Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The first week of October saw a flurry of 4-H activity across Jefferson County, with special events every day to celebrate the National 4-H Week theme of “Opportunity 4All.”
4-H is the youth development program of Florida Cooperative Extension, a part of the University of Florida IFAS and Florida A&M University. It's the nation’s largest youth development organization, with more than 7 million young people across America. In Jefferson County, more than 20 percent of eligible youth participate.
“The program uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be responsible, productive citizens,” says UF/IFAS Jefferson County Extension Service Director John Lilly. “This mission is accomplished by creating safe and inclusive learning environments, involving caring adults, and utilizing the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and the nationwide land grant university system.”
During National 4-H Week, local activities included a Back-to-School Broadcast; a Life, Liberty, and Livestock Club service project; a spirit day for wearing 4-H green; a Throwback day for 4-H alumni to share photos of them way back when; a Friends of 4-H Funday; and a Working Soldiers 4-H club garden planting activity.
All of these activities served to highlight the many benefits of involvement in 4-H. According to the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development conducted by Tufts University, young people in 4-H:
• Report better grades, higher academic competence and an elevated level of engagement at school
• Are nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college
• Are more likely to pursue future courses in a career in science, engineering or computer technology
4-H learning experiences embed the following essential elements:
• Belonging: a positive relationship with a caring adult in an inclusive environment.
• Mastery: engagement in learning with the pportunity for mastery.
• Independence: the opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future.
• Generosity: the opportunity to value and practice service to others.
Many people may think that 4-H is only for youth with animals, but it’s so much more! Jefferson County has 4-H camps and clubs that focus on shooting sports, stem, healthy living, sewing, fashion and photography.
These 4-H programs are designed to serve all youths between the ages of 5 and 18 years, including those who may be at-risk or have special needs.
To become a 4-H member or to volunteer, register online at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact John Lilly at the Jefferson County 4-H Office, (850) 342-0187 or email jgl@ufl.edu.
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