg
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
4-H Youth Development Programming
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Family and Consumer Sciences 4-H Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Communications and Expressive Arts 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:

4-H Youth Development is part of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. Extension’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through non-formal education for the entire family. Extension agents and volunteers take the results of university research and explain it in such a way that different age groups can learn and apply the information to their own lives. 4-H is a youth organization committed to building outstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today’s global society.4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults. According to 2014 population estimates (census.gov)there are 233,463 youth living in households in KY in the recommended 4-H age range. Also, according to the Kentucky Department of Education (2014), the graduation rate for Kentucky students was 88.0 %,which did not meet the state goal. Research also shows us developing a strong sense of personal identity, responsibility, caring, compassion, and tolerance are essential first steps toward being engaged at the community level (National 4-H Council).


People, animals and plants are dependent on our Earth’s natural resources. Everything from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the soil we use for food production – these resources are vital to our existence. Therefore, it’s important that we care for and respect these resources. Understanding how our daily choices affect our environment, we can conserve natural resources and protect our environment for present and future generations.


Over the last 25 years, the number of stay at-home parents has decreased. Parents have increasingly relied on schools to teach concepts and skills once taught within the family. With societal changes and cuts in school budgets, many schools have eliminated family and consumer science labs and no longer include or have decreased FCS instruction in the curriculum. In nutrition alone, the lack of basic life skills is evidenced by alarming rises in childhood obesity, poor diets of youth of all ages, and an over reliance on packaged fast food. Life choices are often based more on personal desires rather than factual information. Those who seek information often turn to internet sources which may not be based in research. Decision-making may be based on product marketing claims, family tradition, myths, faulty information, and lack of knowledge. Today’s massive health and economic problems are due in part to the lack of instruction in the home by parents and in school through Family and Consumer Sciences classes. 4-H offers projects in FCS which assist youth in becoming responsible and contributing members of the family and contributing members of Kentucky communities. At the same time, these life skills prepare youth for the families they will establish as adults.


Providing youth with the ability to enhance and develop communication skills is of great importance in Kentucky. The development of communications skills is one of the preeminent skills necessary to grow as an individual, a community member and a leader. Using age appropriate activities selected from the approved Kentucky 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts Curriculum, educators can maximize the ability of youth to develop their writing, reading and personal communication capacities. This in turn creates a solid foundation for positive youth development (Jones, K. R. 2006) Strong writing, reading and presentation skills present youth with the dexterity of being good communicators as well as allowing them to form receptive relationships with peers and adults. When young people are confident and capable in presenting their thoughts and feelings they are more likely to accept roles of responsibility in their communities and enhance their contribution to society. This development of internal and external assets, as researched by the Search Institutes “The 40 Developmental Assets” helps to develop youth into competent,

caring and contributing adults.(Jones, K.R. 2006)

Long-Term Outcomes:

4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults. According to 2014 population estimates (census.gov)there are 233, 463 youth living in households in KY in the recommended 4-H age range. Also, according to the Kentucky Department of Education (2014), the graduation rate for Kentucky students was 88.0 %, which did not meet the state goal. Research also shows us developing a strong sense of personal identity, responsibility, caring, compassion, and tolerance are essential first steps toward being engaged at the community level (National 4-H Council).


Youth will use scientific techniques, responsible practices and innovative technologies that will positively sustain the natural resources in the home, community and world. Youth will engage in community projects related to natural resource conservation.


Be responsible and contributing individuals and family members.Gain and maintain employment through life skill development. Contribute to a safe, pleasant and productive home and family.


Youth will utilize the skills gained through education and involvement in Extension programs to serve as leaders in 4-H and other organizations; Youth share the elements of the music, dance, drama and visual arts with their community.

Youth become more comfortable sharing their thoughts with others.

Youth will develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as important developmental assets are met through their participation in 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts Programs.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth will use scientific decision making techniques to make decisions on a daily basis.

Youth will express themselves to others in group settings and on an individual bases.

Youth have a positive bond with a caring adult who believe in their success.

Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school

and in the community.

Youth set and achieve goals through a 4-H program.


Youth will make decisions in their daily lives that positively impact natural resources.

Youth will adopt practices to conserve and protect the environment in their

home and community.

Youth will use problem solving and logical reasoning skills and apply them

to environmental issues.


Utilize and practice life skills in projects and life situations.

Project a positive image and self-confidence.

