A Journey of Growth: How 4-H Helped Taylor and James Become Leaders and Overcome Life’s Challenges

For our family, 4-H has been more than just a youth program—it has been a lifeline, a classroom, and a second home. Over the past decade, my children, Taylor and James, have grown into compassionate, resilient leaders, thanks to the experiences and support they’ve gained through 4-H. Their journey is a powerful reminder of how leadership is built not only in moments of success, but also in the face of life’s hardest challenges.

The Beginning: A Spark Ignited (2014–2016)

Our 4-H journey began in July 2014, when Taylor attended her first 4-H camp. I was a counselor that year, and I watched her eyes light up as she discovered independence, friendship, and a sense of purpose outside our home. That same spark would continue to grow in the years to come.

In July 2015, we missed camp—the only year we ever did. The passing of their grandfather taught Taylor and James a difficult but important lesson about prioritizing family and making hard decisions. Even in absence, 4-H’s values were at play.

By 2016, both kids had begun stepping into leadership roles. They competed in speech and demonstration contests and qualified for the state level. They ultimately chose to miss the event to celebrate a best friend’s 16th birthday—learning that leadership also means honoring relationships and making thoughtful choices. That same summer, James attended his first 4-H camp. His first class? Hammocking. Today, he teaches it to younger campers. Both kids took canoeing that year, then came home and convinced us to buy canoes—proof of how camp inspired lifelong hobbies.

Growing Together Through 4-H (2017–2019)

From 2017 to 2019, Taylor and James returned to camp year after year, and I continued to volunteer as a counselor. These were formative years: leadership, teamwork, and independence grew with every event. They began mentoring younger campers and taking more active roles in planning and participation. These summers weren’t just fun—they were building blocks for strong character and deep friendships.

The Pandemic and Profound Loss (2020–2021)

In 2020, COVID-19 canceled camp, and like so many, our family felt the weight of isolation. But in 2021, 4-H returned—and so did we. Taylor and James attended camp, and I was back as a counselor. That November, our world changed forever when their father passed away.

During the darkest time of their lives, Wade and the 4-H community became an unwavering source of support. Even when Taylor and James struggled to leave the house or process their grief, they found safety, consistency, and love through 4-H. They attended events not because they had to—but because they wanted to. Their 4-H family was there, reminding them they were not alone.

Courage, Confidence, and Coming into Their Own (2022–2024)

In 2022, Taylor took a brave step: she attended her first Teen Leadership Academy (TLA), traveling without me or her brother for the first time since losing her dad. It was a huge emotional milestone. Despite battling severe depression, she felt safe and supported with her 4-H family—and came home more confident and inspired.

That same summer, Taylor and James returned to camp—this time without me. It was their first time doing something like this on their own. Camp, once again, became a healing space where they laughed, reconnected with friends, and felt whole again.

By 2023, Taylor had graduated high school but continued participating in 4-H as an adult member and mentor. She and James both attended TLA and camp. And in 2024, they returned once more—stronger, wiser, and more committed than ever.

What 4-H Has Meant to Our Family

Over the years, 4-H has taught Taylor and James far more than leadership skills. It has shown them how to face adversity with courage, how to lift others even when their own hearts are heavy, and how to keep showing up—for themselves, and for their community.

They’ve learned that leadership isn’t always loud or perfect. Sometimes, it’s simply being brave enough to show up, to try again, or to offer a helping hand to someone else. And every step of the way, 4-H has been there to guide, support, and believe in them.

I couldn’t be more grateful for the role 4-H has played in shaping not only their character but their future. Taylor and James are strong leaders today—not in spite of their hardships, but because 4-H helped them rise through them.