Pre-COVID we had momentum behind our county teen programming, regaining that has been a focus this past year.  53 Teens in our community service and leadership club served as at our 4-H countywide “It’s Your Reality” for our 8^th graders. They dressed their parts and made the day memorable for the other youth.  They volunteered for a second, “It’s Your Reality” day for our high school freshman who had missed the experience due to the pandemic during the previous year.  

The group also took on our 4-H Christmas Cares program that provides gifts to local children in the foster care process.  They also gathered, shopped and wrapped the items for delivery.

These experiences are heartwarming to see.  According to the 2021 National Volunteer rate, during the 2021-22 year this club volunteered over 530 hours of community service which is the equivalent of $15,105 contribution!

The relationships developed from this club and the year of service we had 9 register for teen conference, the largest attendance ever from our county.  We also have 9 teen and Jr. teen camp counselors this summer.

These teens have exemplified leadership skills while orchestrating their community service projects.  The ongoing growth of this program and potential for our county programming is exciting.