Extension
It Starts With Us
Developing Leadership, Life Decision Making Skills, Increase Financial Planning and Social Responsibility
Positive LIfe Style Choices
Ashley Duvall
Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Communications
Science, Engineering, and Technology
Extension continues to be committed to engaging, educating and empowering the youth of Clinton County. Our goal is to help them make responsible decisions in their life through partnerships between 4-H Youth Development, the Clinton County School System and other community organizations. It has been identified that there is a continued need for our partnerships to provide quality educational programming to students in grades 4-12 in Clinton County and support the prevention of school violence and bullying. 4-H programming provides leadership opportunities, the ability to communicate in a positive manner, to learn by doing and teaches 4-Hers that being safe is a necessity for positive youth development. The Clinton County 4-H Council feels that is necessary to focus on these areas and by doing so will engage the youth of Clinton County in positive youth development, positive lifestyle choices and Money Management.
Through positive 4-H youth development programming in Clinton County youth will have a positive experience that will improve their leadership, citizenship and ability to become a confident contributing member of their community with better life decision choices. Youth will have the opportunity to gain independence and practice social skills such as communication and teamwork. They will commit to continued lifelong personal development and have positive interactions with adult role models. Youth will learn to be organized which will assist them in their personal lives as well as their professional lives. Through these experiences and interactions youth will become knowledgeable citizens in their communities by being able to contribute to their school, be active in their community and a productive member of society. They will feel comfortable and even desire to take on leadership roles in their community and stand up against school violence and bulling. Youth in Clinton County will be influenced to make healthy lifestyle choices and become productive citizens also reducing debt and increasing savings for better financial planning.
Through positive 4-H experiences youth will begin to have more self confidence in their personal skills and abilities and be able to speak out against violence and bullying. Youth will become more informed by the world around them and develop a sense of pride in their community and use practical living skills to make effective decisions. Youth will speak in public and will communicate and listen to more effectively with peers and adults. They will work on 4-H projects that will allow them to work towards goals and experience the process of planning. They will learn Parliamentary Procedure, to identify community service opportunities and practice their leadership skills. They will be able to utilize their creativity and improve on goal setting and decision-making skills. Youth will have a better financial plan to reduce their debt and focus on increasing their savings.
Through developing leadership, how to communicate more effectively and working well with others, 4-H participants will learn more about the core curriculum areas of Science, Engineering and Technology, Animal Science, Communications, Health, Family and Consumer Sciences, Leadership and Natural Resources. Youth will be able to expand their interests and abilities through projects and experiences in the areas. They will be introduced to decision making skills, have better financial planning, how to think independently and how to be courteous to others. They will have the opportunity to complete projects, thus gaining a sense of accomplishment, pride, valuable life lessons and communication skills. Youth will be able to gain new interests and have positive social interaction with both other youth and adults. They will begin the process of problem-solving, decision making, display positive attitude and show enthusiasm for their 4-H program.
Long term outcomes: Youth will use their improved leadership skills, citizenship and life skills to become productive citizens and serve as role models for their peers, parents and their community.
Indicator: Youth will demonstrate knowledge, service and compassion in various areas as they become involved in social and civic organizations.
Method: Increased community and 4-H involvement, participant recruitment, surveys, personal observation, interviews, focus groups, level of 4-H involvement, achievement awards.
Timeline: Annually 2020-2024
Intermediate outcomes: Youth will be more comfortable in public settings and communicating with adults. Youth will have increased confidence and knowledge.
Indicator: Youth continue to stay involved in 4-H projects and seek additional projects to continue to build skills. Youth will participate in 4-H contests and broaden their interest’s areas. Youth will step into leadership roles in their 4-H program, school and community.
Method: Personal observations, project completion, increased community involvement, increased participation and involvement in 4-H, Leaders and education feedback.
Timeline: Annually 2020-2024
Audience: 4-H school clubs’ grade 4-12
Projects or Activities: Club officer elections, club volunteering and community service, Natural resource education, speech and demonstrations, global education
Content or Curriculum: 4-H communications, Parliamentary procedure, character education and step up to leadership, 4-H Arts and Culture Curriculum, 4-H Backpack to adventure: Youth Leaders in a Global World
(Global Educational opportunities allow youth to experience life outside of their community or share their culture with other students. Global studies provide education and prepares youth for international conversations, culture and custom awareness, economic currency exchange, and international travel opportunities.)
Inputs: 4-H volunteers, Clinton County Board of Education, teachers, Family Resource and Youth Service Centers.
Date: Monthly, 2023-2024
Audience: 4-H camp participants, school aged youth from 4th to 12th grade
Project or Activities:? camp, camp orientation, counselor orientation, classroom clubs, mental health Mondays and other 4-H lead programs
Content or Curriculum:? UK Training and orientation material and bullying training from UK and national 4-H environmental projects
(Camp participants will learn educational programming for intentional life skill development including navigation and exploration, physical activity, social skills, decision-making skills, emotional/physical awareness, responsibility and independence. It also encourages and promotes leadership roles and responsibilities for teens and young adults.)
Inputs: Multicounty Extension Services, adults and teen volunteers, camp staff and schoolteachers and other professionals.
Date: June-July 2023
Audience: 4-H teens, grades 7-12
Project or Activities: 4-H teen council
Content or Curriculum:? Leadership, team building and community service
(The 4-H teen council will be used to build leadership skills in youth for future participation and advocacy in our community through services and volunteering. The teen council will help to improve communication and leadership skills including decision-making, team-working, critical thinking and analysis, responsibility in working with the youth.)
