Author: Annette Buckman
Major Program: Family and Consumer Science
Cloverbuds is an energetic and enthusiastic group of youth, typically aged 5 to 8 years. This vibrant group is full of curiosity and excitement, always eager to learn what the next lesson will be. Each month, they engage in a variety of activities designed to enhance their fine motor skills while also fostering growth in other key areas. These activities aim to improve not only cognitive development but also social, emotional, and physical skills. Cloverbuds provides a fun and nurturing environm
Author: Calyn Colston
The Murray State University Family & Consumer Science department received a grant earlier this year to facilitate FCS outreach and student interaction within the local community. Calloway County 4-H was contacted to partner with the FCS class to hold a needle felting workshop for 3rd-12th graders who remained in the county during Fall break. Each of the nine Murray State FCS student took part in teaching the workshop to 6 youth participants. Then the college students spread out among the you
Author: Lucas Powell
Lexington Traditional Magnet School identified a need for financial literacy education among its student population. After meeting with the youth service coordinator, we decided that the Reality Store Program would be a great fit for their 7th-grade class, with 85 students. Lexington Traditional Magnet School has a highly diverse student population. During the program, students are randomly given a career, the gross salary, and any education requirements for their job. Students are also ran
Author: Trever Cole
Mason County 4H partnered with Buffalo Trace Health Department to offer the safe sitter course where youth are certified by the Safe Sitter Program to babysit. This course goes through basic child care, first aid, CPR, choke and rescue, and job skills. At the end of the 6 hour course the students receive their certification as well as materials to help them begin baby sitting.
Author: Victoria Riehemann
In 2024, the poverty rate for Bullitt County was 10.6%, and although this poverty rate is lower than the national average for poverty (12.5%), the community wants our youth to be prepared with financial skills to fight poverty. According to the 2023 Community Assessment for Bullitt County, 12.6% of stakeholders wanted to see increases in youth career readiness and in youth life skills training, which included money management and life decision making.Bullitt County 4-H partnered with the Family
Author: Kimberly Lane
This year, a group of nine 4-H youths embarked on a creative journey, participating in a sewing group for the very first time. Each of these 4-Hers were on beginning level. Guided by seven talented and dedicated volunteers from the community, the program spanned five months and then highlighted a summer sewing day camp.From the outset, the youth displayed remarkable dedication, even investing in their own sewing machines to continue their newfound passion. Their commitment was evident as t
Author: Erin Leach
In September 2024, Estill County started a "Junior" 4-H Club. There was already a strong Cloverbud program thriving for years, and the previous program year, it expanded into one club at each of the two elementary schools as well as a homeschool group at the Extension office. Average of 75 kids being reached.However, it was noticed that once the youth aged out of the afterschool Cloverbud program, they weren't being absorbed in any of the other special interest clubs. Youth were no
Author: Emily Chaney
Our County Extension Council asked that we provide programs that would work to bridge the generational divide and connect our youths with the older generation. Local homemakers also expressed interest in passing down their knowledge of our unique heritage on to the next generation.In response, we created an Appalachian Culture club with the goal of connecting generations and preserving practices from our region. The club meets monthly to learn various Appalachian practices such as "chicken
Author: Dora Centers
Knott County 4-H Council, County Extension Council, and county school needs assessments have identified healthy eating habits and access/exposure to healthy foods a prevalent issue four our Knott County youth. Incorporating new healthy foods is a crucial aspect of children’s development that shapes their health and preferences for life. Data supports these findings with Knott County ranking 117 out of 120 for poor health. Also in 2023, the percentage
Author: Chanda Hall
Studies indicate that sewing is not only a productive hobby and life skill, but it can also reduce stress and increase an individual’s self-worth. The Jefferson County 4-H Agents, 4-H assistants, County Master Clothing Volunteers, and County volunteers planned and delivered a sewing Day Camp. This program was offered to those who may have attended 4-H sewing programs in the past and were intermediate sewers. The youth refreshed their sewing skills, sewing machine functions and
Author: Eric Collins
Describe the Issue or Situation.Participants of the Lee County Elementary Afterschool 4-H Club were asked what topics they would like to explore during club meetings this school year. After discussion of several possible topics, the students were asked which ones appealed the most. the responses given showed that 60% of the students were interested in learning about kitchen safety and food preparation skills.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).The
Author: Charles Comer
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Program connects local farmers to school districts to make fresh Kentucky Proud foods available to Kentucky’s school children. In 2013, the KDA Farm-to-school Kentucky Junior Chef competition was launched to teach students to cook and educate them about the importance of buying and consuming locally grown food. Since its inception, hundreds of Kentucky students have participated in the Farm to School Junior Chef competitio
Author: Mary Meade
Youth in our area often lack access to healthy food options due to economic circumstances. If they do have access, they often don't know what certain foods are or how to use them in a way that's good for them. They also lack the necessary skills to be able to help prepare meals or be safe in the kitchen. In order to combat these issues we decided to partner with or office NEP representative to host a two day cooking class unit for clover buds. The two day Clover bud Cooking series w
Author: Rebecca Stahler
In the fall of 2022, the Ponderosa afterschool 4-H sewing club merged from a parent needs survey that revealed the 4th and 5th grade students were in need of an “afterschool/enrichment/learning” activity and/or club. Ponderosa Elementary is the only school in the Boyd County School District that does not qualify for state and/or federal afterschool funds through the 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. To be eligible to apply for the 21st CCLC funds, a sc
Author: Kelly Smith
Studies indicate that sewing is not only a productive hobby and life skill, but it can also reduce stress and increase an individual’s feeling of self-worth. The Jefferson County 4-H Agents, 4-H assistants, County Master Clothing Volunteer, and County volunteers planned and delivered a sewing Day Camp. This program was offered to those that may have attended 4-H sewing programs in the past and were intermediate sewers. The youth refreshed their sewing skills, sewing machine fun
Author: Owen Prim
According to the National Council on Economic Education, a high percentage of youth do not understand the concept of money and are not taught financial information to the degree needed. To meet these needs, the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with the Newport High School Youth Service Center to conduct the 4-H Reality Store Program. The 4-H Reality Store Program is a hands-on financial education activity that gives students the opportunity to explore careers,
Author: Lisa Dodson
The Kentucky State Fair is the pinnacle event for 4-H members, showcasing the hard work and dedication put into their annual projects. 4-H project work is designed to engage youth in hands-on learning, guided by the following principles: (a) work is centered around the member's interests, (b) supported by an adult volunteer project leader, (c) focused on attainable and measurable goals, (d) recorded for reflection and growth, and (e) involves at least six hours of project-based instruction (
Author: Amanda Clark
Describe the Issue or Situation.Cooking classes for youth have surged in popularity for several reasons including interest in culinary skills, independence, and hands-on experience. Cooking is essential to learn at a young age for nutritional awareness, creativity, problem-solving skills, and career exploration. Junior Chef has been offered at the Fayette County Extension office for six weeks from September 4th to October 9th for youth ages 9-13. This club offered cooking skills, kitchen safety,
