The 4-H Thriving Model is the science-grounded in practice that describes the “magic” of 4-H.  This model takes the science to explain the growth/thriving  process of youth because of their 4-H involvement.   Moving from the Develpmental Context (4-H Programs) to Youth Thriving (Social, Emotional and Cognitive Learning) to Development Outcomes (Positive Youth Development) to Long-Term Outcomes.   

The 4-H Thriving Model is best envisioned through what’s become commonly known as “The Flower Model.”  Thinking of the various stages of the 4-H Thriving Model as a flower growing and thriving is thebest way to envision the growth/impact on not only youth, but their families as well.  This series of success stories will show the impact Marshall County 4-H Youth Development programs have had on youth who have grown into positive, contributing members of society.

Marshall County 4-H’s first “In Their Own Words” for 2022-2023 features the story of one of our curernt 4-Hers who started in 4^th grade, was inactive during the pandemic, and has come back more involved, serving, and growing as a leader.  Following are some excerpts from her 2023 Kentucky 4-H Written Communications Contest “What Does 4-H Mean to Me?” essay entry:

“What does 4-H mean? Well, that is a very broad question that would have different answers depending on the person. I can tell you what 4-H means to me personally and what I have learned from being in the club… 

   In elementary school I saw 4-H as a fun after school club where I got to do different experiments and activities without the fear of failure that I and many others get when doing a school project. In 4-H they would also show you how to make exercising fun, in a way it would feel more like playing games and having fun then exercise….

There is another valuable lesson I've learned from being in 4-H. Sometimes you don't know your potential until you step up and try…I volunteer with younger kids in 4-H , I was worried that I wouldn't be good at or mess up somehow. So I went to the meetings to help and the meeting went great. Now I volunteer every meeting they have….

Another thing I like about 4-H is I don't have to worry about what people will say if I am myself. I'm hyper, I jump up and down when happy, I'm sensitive to noises and wear headphones sometimes while there. I'm never told to calm down, I'm never told to take off my headphones, I'm never told to stop jumping. I love that I've found a club and a place that I can just be myself. Everyone there just accepts me as me. The 4-H club is just always welcoming no matter what. The 4-H club gives me a place where I can always be me, somewhere I know no matter what mood I am in, I will still be accepted and be able to be a part of the club… 

In conclusion, 4-H means multiple things too me. It's a place where I can do different projects and activities without the fear of failure, a place where I can learn to accept change and try different opportunities, and a place where I am accepted just like I am. I'm so glad I joined 4-H and am grateful for the opportunities the club gave me and will continue to give me as time goes on.”

In her own words, this 4-Her demonstrates multiple aspects of the 4-H Thriving Model including Hopeful Purpose, Challenge & Discovery, Belonging, Sparks, and Pro-Social Orientation.   She has become not only a regular teen volunteer with 4-H Cloverbuds and Elementary Clubs but attended 4-H Camp for the first time ever in Summer 2023 as a Teen Counselor.  Marshall County 4-H Youth Development sets our youth on pathways to success!