When we think of Extension and young people, we are inclined to think of the motto, "learning by doing." This mantra has guided hundreds of youth to grow and develop into successful individuals. It has helped youth to become active and productive citizens in their communities through engaging projects and experiences.

These participants are also more likely to develop self-confidence, social competence, and practical skills; to take on community leadership roles; and to feel more accepted and listened to by adults. 

America's youth need to be actively engaged in their communities through volunteerism and service that allows them to actively participate in decisions affecting themselves and their families, schools, workplaces, and communities. Brendtro and Bacon (1995) suggested that such active involvement in decision making assists teens in developing both responsibility and commitment. Swinehart (1992) defined youth engagement as having four components:

1. Including youth in significant decision making;
2. Youth participating in activities that satisfy a genuine need in their community;
3. Youth developing collegial relationships with adult partners and mentors; and
4. Youth reflecting on their work and learning skills related to it.

The 4-H agents of East Region Areas 7 and 8 collaborated with East Region Areas 7 and 8 Area Teen Council to plan an overnight middle school retreat.  The area teen council voted to emphasize mental health issues and include a community service project as well.

The community service project chosen was volunteering at The Neighborhood in Ashland, Kentucky.  The Neighborhood aim is to provide a safe, secure, clean, and convenient one-stop center for those in need of assistance in the northeastern Kentucky region. Part of the mission’s goal is to increase the employability and reduce the risk of homelessness for families in the region.   With multiple nonprofits located together in a common location, The Neighborhood can facilitate access to services and help meet the needs of families served. The Neighborhood routinely serves hundreds of people daily.

Twenty-five middle school students from Bath, Boyd, Fleming, Greenup, Menifee, and Rowan Counties participated in the overnight retreat.

While serving at The Neighborhood, students were broken into four groups for different tasks. One group washed windows and dusted.  A second group loaded food boxes into trucks to be dispersed throughout the community.  A third group cleaned the cafeteria.  A fourth group sorted clothes and shoes.  The students spent a total of three hours at The Neighborhood.

When the students returned from the community service project, they participated in an open-ended written reflection that included the following questions:

1. What did you learn?
2. How did the volunteering experience make you feel?
3. Would you participate in this type of community service again?

100% enjoyed the project of “helping others”

51% felt gratitude for what they have

75% felt proud, useful, and helpful and were inspired to do more volunteer work 

One 4-H member wrote:  “I felt very accomplished that I could help even if I didn’t do as much as I wanted.   I also felt sympathetic towards the less fortunate people because they have constant struggles that I don’t go through daily.  Lastly, I felt encouraged to give back more to my community.”

All middle school participants agreed to another event to further their leadership skills and community involvement.  Therefore, the 4-H agents of East Region Areas 7 and 8 began planning proposals to the area teen council and middle school members for the next learning experience. 

Volunteerism, community service, and service-learning are viable and meaningful hands-on approaches through which 4-H may fully engage youth.