Extension
It Starts With Us
Youth Development Programming
Empowering youth to reach their full potential
Danielle Ford, Christan Miracle
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, 2014)
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 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 gain knowledge and skills in the decision making process.
Youth learn skills need to communicate with others. Adult mentors will understand elements of positive youth development. Youth learn and develop life skills though 4-H. Youth learn steps in goal setting and developing a plan of action.
Initial Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and skills in the decision making process.
Indicator: Evaluation
Method: Evaluation
Timeline: Imeediately following the program
Intermediate Outcome: 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
Indicator: Personal Interaction
Method: Personal Interaction
Timeline: 6 months to one year later
Long-term Outcome: 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.
Indicator: Personal interaction/ Observations
Method: Personal Interaction/ Observations
Timeline: 3-5 years later
Audience: 4-H Youth, Cloverbuds, 4-H Volunteers, Community Partners
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp, 4-H Teen Council, State 4-H Teen Council, School Clubs, Project Days
Content or Curriculum: Natural Resources
Inputs:
-County 4-H Youth Development Professionals
(Agents)
-Research-based curricula in seven Core Curriculum
areas
-Resources from Land-grant Universities
-Appropriate delivery modes for youth
-Financial support (county, state, & national)
State-based 4-H Youth Development Content
Specialists
-Trained Volunteers/Mentors
-Commitment to the positive development of youth
-Continued professional development for agents &
volunteers
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Kids are often bored at the end of the summer and parents are looking for educational opportunities to engage them in before returning to school. Over 105 youth participated in one or more of the following six day camps offered in July and August 2022: 4-H Camp in a Day, Fashion Design, Space Exploration, Cooking, Craft and Home Environment. All day camps included a healthy snack and lunch and were provided free of charge to the community. Activities included: learning about the moon and
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Agriculture
The 4-H Country Ham Project teaches youth about food production and Kentucky’s rich history with country ham. Marion County is home to the Marion County Country Ham Days, so the project has a deeper connection with our kids and community. The certified livestock leader came up with the idea to have a 4-H Country Ham Project Interest meeting to promote the project. The leader invited Dr. Gregg Rentfrow, UK Meats Specialist to give a presentation about what the project was about.
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Leadership
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. Historically, there is a 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
Author: Amanda Sublett
Major Program: Camping
Youth who attend 4-H Camp acquire vital leadership skills, learn responsibility, and gain social interaction skills as well as gaining an understanding of nature and our environment. They also develop life skills and just have fun and experience social interaction with kids their own age.The community supports the program monetarily by providing donations for camp scholarships. The local District Board subsidized $138.00 towards every camper’s registration fee which was half of the t
