Extension
It Starts With Us
Building Stronger Families
24-25 Developing Youth & Nurturing Families
Catherine Webster, Jason Phillips, Nancy Doyle
Family and Consumer Science
Family Development General
Camping
Financial Education - General
How we live life is ever changing but learning basic life skills is still as important as ever. Whether we are creating a pleasant home environment for our family, nurturing children, practicing common courtesies, or forming relationships with others – these skills are all basic to everyday life. Many schools no longer teach FCS classes and families today are busier than ever before. Which means, basic life skills for positive youth development and nurturing families are not consistently being taught in schools or in our homes. Hands-on extension programming equip youth and families with these much necessary life skills! Nurturing homes are built around the science of caring & respectful relationships. The KEHA works to improve the quality of life for families and communities through leadership development, volunteer service, and education.
4-H offers basic learning activities in seven core areas of interest to youth, however it’s the unlimited addition of 4-H activities where members report the influence 4-H has on their life. Most youth report that participating in one or two educational opportunities influenced their critical thinking and decision making skills. However for those 4-H members that participate in six to eight they say the program influenced them by adding the development of life skills in leadership, organization, wise use of resources, useful/marketable skills, and accepting differences.
Long-term Outcomes:
-Be responsible and contributing individuals and family members
-Contribute to a safe, pleasant and productive home and family
-Gain and maintain employment through life skill development
-Youth develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as a result of their participation in 4-H
Intermediate Outcomes:
-Youth write and deliver a speech with a clear introduction, body, and closing
-Demonstrate an increased level of confidence when presenting in front of a group
-Use communication skills to assume a leadership role in 4-H & other organizations
-Project a positive image and self-confidence
-Make choices that lead to responsible and beneficial results within the home, family, and workplace
-Apply & practice the skills gained from Extension and share new abilities with others
Initial Outcome:
-Youth research a presentation topic, write an outline, and create/present a formal presentation
-Understand decision-making process
-Gain skills in setting a goal and developing a plan of action
-Report an increase in routine use of life skills learned through Extension & 4-H programs
Evaluation:
Outcome: Be responsible and contributing individuals and family members that contribute to a safe, pleasant and productive home & family. Individuals maintain employment through life skill development. Youth develop into competent, capable, contributing adults as a result of their participation in 4-H.
Indicator: Youth document improving their communication skills and have confidence speaking in front of a group. Parents report a change in family & home dynamics after participation in Extension programs.
Method: Written evaluation given to program participants, following program as well as up to one year later.
Timeline: 2024-2025
Learning Opportunities (repeat as needed):
Audience: School Children and Families
Activity: Summer Activities Fair
Curriculum: 4-H Camp
Inputs: Community partners, Agents, Staff, donations from businesses, volunteers
Date: April 2025
Audience: Extension Homemakers
Activity: Homemaker Cultural Arts & Annual Night
Curriculum: Extension resources
Inputs: Agent led, train-the-trainer, computers, internet access, Extension Offices
Date: July 1, 2024- June 30, 2025
Audience: 4-H Members
Project or Activity: Sewing, Foods, Shooting Sports, Art/Pinterest, Homesteading, & Photography Clubs, 4-H Project Days, 4-H Recruitment Night
Content or Curriculum: State & National 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Club Leaders, School District, Homemakers, Extension Office, Gallery on the Square
Date: 2024-2025
Audience: Ages 5-15
Project or Activity: 4-H Camp & Cloverbud Camp and 4-H Camp Recruitment
Content or Curriculum: Camp Classes, Vary by Year
Inputs: Volunteer Leaders as Chaperones, West KY 4-H Camp, Community Donors for Scholarships, 4-H Volunteers to Fundraise, Farmers Market Pavilion
Date: July 2024 - June 2025
Audience: 8th-12th Grades
Project or Activity: Teen Conference and Teen Summit
Content or Curriculum: Leadership
Inputs: 4-H agent, UK, Volunteers, West KY 4-H Camp
Date: March to June 2025
Audience: 4-H Families
Project or Activity: 4-H Banquet
Content or Curriculum: Simpson County 4-H Award Guidelines, KY 4-H Achievement Applications
Inputs: Community donors (silent auction, meal & award sponsors), 4-H Volunteers, Members & Parents, National 4-H Supply, SKYCTC or Parks Department
Date: November 2024
Audience: 5th & 8th grades
Project or Activity: 4-H Dollars & Sense for Elementary and 4-H Reality Store for FSMS students
Content or Curriculum: It’s Your Reality/Dollars and Sense
Inputs: School District, FBLA Students, Homemakers, Local Businesses, 4-H Teens, Franklin Bank & Trust, Agents
Date: January-April 2025
