Extension
It Starts With Us
Acquisition of Life Skills
Resource Management and Life Skill Development
Dana Anderson, Tara Duty, Linda McClanahan, Jessica Bessin
21st Century Skills (Career & Workplace Development)
Camping
Communications
Financial Education - General
Adults and youth need to develop communication and life skills that improve their well-being and help them function effectively within their families and in society. By improving self-esteem and establishing creative outlets, individuals will have a better sense of self and increased self-confidence. Providing families with the ability to have financial stability is a priority for Mercer County. This is achieved when families are able to secure and manage the resources needed to supply food, clothing, and shelter. Cooperative Extension and 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working, and learning in partnership with caring adults. According to 2018 population estimates (census.gov) there are 4,787 youth living in households in Mercer County. 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). Enhanced skills will make them more productive citizens who are catalysts for change and help them handle challenges that may arise.
Youth and adults will:
• Contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society
• Will have reduced risky behavior now and in the future.
• Gain communication and decision-making skills that allow them to successfully enter the workplace and/or institution of higher
• Utilize life skills gained through education and Extension programs to reach their full potential as individuals, family members, and citizens in the community.
• Knowledge and experience gained will have a lasting effect on the decision making processes used throughout the life of the participant.
• Better family money management skills, such as reducing debt, increasing savings, and financial planning.
• Increase their knowledge of issues that affect them and the community to make them better citizens and improve their current living situation.
• Youth will become more comfortable sharing their thoughts with others.
Youth will:
• Use scientific decision-making techniques to make decisions on a daily basis
• Youth will demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of groups
• Establish a positive bond with a caring adult who believes in their success
• Apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community
• Set and achieve goals through a 4-H program
• Use communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H or other organization
• 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
• Practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments.
Youth will:
• Gain knowledge and skills in the decision-making process
• Learn skills need to communicate with others
• Adult mentors will understand elements of positive youth development
• Learn and develop life skills through 4-H
• Learn steps in goal setting and developing a plan of action
• 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
• Increased knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources, including savings, credit, and financial planning.
Initial Outcome: Participants will be able to live independently, and will be able to complete basic tasks for everyday living
Indicator: Number of participants indicating a change in behavior
Method: Immediate written evaluation and testimonials
Timeline: On-going
Intermediate Outcome: Youth will improve their personal communication skills
Indicator: Change in participants ability to communicate interpersonal settings
Method: Testimonials of participants, teachers, and parents
Timeline: on-going
Long-term Outcome: Knowledge of financial responsibility and management
Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to reduce expenses or manage money
Method: Electronic evaluation of program participants
Timeline: on-going
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Public Speaking classroom and county-wide contests
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Public Speaking curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, teachers, parents, schools, Cooperative Extension facility
Date: November - March
Audience: Youth 8th grade
Project or Activity: 4-H Reality Store
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Reality Store Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Schools, teachers
Date: February - April
Audience: Youth 10th grade
Project or Activity: Job Prep
Content or Curriculum: Kentucky 4-H Workforce Prep Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Schools, teachers, community & business leaders
Date: February - April
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Money Bright School 4-H Club Lessons (4th & 5th Grade)
Content or Curriculum: Money Bright Curriculum
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Schools, teachers
Date: January - April
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: 4-H Camping (5-day & Cloverbud)
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Camp
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, Camp Facilities, Camp Staff
Date: January - June-July
Audience: Audience: Families
Project or Activity: Estate Planning
Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning Resources
Inputs: Extension Staff, Volunteers, banks, funeral homes, Extension Facility
Date: February
Activity: Media (news articles, newsletters, videos, podcasts, social media - Facebook)
Content or Curriculum: Exclusives, 4-H Agent News Releases, publications, HEEL materials, etc.
Inputs: Extension Staff, University of Kentucky Ag Communications
Date: Year-long (on-going)
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Day Camps
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Volunteer leaders, local schools, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals
Facilities used will include the Mercer County Extension Office
Date: Summer
Audience: Adults
Activity: Crafternoons
Content or Curriculum: craft, textiles
Inputs: CES facilities, FCS agent
Date: ongoing
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Communications
The Kentucky 4-H Country Ham Project allows young people to learn about a value-added project focusing on food preservation process and the history of country hams. In addition, youth develop their public speaking skills by presenting a speech about hams. We saw growth in the state-wide program this last year, with 971 participants from 80 counties participating. The Country Ham Project concluded at the Kentucky State Fair, where 4-Hers gave speeches in front of judges and hams were judged.
Author: Dana Anderson
Major Program: Camping
The Cloverbud 4-H Camp experience is a unique youth development program designed for youth 6-8 years old to experience 4-H Camp. The two-night residential camp is designed to allow younger youth to spend a night away from home and experience what 4-H Camp offers while sharing the experience with approved adults or parents. The camp focuses on engaging in cooperative, non-competitive learning experiences. 4-H Cloverbud members participate in learning activities that promote self-confidence,
