The 4-H youth organization strives to teach and mold youth development to help grow them into successful and caring members of society. Four key concepts of youth development essential elements identified by researchers include mastery, independence, belonging, and generosity. Pendleton County, Kentucky 4-H has practiced the “generosity” element on more than one occasion. Kress defines generosity as the opportunity to value and practice service to others (Kress, 2004). The 4-H motto: learn by doing, is exactly what happens for young people when they engage in citizenship. This also encourages the development of life skills which can be categorized but not limited to confidence, teamwork, reliability, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication. Communities benefit from youth involvement by gaining youth enthusiasm and energy, developing skills in youth that are desired by employers, and creating tomorrow’s leaders (Promoting Active Youth Citizenship, 2007). 

One recent service project that Pendleton County, Kentucky 4-H teens completed was creating and delivering Valentines to the local nursing homes. The 4-H Teen Club Public Relations Officer asked to facilitate the project and created the template and cut-outs to implement the Valentines cards. That officer worked with other middle school and teen club officers to divide up materials in creating 96 Valentines so that every nursing home resident would receive a personalized card from their local 4-H. Not only did the 4-Hers involved engage in a rewarding opportunity of knowing they were giving their time to directly put a smile on someone else’s face, but the residents were deeply moved and thrilled to receive a card that ultimately let them know young people care.

Another recent activity completed by 4-H teen club members was providing Christmas presents for a local family in need. Pendleton County 4-H adopted an anonymous family of 4 kids for the holiday season. The 4-H Council voted to donate $400 to help give this local family a heart-felt Christmas. Teen Club 4-Hers used the 4-H Council’s budget to shop for the four children of this adopted family by purchasing items included on the family’s wish list. The 4-H teens wrapped each present, added labels, and delivered to the school to pass along to the adopted family. 

Teen Club members were very open about the genuine feelings of gratitude and satisfaction that comes from giving to others. Some members even donated additional money on their shopping spree to purchase more gifts from the family’s wish list. The school representative who organizes this Christmas project for the community was so grateful to 4-H for adopting such a large family in need and providing them with such a large assortment of presents. “This family needs the basics. They literally have nothing. I cannot wait to see their faces as I load them out with all of these presents.”