4-H is an organization committed to building strong leaders with marketable skills to be successful in today’s global society. Kentucky 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential working and learning in partnering with passionate adults. Without volunteers, 4-H would not be the organization that it is today. 

For the first time, Clay County 4-H established a 4-H Rabbit Club that is led by volunteers. Through this opportunity, 4-Hers can experience positive youth development in four guiding principles: mastery, belonging, independence and generosity. The 4-H Rabbit Club fosters mastery by enhancing skills in breeding, raising, and marketing rabbits, belonging by connecting with peers through common interests, independence by gaining responsibility of rabbit ownership and generosity by participating in club meetings and other activities. 

The club has monthly meetings with eight members, and it is continuing to expand. Each meeting provides hands-on educational activities related to nutritional needs, breeding, showmanship, and anatomy. The interest, curiosity and self-confidence of the 4-Hers has grown and developed through participation in meetings. Four club members have purchased their own rabbits and are continuing to learn the responsibilities of ownership. 

Not only have 4-Hers gained interest in the 4-H Rabbit Club, but they have gained a better understanding of opportunities available through 4-H and Extension. Club members have set a goal to participate in the Kentucky State Fair in 2022 and community service projects throughout the upcoming year.