Practice responsible consumer and financial decision-making.

Practice healthy eating choices.

Make choices that lead to responsible and beneficial results.

Adopt habits and skills that contribute toward employ-ability in the future.


Youth will construct a speech that has a clear introduction, body and closing;

Youth will make a presentation before their family, a group of their peers (such as at a 4-H club meeting),a school or county qualifying event;

Youth will demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups;Use their communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H or other organizations.

Youth apply elements of music,dance,drama and visual arts in creating and performing.


Initial Outcomes:

Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society.

Youth will have reduced risky behavior now and in the future.

4-H alumni will be successful in a global society.

4-H youth will successfully enter the workplace and/or institution of higher learning.


Youth will develop an interest in environmental science and sustainable practices and technologies.

Youth will gain knowledge of the interrelationship and inter-dependencies with an ecosystem.

Youth will identify the natural resources that are used within their home and community.


Gain knowledge and develop skills in Family & Consumer Sciences projects and programs.

Understand the decision-making process.

Gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action.

Learn to read and follow instructions.


As a result of this program,youth will know how to: Research a presentation topic prior to developing a speech or demonstration; Write an outline, including an introduction, body and conclusion for their speech or demonstration; Create a formal presentation, speech or outline using the

written outline; Be prepared to present before their family, a group of their peers (such as at a 4-H club meeting) and a school or county qualifying event; Youth can identify key elements of music, dance, drama and visual arts.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: 4-H aged youth will sign up for clubs that interest them.

Indicator: Attendance at 4-H club meetings of their interest.

Method: Sign In sheets and observation

Timeline: Attendance at the majority of the meetings


Intermediate Outcome: 4-H aged youth will develop new skills through their involvement project club or special interest activity.

Indicator:Attendance and participation of 4-H members

Method:Observe and question leaders and adults as to how involved project members are in individual clubs and after school activities

Timeline:Throughout the program year


Long-term Outcome: application of skills learned through 4-H project clubs.

Indicator: completion of project work, attendance of out of county clinics and camps, participation in competitions and the success of the individuals. An increase number of items at the county and state fair.

Method: Face to face conversations with 4-Her, parent and leaders.

Timeline: Throughout the program year.


Initial Outcome: Youth will have increased knowledge of leaf and bark identification of trees

Indicator: Attendance and participation at the Day Camp.

Method: Observation and survey

Timeline: June 2018


Intermediate Outcomes: Youth will increase their knowledge of forestry and the benefits of having different types of trees in wooded areas.

Indicator: Attendance and participation at the second day of the camp

Method: Observation and survey

Timeline: June 2018


Long-Term Outcomes: Youth will be able to recognize a variety of trees in a forest setting and understand the importance of forestry.

Indicators: Attendance, Interaction with group

Method: Observation of leader and survey

Timeline: June 2018


Initial Outcome: Youth will understand what  macro-invertebrates are how they affect the wellness of a stream.  They will understand watersheds.

Indicators:  Attendance at day camp, Interaction with group

Method:  Walking a stream and gathering macro-invertebrates to identify.

Timeline:  June 2018


Intermediate Outcome:  Youth will be able to discuss what makes a stream healthy with others. Youth will be able to discuss where the water from Henry County flows through the different watersheds and where they empty.

Indicators:  Discussion with leader

Method:  Observation of leader and survey

Timeline:  June 2018


Long-Term Outcomes:  Youth will understand that the health of the county water supply depends on good stewardship and will work to promote good stewardship themselves as well as share this knowledge with others.

Indicators:  Group discussion 

Method:  Observation of leader and follow up survey

Timeline:  June 2018  


Initial Outcome: Youth involved in family and consumer projects will learn basic food preparation as well as nutrition, sewing skills, needlework skills, and how to start a business of their own.

Indicators: Involvement in after-school clubs and completion of projects.

Method: Through hands on learning and observation

Timeline: October - August 2019


Intermediate Outcomes: Youth will increase their skill levels by building on previous skills in consumer education projects.

Indicators: The complexity of their project work and the ability to complete the project or assignment.

Method: Face to face conversations with 4-Her, parent and leaders.Through hands on learning and observation.

Timeline: October - August 2019


Long-term Outcome: application of improved food preparation, food safety and healthy eating behaviors, creating a business, and creating garments from needlework skills. Turning handwork into a business.

