Developing Life SkillsPlan of Work

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Muhlenberg County CES

Title:
Developing Life Skills
MAP:
Providing Positive Youth Development Experiences
Agents Involved:
Mackenzie Pogue
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
4-H Youth Development Programming
MAJOR PROGRAM 2:
Communications and Expressive Arts 4-H Core Curriculum
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Natural Resources 4-H Core Curriculum
Situation:

Youth need to know they are cared about and accepted by others. Youth need to feel a connection to others in a group. Current research emphasizes how important it is that youth have opportunities for long-term consistent relationships with adults other than their parents. In fact, the research suggests that a sense of belonging may be the single most powerful positive ingredient we can add into the lives of children and youth. Youth need to master skills that are relevant. Mastery includes the development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes followed by the competent demonstration of these skills and knowledge. In order to develop self-confidence and a sense that they matter, young people need to feel that they are capable. Young people need to feel their lives have meaning and purpose. They need opportunities to connect to their communities and learn how to give back to others. Young people need to become active, engaged, generous citizens. Young people need to know that they are able to influence people and events through decision-making and action. 4-H offers young people opportunities to experience independence, to learn to make good choices. By gaining a sense of independence, youth develop personal responsibility and discipline. Using the essential elements of 4-H we create opportunities and environments that meet young people’s needs and build life skills.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Youth build relationships with caring adults and other youth.

Youth achieve goals, i.e. bronze, silver, gold.

Youth are competent, capable, contributing adults as important developmental assets were acquired through their participation in 4-H.

Youth make healthy lifestyle choices.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Youth present prepared demonstrations at the classroom, county, area and state levels.

Youth accept and take personal responsibility at camp.

Youth practice caring for others and community service.

Youth work as a team.

Youth develop a sense of purpose.

Youth practice environmental education stewardship.

Initial Outcomes:

Youth learn how to prepare for and present a demonstration.

Youth learn new skills, ie. riding, care of animals.

Youth develop independence at camp.

Youth learn consequences of negative decisions.

Youth learn how to care for our environment.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Youth become independent at camp

Indicator: Youth thrive and take care of themselves

Method: Youth venture out to 4-H Camp away from parents

Timeline: Summer


Intermediate Outcome: Youth present demonstrations and speeches

Indicator: Number of youth competing, class, county, area, state

Method: Youth present prepared demonstrations and speeches

Timeline: Winter/Summer


Long-term Outcome: Honors received

Indicator: Number of Achievement applications

Method: Fulfill obligations to complete achievement application

Timeline: Fall/Winter

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-H members

Project or Activity: Environmental Education Programming and projects including day or overnight camps

Content or Curriculum: Environmental education, The Dirt on Soil, Project Wet, Project Wild, others

Inputs: 4-H agent, program assistant, Camping staff, teen and adult volunteers

Date: Spring and Fall


Audience: Young 4-H members

Project or Activity: 4-H Camp

Content or Curriculum: Various

Inputs: Staff, adult and teen volunteers

Date: Summer


Audience: 4-H Horse Club members

Project or Activity: 4-H Horse Club

Content or Curriculum: KY 4-H Horse Learning Lab, 4-H Horse Curriculum

Inputs: Certified Horse Volunteers

Date: Year round


Audience: 4-H members

Project or Activity: Demonstrations and Speeches

Content or Curriculum: Building Bridges

Inputs: 4-H Agent, Program Assistant, Volunteers

Date: Spring


Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: School Clubs

Content or Curriculum: KY and National 4-H Curriculum

Inputs: 4-H Agent, Program Assistant, Volunteers

Date: Year round



Success Stories

Let’s Bake: Increasing food safety and baking knowledge with youth in the kitchen

Author: Mackenzie Pogue

Major Program: Health 4-H Core Curriculum

Let’s Bake: Increasing food safety and baking knowledge with youth in the kitchen

Preparing youth for success when baking was the goal of the Let’s Bake program, a six-hour workshop provided by FCS, SNAP-Ed and 4-H at the Muhlenberg County Extension Office.   Thirty eager bakers attending the program and gained valuable, hand-on skills.  The youth experienced a series of life skills, and techniques including: how to properly and safely use an oven, food safety techniques such has handling raw eggs, decreasing germs, and testing finished products for doneness.

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