Author: Leslea Barnes
Planning Unit: Crittenden County CES
Major Program: Civic Engagement
Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
According to Forbes magazine, 83% of adults do not have a basic understanding of the American Revolution. NBC News states that 1 in 4 people do not know we fought in the war for independence. Therefore, it is important to provide hands on educational programs to our youth to help them have a better understanding of how this great Republic was formed. Spring Muster is a program held every spring at West Kentucky 4-H Camp for youth in 6th through 12th grade. The goal of this program is to immerse youth in our rich history by providing hands on education in black powder muskets and cannon firing (4-H shooting sports), immersing youth in living history (Civics), leadership development and introducing foods from early America. Youth that are involved in the 4-H Early American Heritage Project along with parents, volunteers, and agents from 3 counties work together to plan and put on the program. 2022 was the third year that this program has been held with increasing attendance each year with youth from 10 counties. 4-H youth from the Early American Heritage Club along with adult leaders/volunteers lead stations to teach elements of the American Revolution to increase youth’s awareness and have a better understanding of many of the facets from the 18th century and how our great nation was founded. Youth are immersed in the culture from that time period as each person helping present the program is dressed out in period dress to help youth better understand and feel like they have stepped back in time to this period in history. Youth were given a survey at the end of the program and 95% of youth stated that they better understand how to safely handle a firearm, 88 % of youth stated that they learned a skill that they could apply later at home, school, or in their community. 98% of the youth said they gained a better understanding of our diverse cultures and 100 % said they gained knowledge of our American heritage. 93% said the gained more appreciation for our founding fathers and 100 % said they enjoyed participating in outdoor activities while 96% said they would like to participate in more activities like this. This has been an extremely successful program for our youth and opportunity to give club members an opportunity to lead. Each year, parts of the program will be so returning participants will have a different experience when they come year after year.
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