The Webster County Extension Council and the 4-H Council identified life skills as a need for the citizens of Webster County. Life skills promote mental well-being in young people and equips them to face the realities of life.

Life skills are “abilities for adaptive behavior that enable individuals to deal effectively with the demands and challenges of everyday life” (WHO, 1997, p.1). 

Webster County 4-H has an excellent working partnership with local schools to provide educational programs to students. Webster County 4-H and Dixon Elementary school collaborated together to start 4-H Day at Dixon School.

Dixon Elementary School piloted the 4-H Club Day during the 2019-2020 school year.   All Teachers 3^rd- 6^th grade, high school teens and certified Volunteers lead a 4-H club at Dixon Elementary during school hours. All 3^rd-6^th grade students (203) were enrolled in a 4-H Club and able to choose from Cooking, Lego Robotics, Movie Making, Sewing, Babysitting, Electricity, Aerospace, Painting, Woodworking, Forestry, Science Engineering and Technology and more.  Students were able to participate in this program one day a month with their teachers, the high school student volunteers and 4-H certified volunteers. 

Curriculum, lessons and supplies were provided as part of club content. Dixon Elementary welcomed the program into the school because each curriculum is consistent with the Kentucky Department of Education’s Standards for Assessment.  

Due to Covid-19 students were not able complete the ending survey.

One teacher stated “I hope we continue 4-H Day next year as it was an excellent way to develop a positive relationship with students I don’t normally have in class.”