Indicator: completion of project work, attendance of out of county clinics and camps, participation in competitions and the success of the individuals. An increase number of items at the county and state fair.

Method: Face to face conversations with 4-Her, parent and leaders.

Timeline: October - August 2019


Initial Outcome: Youth will have the opportunity to enhance communication skills through club meetings. They will be able to create and appreciate different types of art through club meetings and creating their own works of art.

Indicator: Participation in the county communications event, variety show, and art club.

Method: Assisted by leader and observation, projects entered into the fair.

Timeline: October - August 2019


Intermediate Outcome: Youth will have the opportunity to participate in the speech, demonstration and variety show. Youth will be challenged to create art work in many different mediums.

Indicator: Leader led activities, observation, and quality of presentations and art entered into the fair.

Method:  Observed through participation and mentoring

Timeline:  February - July 2019


Long-term Outcome:Youth will have an understanding and great knowledge of how to prepare, and present speeches and demonstrations at the county, district, and state level. They will have the opportunity to perform in the variety show at the county and district levels. They will be able to use their art form as a business.

Indicator: Youths ability to work independently and offer support to younger members.

Method: Observation and quality of work.

Timeline: October - August 2019








Learning Opportunities:

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed):

Audience: 4Hers

Project or Activity: 4-H Means Business Club

Content or curriculum: Approved UK, guest speakers, Henry County Arts and Crafts Guild

Inputs: Guest speakers, Arts and Crafts Guild members, leaders, Farmers Markets

Timeline: Year long


Audience: 4Hers

Project or Activity: Beginning and Advanced Cooking Clubs

Content or curriculum: Approved UK

Inputs: volunteers, facilities

Date: October- May 2019 monthly


Audience: 4Hers

Project or Activity: Sewing club

Content or Curriculum: UK Approved

Inputs: Master Clothing Volunteer, facilities, sewing machines

Date: Jan-June 2019 meets 2 times a week


Audience; 4Hers

Project or Activity: Knitting Club

Content: Approved UK

Inputs: volunteers, facilities

Date: Feb-Mar 2018 weekly


Audience; 4Hers

Project or Activity: Crochet Class

Content or curriculum: Approved UK

Inputs: volunteers, facilities

Date: Feb-Mar 2019 weekly


Audience: 4-Hers

Project or Activity: Make It and Take It Sewing Club

Content or curriculum: Approved UK

Inputs: Master Clothing Volunteers, facilities, materials, sewing machines

Date:  Meets Quarterly on Saturday's throughout the year 2019


Audience: 4Hers

Project or Activity: Art Club

Content or curriculum: Approved UK

Inputs: volunteers, facilities, materials for projects

Date: October - May 2019 monthly


Audience: 4Hers

Project or Activity: Photography Club

Content or Curriculum: UK Approved

Inputs: volunteers, facilities, cameras,mat board

Date: October - May 2019 monthly


Audience: 4-Hers

Project or Activity: Communications Event and Variety Show

Content or Curriculum: UK Approved

Inputs: volunteers, facilities, awards

Date: March/April/July 2019


Audience; 4Hers

Project or Activity; Woodworking

Content or Curriculum: Approved UK

Inputs; volunteers, facilities, wood kits

Date: Sept. 2018


Audience: 4-Hers

Project or Activity:  Rabbit and Poultry Club

Content or Curriculum:  Approved UK

Inputs:  volunteer leader, facilities, materials

Date:  October - August 2019


Audience:  4-Hers

Project or Activity:  Livestock Club

Content or Curriculum:  Approved UK

Inputs:  certified leader, facilities, materials

Date:  October - August 2019


Audience:  4-Hers

Project or Activity:  Horse Club

Content or Curriculum: UK Approved

Inputs:  certified volunteer, facilities, materials

Date: October - May 2019 monthly


Audience; 4-Hers

Project or Activity: Dog Club

Contents or Curriculum: Approved UK

Inputs: volunteer, facilities, obedience course materials

Date: October – August 2019 twice monthly


Audience; 4-Hers

Project or Activity: Shooting Sports

Contents or Curriculum: Approved UK

Inputs: certified volunteers, facilities

Date: October – August 2019


Audience: Ages 5-8

Project or Activity: Cloverbuds Club

Contents or Curriculum: Approved UK

Inputs: teen led with adult supervision, facilities, materials

Date: October - May 2019


Audience:  4-Hers

Project or Activity: Small Engine Club

Content or Curriculum:  Approved UK

Inputs: led by adult, materials

Date: March 2019 weekly


Audience: 4-Hers

Project or Activity: Pintrest Club

Content or Curriculum:  Items found on Pintrest in relation to 4-Hers interest within UK Approved guidelines

