The development of life skills allows youth to cope with their environment by making responsible decisions, having a better understanding of their values, and being better able to communicate and get along with others. (Boyd, Herring & Briers, 1992, Journal of Extension).  Through their time in 4-H, youth can develop these life skills by growing their leadership skills, improving communication skills, fostering citizenship skills, expanding skills & knowledge in specific subjects related to 4-H Core Content areas, gaining club and county 4-H program skills, gaining a sense of belonging, and expanding social skills.   

The Carter County 4-H Agent has been surveying graduating seniors who are active in the 4-H program.    These students have experienced a variety of 4-H delivery modes including school enrichment, camp, conferences, school clubs, and project clubs.    Since 2012, 21 students have completed the survey.  Of those, 16 reported that they been 4-H members for 9 or more years.  100% strongly agreed or agreed that 4-H helped them: 

• learn from others 
• learn to take pride in what is theirs
• respect the property of others 
• to lead a discussion
• respect the opinions of others
• develop a friendly personality
• trust other people 
• develop a realistic opinion of their self
• become an active learner 

95% strongly agreed or agreed that:

• 4-H enabled them to explain difficult ideas to others
• they liked to meet new people because of their 4-H involvement 
• 4-H helped them deal with change as a part of life 
• 4-H enabled them to understand their self 

A current senior had this to say about her years in 4-H.  “Through 4-H I have become more of an outgoing person because my agent believes in me 100%.  She makes me do things that are out of my comfort zone and most of it I really enjoy it.”