According to Cornell University Cooperative Extension, “Research shows that young people who choose to be part of a 4-H Club are more likely to be educationally motivated, have higher self-esteem and communicate more maturely than their peers.”  Club members also have the opportunity to develop relationships with caring adults and make friends to last a lifetime. 

Caldwell County 4-H was fortunate enough to have three new, volunteer led afterschool clubs form this year, the Poultry Club, American Heritage Club and Cloverbuds.  Each of these clubs met monthly either afterschool or in the evening and gave club members a chance to participate in fun, hands-on, and exciting programs while developing lifelong skills. 

The addition of these clubs has been a positive addition to the county program.  These clubs have brought new clientele to the Extension Office.  The Cloverbuds alone, reached four new families that had never taken part in any 4-H activities or knew anything about Extension.  The American Heritage Club has also welcomed two new volunteer leaders and five (new to Extension) club members.  The Poultry Club has also brought about a new leader and three (new to Extension) club members. 

Many of these new members and leaders have realized that 4-H provides a lot of opportunities and they have volunteered for other ventures, like 4-H Camp or joined another afterschool or project group.   One parent declared, “I never knew there was so much to do in 4-H, this is awesome!”