“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn”, Benjamin Franklin.  The Henry County 4-H program has been providing youth the opportunity to be involved in developing and honing many avenues of personal growth and development.  While the county program is strong it had come to the attention of volunteer leaders and staff that middle school aged youth often began to drop out of 4-H activities, so a plan was developed to encourage the retention of this age group.

The middle school age group is particularly in need of 4-H offerings that will help to build self-esteem and confidence needed to navigate into the teen years. According to a research study conducted by J.E. Jacobs, M.K. Vernon, and J. Eccles by middle childhood, children are increasingly active in selecting their environments on the basis of their interests and skills.  Thus, the selection of extra-curricular activities reflects intrinsic motivation, children choosing activities on the basis of enjoyment they get from performing the activity.  Children also tend to select activities that they find personally important and feel competent about.

Realizing that the programs offered needed to be attractive to this age group leaders and staff began offering advanced level clubs and opportunities.  There are advanced cooking, knitting, crocheting, and sewing club offered for middle and high school youth in which they can learn advanced techniques through project work.  The 4-H Means Business Club encourages each member to develop a business is also offered to middle and high school youth.  They must put together a product line, business plan, marketing plan, inventory list, etc.  The group sells their wares at local festivals and markets.

There are also leadership opportunities that this age group can take advantage of such as Teen Summit and middle-school district retreats.  There are currently two members involved in the Natural Resources & Environmental Science Academy.  The High Adventure Club was created for middle and high school youth that has youth from three counties in exploring outdoor adventures. Leaders of clubs look for ways to enlist middle school youth to work with younger club members, such as livestock, horse, and shooting sports club.  They are now teaching the 4^th and 5^th graders the skills they have learned while gaining communication and leadership skills.

Middle school aged youth want to be included on programming ideas and suggestions.  During a new year officer training that is attended by all club officers the group is asked what type of programs or ideas that they would like to add to their clubs’ program for the year.  One thing is for sure if you ask their opinion they are not afraid to share their ideas.  Leaders are offering more field trips and trainings outside the county to enhance what is offered during the monthly meetings.

By communicating effectively our leaders have a seen an increase in the number of youth within the middle school age range that are embracing different avenues within the 4-H program and continuing to grow learning by doing.