Inputs: volunteer led, facilities, materials

Date:  October - May 2019 monthly


Audience:  4-Hers

Project or Activity: Natural Resource Club

Content or Curriculum: Approved UK

Inputs: trained leader, facilities, materials

Date:  October - May 2019 monthly


Audience: Youth 9-19

Project or Activity:  Natural Resource Day Camp

Content or Curriculum:  Project Wet and Wild

Inputs:  leader assistance, field trips, materials, facilities

Date:  June 2018  2 day day- camp 


Audience: Youth 9-19

Project or Activity: Mad Science

Content or Curriculum: UK Approved

Inputs: A series of fun science experiments on chemical reactions. UK Approved

Date: June 2018


Audience: Youth 9-19

Project or Activity:  Manners Matter

Content or Curriculum:   UK Approved

Inputs:  Youth will learn proper ways to make introductions, make good first impressions,  define business attire, and learn how to set a table, and proper eating etiquette. 

Date:  July 2018 2 day Day Camp


Audience: 4-Hers

Project or Activity: Upcycling Clothing 

Content or Curriculum: UK Approved

Inputs:  Youth will create a new clothing item by remaking it into something new.  

Date:  June 26, 2018 1 day camp


Audience:  Community

Project or Activity:  4-H Showcase

Content or Curriculum:  Showcase of all 4-H clubs during the Henry County Harvest Showcase.  Each club will create a booth to promote new members.  Allow the community to be aware of all the 4-H programs as a promotional event.

Inputs:  facilities, assistance

Date:  July 28, 2018





Success Stories

Building Life Skills One Club at a Time

Author: Cathy Toole

Major Program: Family and Consumer Sciences 4-H Core Curriculum

Abraham H. Maslow introduced the concept of a hierarchy of needs back in 1943. The hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfill their basic physiological needs, before proceeding through rising levels of need – safety and security, love/belonging, self-esteem, to self- actualization. 4-H Home Environment projects nurture the fulfillment of these needs with the home. The Henry County Cooperative Extension Service helps fulfill these needs through 4-H Project Clubs offered af

Full Story

Retaining Middle School Youth in 4-H Programs

Author: Cathy Toole

Major Program: 4-H Youth Development Programming

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”, Benjamin Franklin.  The Henry County 4-H program has been providing youth the opportunity to be involved in developing and honing many avenues of personal growth and development.  While the county program is strong it had come to the attention of volunteer leaders and staff that middle school aged youth often began to drop out of 4-H activities, so a plan was developed to encourage the retention of

Full Story

Henry County 4-H Livestock Club

Author: Cathy Toole

Major Program: Agriculture 4-H Core Curriculum

The Henry County 4-H Livestock Club started only three year ago, but has made great programming strides in a short time.  The young club began with 9 members and one project animal per member.  The first year in existence the club worked on the basics of caring for their animal, grooming, and showing.  The second year because of the County Agriculture Investment Program (CAIP) over half of the club members were able to use matching funds to purchase more show animals and equipment

Full Story

Teen Summit

Author: Cathy Toole

Major Program: Leadership 4-H Core Curriculum

According to research, middle school is a time where young people find their place in this world, they are exploring where their strengths and interests align (Fagell. P.L., 2019). Therefore, it is imperative to provide positive experiences where young people may explore the world in a safe environment. Due to the decline in enrollment numbers throughout the middle school years in 4-H programming, Kentucky 4-H hosts the Kentucky 4-H Summit Leadership Conference for middle schoolers (grades 6-8)

Full Story

4-H Film Making 3- Day Camp

Author: Cathy Toole

Major Program: Communications and Expressive Arts 4-H Core Curriculum

A 4-H Film Making 3- Day Camp was offered by the Henry County Cooperative Extension Service to guide and direct participants in learning basic film production.  The first day those in attendance learned basic terms and skills needed to produce a film.  In the afternoon the participants were broken into two groups.  Each group was challenged with the task of creating a public service announcement based on Henry County 4-H project clubs. The first afternoon of camp was spent sharing

Full Story
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