Author: Toni Humble
Major Program: Community Vitality and Leadership – 4-H Youth Development
Wayne County 4-H began a strong working relationship with our local National Guard unit in 2011. This partnership has brought programming to an underserved audience in our community. Monthly packets have been delivered to soldiers and families with education materials on healthy recipes, family communications, budgeting and more during their monthly drill meetings. The Wayne Co 4-H Ambassadors have taken on the leadership role of serving their Christmas meal, learning how the Guard serves our co
Author: Brian Walker
The 4-H team at KYSU facilitated their first 4-H Teen Leadership Retreat at the Rosenwald 4-H Youth Development Center. 4-H has worked heavily with first-generation 4-H participants from minority and limited resource audiences who have expressed interest in developing leadership and civic engagement skills. As a result, this retreat is a culmination of upcoming leadership programmatic efforts and a preparatory program for first-generation 4-Hers who have joined 4-H and will be representing KSU a
Author: Lena Mallory
What do you do in 4-H? Do the kids do anything? Is it just cows and cookies? All questions asked over the years, but a standard form of measuring the Communications, Leadership, and Civic Engagement impact of Kentucky 4-H programming has not been available. For the 2023-24 program year, Kentucky 4-H has made evaluation tools available with counties able to add their spin as needed. Marshall County 4-H Youth Development Agent implemented these evaluation tools at the
Author: Presley Grubb
On March 27th, Boyd, Carter, Bath, Menifee, Greenup and Fleming counties came together to host a Middle School Retreat at the Boyd County Expo and Franks Building. We had 28 6th-8th grade participants from the counties. The goal of the retreat was to increase involvement in 4-H participation from Middle School members, allow them to build relationships with youth in our area in their age range with common interest and allow them to give back to individuals in the community that are less fortune.
Author: Christina Hogue
Volunteers are an integral part of every 4-H program. Monroe County 4-H has many volunteers who give countless hours for the youth and the program. To gain a greater understanding of the Kentucky Extension ‘s volunteer program, I enrolled in Volunteer Administration Academy. As part of the class, I became more aware of the vast opportunities available at the Kentucky Volunteer Forum. With the assistance of a certified livestock volunteer, who has attended KVF many t
Author: Amanda Potter
Rowan County 4H partnered with four other counties to put on a retreat for Middle Schoolers within the participating counties. This was done in tandem with the Area Teen Council, in which the council teens aided in the planning of the retreat, as well as helping to put on some of the team building exercises. The main focus of this retreat centered around mental health and accomplishing a service project with the middle school group. Rowan set up a "Warm Fuzzies" area in which students
Author: Ashley Duvall
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: Melissa Schenck
Within 4-H and Extension it is well known that volunteers made an immense impact on the lives of youth but research by the Mayo clinic indicates that volunteering offers significant impact to volunteers including improved physical and mental health, a sense of purpose, access to valuable skills, and beneficial relationships. The Washington County 4-H works to adults interested in volunteering within their community to youth and 4-H Clubs that fit their skills and subject area. Washington County
Author: Carissa Miske
The success of the Cooperative Extension Service programming is due, in part, to the dedication of a large cadre of volunteers (Smith, Dasher & Klingborg, 2005). The 4-H Youth Development Programs within Extension especially depend heavily on adult and teen volunteers to play integral roles in 4-H programming by performing a wide variety of duties and functions. The Owsley County Cooperative Extension Service hosted a Councils 101 Workshop led by Dr. Ken Culp III, principal exten
Author: Lisa Dodson
The McCracken County 4-H Youth Development program hosted the second annual 4-H Santa’s Elves Workshop in conjunction with the local school system’s scheduled winter break. This annual event provides youth in the community the opportunity to engage in a variety of creative arts as well as participate in activities that increase communication skills. Participants completed multiple projects throughout the day that encompassed Science, Engineering and Technology, horticulture, and culi
Author: Melissa Goodman
According to the Program Leader’s Working Group Task Force on Positive Youth Development, everyone has something they are passionate about, whether it's a skill, talent, interest, or unique quality. In fact, youth thriving research refers to these things as "sparks” (2024 4-H PLWG Standing Committee on Positive Youth Development). These sparks not only bring joy but also provide purpose and direction, especially for adolescents. These sparks are often self-discovered and sel
Author: Sharee Schoonover
On the evening of October 28, 2023, Livingston County gathered for the 2nd Annual Bale Blast, the grand finale of our month-long Bale Trail fundraiser. First held to honor Bale Trail winners and showcase Livingston County Extension, the event faced an unexpected hurdle as the weather threatened to move the festivities indoors. Organizers quickly adapted, transforming the plans and relocating the event inside. This turned a potential setback into a heartwarming showcase of community spirit.Inside
Author: Elizabeth Easley
The problem:Volunteers are valuable partners in the 4-H program and aid the Laurel County 4-H program in extending programmatic output and outreach to youth who otherwise might not be served. 4-H volunteers invest their time and talent in helping youth explore their sparks (interest) and providing a positive environment where youth are safe, belong, and thrive. The 4-H Thriving Model incorporates PYD research into a predictive model illuminating characteristics of youth thriving and how thriving
Author: Emilee Bryant
4th Grade 4-H members at Stanton Elementary School identified a need for other students, families and even pets in the community to have access to a well-balanced meal, and food security over the upcoming holiday break. After identifying these needs, 4-H club members organized a "Holiday Food Drive for People and Pets". The members designed a flyer to promote their food drive, and developed a plan to collect things from a variety of food groups through the program. Cl
The 4-H Thriving Model is the science-grounded in practice that describes the “magic” of 4-H. This model takes the science to explain the growth/thriving process of youth because of their 4-H involvement. Moving from the Develpmental Context (4-H Programs) to Youth Thriving (Social, Emetional and Cognitive Learning) to Development Outcomes (Positive Youth Development) to Long-Term Outcomes. Despite multiple staff development opportunities, implememtation and a
Author: Michael Rose
What happens when you put a large group of adults and teenagers in the same room and ask them to identify issues that are affecting youth in the community? Adair County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with Adair County Schools, Youth and Family Resource Centers, and other community partners to hold the Adair County Youth Community Conversation. Facilitators from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, and Community Economic De
Author: Kindra Jones
Increased school programming keeps the Grayson County 4-H Agent busy throughout each month, but with that the youth impact is great. With a direct reach of approximately 900 elementary students and nearly 300 7th grade students, the hands on lessons are those the youth will remember for many years to come. Teachers request to remain on the lesson schedule of the agent for the next school year and maintain contact throughout the summer to plan dates and times, knowing how valuable the lesson time
Author: Daniel Bell
Carlisle County Cooperative Extension Service hosted the 4-H pancake breakfast fundraiser December 10th, 2023, in collaboration with the Bardwell Masonic Lodge # 499. The pancake breakfast raised $410 that the Carlisle County 4-H council will utilize to further opportunities to engage local youth in learning opportunities. Every year the 4-H Council provides an opportunity for underprivileged youth to enter an essay for scholarships to attend West Kentucky 4-H camp. This will lower t