4-H believes in the power of young people. 4-H sees that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around them. 4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S. with the skills to lead for a lifetime. You in 4-H complete hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and citizenship, in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles (4-H.org). In Kentucky, 4-H is administered by the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and the Environment Cooperative Extension Service.

These are the thoughts and reflections of a former 4-H member:

“4-H has taught me above all else, responsibility and dedication. 4-H is not just a one day a year event. 4-H is day in and day out living with purpose and conviction. To improve your community and yourself. 4-H is passing the tradition down from generation to generation and having satisfaction of a job well done. These 4-H years I have had the privilege of working on projects with my brother, parents, and grandparents. Hopefully one day I can pass on my knowledge to the next generation. Working with younger kids helped me make the decision to become a teacher. I learned my first teaching skills assisting our 4-H extension agent and from many people that helped influence that decision.

My favorite thing in all my 4-H years was attending Teen Conference and 4-H camp every year. Teen Conference gives me a chance to learn more about 4-H and be able to take what I have learned back to my community. It's not just about meeting new people; it's about developing lifelong friendships with people from all over your state. Although the past few years have not gone as planned, at least we got to have 4-H Camp again this year. I look forward to being a Counselor at Camp in 2022 for the last time. I recently received a shirt that says "Leaders aren't made, they're grown" in 4-H. I truly believe that. 4-H has meant so much to me over my last 9 years and it's a part of my class ring and senior pictures. I will take what I have learned and the memories with me through the rest of my life.”