Success StoryAdapt, Overcome and Achieving in 4-H



Adapt, Overcome and Achieving in 4-H

Author: Cathy Fellows

Planning Unit: Boone County CES

Major Program: Communications & Expressive Arts

Plan of Work: 4-H Communications & Expressive Arts

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Historically the Boone County's 4-H Utopia Fair occurred annually in the first week in August.

In January of 2024, the Boone County's Fair Board selected a new date, switching the annual Fair date to the last week in June. This date has created an upset in the community.  

The 4-H team had to brainstorm ways to help the 4-Hers have enough time to work on and complete projects in time to submit their finished projects into the Boone County Fair. Project work can be defined by planned work in an area of interest by the 4-H member, led by a 4-H staff or 4-H volunteer leaders. Projects aimed at planned objectives that can be attained and measured, along with six hours of project instruction (National 4-H Council, 2013). In the past 4-Hers had all of June and July to do this, this new date made things more difficult. 

The 4-H Staff and Volunteers sprang at the opportunity to offer day camps during Spring Break week, 4-H classes also occurred on days when schools were not in session, and a variety of after-school and evening 4-H classes were also added.

In 2023, 496 entries were submitted in Cloverville at the Boone County 4-H Utopia Fair. Amazingly 2024 showed significant growth in Cloverville. There were 128 4-H youth participants (9–18-year old's), who submitted 586 total entries at the 2024 Boone County 4-H Utopia Fair. Up by 90 more entries than the prior year. 

Proving that with proper planning, teamwork and ambition, wonderful things can be achieved by our 4-Hers. 








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