All youth should have equitable opportunities to thrive. Youth living in poverty need opportunities to assess their lives, reclaim hope, dignity, and develop a plan to achieve the lives they want for themselves and for their communities. Belonging and participation in 4-H is important for youth in poverty as they experience heightened social exclusion and are more likely to feel devalued or discounted by society (DeJaeghere, 2019). 

According to the “Helping Youth Thrive Through An Equity Lens” publication- A critical examination of systemic and local 4-H policies to identify barriers to participation and belonging for youth living in poverty is essential. For example, participation fees might discourage youth living in poverty with limited to non-existent financial abilities.  This statement is very true for many of our youth wanting to participate in 4-H Camp.   The positive experience that youth will gain during a session at 4-H Camp might be the opportunity to overcome many of the problems that exist while in living in poverty.

The Caverna School System had begun a 4-H Afterschool program in 2021 that had many youth excited about the different aspects of 4-H projects and especially 4-H camp.  The school system is in a very low economic area of the county with many minority and migrant families.  On January 1, 2022, a tornado hit this area of Barren County causing more financial hardship on already stressed area.  Ten youth had applied for 4-H scholarships to assist financially with going to 4-H Camp. The KY 4-H Foundation Relief Fund of “4-Hers Helping 4-Hers” was designated to support 4-H members who experienced individual or community disasters. This County Extension Agent applied for the scholarships and was awarded enough funding for the youth to attend 4-H Camp! Due to other circumstances, only eight youth were able to attend 4-H Camp. One of the 4-H campers said “This is the greatest place on earth- please let me stay longer!!!”