Inputs:? Efforts of 4-H agent, staff assistant and other Extension staff, 4-H state staff, volunteers, 4-H council members, school administration, district board members and others.? Promotion through website, newspaper, local business, etc…? 4-H curriculum, supplies, equipment and facilities, such as, local schools, the Clinton County Extension Office and other support, inputs and resources needed.
Date:? 2023-2024
Audience: 4-H teens, 8th graders
Project or Activities:? 4-H Reality Store
Content or Curriculum:? Leadership development, financial awareness and education
(Students will be introduced to community leaders and local businesses to acquire information of opportunities and services that are provided throughout our county. After receiving real-life career and situational scenarios, students will be able to demonstrate their financial awareness and applications.)
Inputs:? Efforts of 4-H agent, staff assistant, other extension staff, 4-H state staff, volunteers, 4-H council members, 4-H teen council members, school administration, district board members and other volunteers.? Promotion through website, newspaper, radio, newsletters and local business, etc. 4-H curriculum, supplies, equipment and facilities such as local schools, Clinton County Extension Office, other supports, inputs and resources as needed.
Date:? Annually, Spring 2024
Audience: 4-H youth age 9-19
Project or Activities:? 4-H Communications, (speeches and demonstrations)
Content or Curriculum:? Communications, leadership, and competitions
(Public speaking prepares children from an early age to be better communicators by building confidence, developing critical thinking and analysis, and appropriately voicing personal opinions. Students will have the opportunity to participate at the county level and build their goals for achieving championship honors at district, regional, and state levels. Communications will also prepare future leaders in career opportunities with public speaking.)
Inputs:? Efforts of 4-H agent, staff assistant, extension staff, 4-H state staff, volunteers, 4-H council members, school administration, district board members and others; Promotion through website, newspaper, radio, newsletter, local business, etc…
Date:? 2023-2024
Audience: 4-H youth age 9-19
Project or Activities: Visual Arts (drawing, painting, sculpting, design)
Content or Curriculum: Creativity, communications, leadership, competitions, self-confidence and life skills (Youth participants will build their knowledge on the basic principles of art and how to apply those principles to create works of art. This program helps in developing social skills, independence in critical thinking and application of skills, confidence and self-esteem, goal oriented for county and state fair entries, and identifying ways to use their art for future opportunities including graphic design, fiber arts, illustrator, etc.)
Inputs: Efforts of 4-H agent, staff assistant, extension staff, 4-H state staff, volunteers, 4-H council members, school administration, district board members and others; Promotion through website, newspaper, radio, newsletter, local business, etc…
Date: 2023-2024
Audience: 4-H youth age 9-19
Project or Activities: Performing Arts (drama, music, dance)
Content or Curriculum: Creativity, communications, leadership, competitions, self-confidence and life skills (Youth participants will learn about the communication skills of improvisation, building skills for sets, developing writing skills to create/edit scripts, directing, creating and playing musical instruments from around the world, and learning many styles of dance. The program will provide a sense of belonging within their community, the independence to showcase their individual skills and passion to give back to others.)
Inputs: Efforts of 4-H agent, staff assistant, extension staff, 4-H state staff, volunteers, 4-H council members, school administration, district board members and others; Promotion through website, newspaper, radio, newsletter, local business, etc…
Date: 2023-2024
Audience: 4-H youth age 9-19
Project or Activities: Science, Engineering, and Technology: Robotics and STEM
Content or Curriculum: Creativity, communications, leadership, competitions, self-confidence and life skills (Youth participants will develop skills in design and assembly of robotic components, logical and process thinking in programming and applying skills involved in the Engineering Design Process; Belonging by learning to work as a team to determine and learn from other members strengths to cooperatively solve problems and create new products; Independence by helping develop problem solving and critical thinking skills; and Generosity by allowing youth to help others develop their own skills related to robotics, mechanization and programming. The progam will also allow for participation in robotics competition and STEM challenges at the state fair.)
Inputs: Efforts of 4-H agent, staff assistant, extension staff, 4-H state staff, volunteers, 4-H council members, school administration, district board members and others; Promotion through website, newspaper, radio, newsletter, local business, etc.…
Date: 2023-2024
Author: Ashley Duvall
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The county fair provided the opportunity for our community youth to participate in a project day to create entries for the fair. These youth participants got to express their creativity and skill development by creating water color and acrylic paintings, drawings, and clay/wire sculptures. Children ages 8-18 worked on a goal to participate and compete in their individual categories. There hasn't been any participants in the 4-H fair entries since prior to Covid-19, but this
Author: Ashley Duvall
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Youth participants took the leadership initiative to help clean up their community and advocate to other citizens for maintaining a litter free environment for future generations. The Clinton County High School 4-H Adventure Club saw a need to clean up their community from the large amounts of litter that is distributed along the bypass. A total of 15 youth participants and 3 volunteers, of different genders and socio-economic backgrounds, worked together to accomplish a common goal
Author: Ashley Duvall
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
The Clinton County 4-H Art Club has embarked on a heartwarming mission, blending creativity with compassion to make a meaningful impact within their community. Youth participants visited the nursing home in February to hand deliver over 40 Valentine’s Day cards that were individually designed and crafted. By dedicating their time and talents, these young artists are not only honing their skills but also bringing joy and color into the lives of the elderly residents. Thi
Author: Ashley Duvall
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Many aspiring campers face the daunting financial burden of attending 4-H camp, a barrier that can seem insurmountable at first glance. However, with a bit of ingenuity, communication skills, initiative, and hard work, a few young Clinton County individuals have turned this challenge into an opportunity. By reaching out to community leaders, local businesses, and supportive individuals, these campers have put matters in their own hands to secure the necessary funds to make their dreams of attend
