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Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025


Success Story4-H Family Tradition



4-H Family Tradition

Author: Rebecca Stahler

Planning Unit: Boyd County CES

Major Program: Leadership

Plan of Work: Educating Youth in Farm Knowledge and Skills

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Keeping families interested and engaged in 4-H can sometimes be difficult.  Families may have children of varying ages and interests. Creating a Boyd County Cloverbud Livestock club was suggested by a certified livestock club leader because she had granddaughters too young for the traditional livestock club and the mother wanted her children to experience 4-H just as she had.

The Cloverbud Livestock club follows all Cloverbud age appropriate guidelines.  There are 10 club members earning educational hours, completing record books, showing in the county fair, completing community service hours and learning.   All these accomplishments achieved while families spent quality time together.

 Parents attributed an increase in the following life skills to involvement in the Cloverbud program: social interaction, learning to learn, self-confidence, self-care (safety and independence), and self-direction. Parents also described benefits from 4-H for themselves and their families. Parents in the Cloverbud program stated that they enjoyed the socialization with other parents during 4-H activities. Parents valued the opportunities that 4-H provided, allowing for engagement in family activities.

Successful 4-H youth experiences depend greatly upon parental participation and involvement with their children in 4-H program activities. Previous studies reported positive parental perceptions of youth involvement in 4-H and documented contributing roles of parents in their children's projects and programs (Boleman, Cummings, & Briers, 2004; Gregoire, 2004; Ferrari, Hogue, & Scheer, 2004; Gill, Ewing, & Bruce, 2010; Singletary, Smith, & Evans, 2006). Consensus from these studies suggested that parents were a vital part of 4-H programs because their participation ensured optimal growth experiences for their children, provided assistance with 4-H projects, and strengthened social networks between parents and youth in the community.

Boleman, Cummings, and Briers (2004) described the perceptions of parents regarding the participation of their children in the 4-H beef program and specifically noted the development of several important life skills: responsibility, self-discipline, self-motivation, self-esteem, decision-making, and an increased knowledge of the livestock industry.

These three generations of Boyd County 4-H members look forward to joining other 4-H Clubs and continuing the family traditions of 4-H!

 






Stories by Rebecca Stahler


A Stitch of Hope: How 4-H Sewing Sparked a New Love for School

about 2 months ago by Rebecca Stahler

When the Boyd County 4-H Quilts of Valor – Under Our Wing sewing club launched at Boyd County Middle... Read More


Truth and Consequences: The Choice is Yours

about 5 months ago by Rebecca Stahler

In the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment for Boyd County, the ... Read More


Stories by Boyd County CES


Garden Shed Herb Day Leads to Increased Speaking Requests and Sales

about 5 days ago by Lori Bowling

A local entrepreneur who has created and markets a line a herbal products has increased their speaki... Read More


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Former inmate in a Federal Correctional Institution who went through the Kentucky Master Gardener pr... Read More