According to the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Kentucky 4-H’s mission is to provide education and life skill development opportunities for youth to grow into confident, capable, and contributing members of their communities. The Clay County Cooperative Extension Council and 4-H Council completed a yearly needs assessment to identify needs and programming efforts to help better the community. Youth developing leadership, responsibility and confidence skills were topics identified. In order for youth to acquire basic life skills, the Clay County 4-H Youth Developing Agent and Family and Consumer Sciences Agent hosted and implemented 4-H Project Day Workshops throughout the summer.

A total of 14 participants had the opportunity to learn and explore the areas of photography, baking basics, home environment projects and gardening. Youth gained leadership, communication and self-confidence skills while participating throughout workshops. 4-H Project Day provided participants to show their talent and display projects for the public. A total of 52 exhibits were entered for 4-H Project Day, and 17 exhibits advanced on to the Kentucky State Fair.

Evaluation results revealed the following information—

100% Reported learning a new skill.

100% Reported applying what they have learned during 4-H Project Day Workshops.

92% Reported learning how to follow step-by-step instructions to make a recipe.

92% Reported learning how to follow safe practices while completing projects.

Participant comment, “I enjoyed baking the cake the most. I learned more about measuring different things and using a sifter.”