Leonard at large

This past week the 2003 Annual Report for the Missouri 4-H Youth development Programs was received. The theme is "Learning by doing … Continuing the legacy of discovery." Since my blood is green -- 4-H green -- I chose to share some of this report with you.

There are many things going on in 4-H in the state of Missouri and the report touches on only a few of the things. Missouri 4-H Youth Development program is being directed by Jo Turner. I have had the opportunity to have known her for a number of years and consider that she provides good leadership to the program.

Since I know her personally, I refer to her as Jo. She said, "In today's world the future can seem uncertain,. Perhaps, that's why so many families and communities look to 4-H Youth Development Programs as a place where young people can build strong foundations for the future, 4-H has more than 100 years of experience helping young people become caring, capable, competent and contributing individuals. In more traditional words, we are strengthening the head, heart, hands and health of our youth."

According to Jo, 4-H is changing as families and communities are changing. There are over 175 thousand Missouri youth involved in the program and are being impacted by diverse programs. They participate in 4-H clubs, 4-H special-interest programs, and in 4-H school programs. 4-H had its beginnings in rural America, but with the appeal of the 4-H projects and activities, today it appeals to all youth. Many of you will be surprise to know that there are nearly as many in the 4-H programs from cities larger that 50,000 --11 percent-- as there are from farms --12 percent.

Thirty seven percent are from rural towns smaller than 10,000, 26 percent from cities and towns 10-50,000, and the other 14 percent are from suburbs larger than 50,000. It is estimated that the 10,151 youth and adult volunteers time is valued at $35 million. The volunteers are the heart of the 4-H program. The average 4-H volunteer, according to national statistics, contributes 220 hours per year. Their time is valued at $16 per hour. Learning by doing is the cornerstone of the 4-H experience. Young people learn valuable life skills as they contribute to their communities.

There are many things that 4-H participants do that give them the opportunity to learn by doing. One example is that of 4-Hers tasting healthy living at food and fitness camp, held in November at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

According to the annual report, "'This camp was designed to be fun, while helping teenagers learn healthy food habits and learn the importance of proper activity,' said Alison Copeland, MU 4-H youth specialist. 'Early-age teens, ages 12-14, were chosen for several reasons, Copeland said. 'These are years when many kids have a tendency to develop unhealthy food and activity habits that, if continued into adulthood, can lead to health problems,' she said. 'Once students get into middle school and junior high, they have fewer physical activity requirements at school. It's also the time when they begin making more food choices, and have more access to vending machine food and snacks that don't offer the nutrition they need.'"

Forty teens participated in the program, who prepared their own entire meal for Saturday night.

According to the report, 4-H strives to make a difference in the life of each member. The hope is that each young person who is reached will pass it on. Community service strengthens a 4-Her's head, heart, hands, and health. One of the ways 4-Hers serve the community is through the 4-H Fashion Revue, in which participants made weighted blankets as a service project to help several Missouri organizations.

The weight and cocooning nature of the blankets help calm upset autistic children.

The Missouri 4-H Foundation is the private sector partner of 4-H, raising funds to support the 4-H Program.

The trustees are dedicated and contribute much to the program including time. Robert N. Fridley is the chairperson of the foundation and Don Henderson is the executive director.

They said in the report, "As chairperson and executive director of the Missouri 4-H foundation, we have enjoyed numerous opportunities to visit with Missourians who consider 4-H to be a powerful influence in both their lives and their careers.

In our discussions, we share 4-H stories about our first experience with community service, public speaking and running meetings, and we inevitably talk about a volunteer leader who cared about and helped prepare us for the future.

"The board of trustees of the Missouri 4-H Foundation believes one of the best time-tested and research-based ways to prepare young people for their future is through the hands-on experiences of 4-H -- experiences that are fun and let youths build supportive relationships with caring adults. We are proud to be a part of Missouri's premier youth development organization."

In 2003, the 4-H Foundation raised $972,871 from private sources, member fees and investments income to support Missouri 4-H programs.

In addition, 44 college scholarships totaling more than $33,000 were given to 4-H members across the state." Sheldon 4-H Club, West Point 4-H Club, Walker 4-H Club, and Milo-Oak Dale 4-H Club were among the donors to the foundation.

Also on the list was Opal M. Gould, a former club leader of the Walker 4-H Club, now residing in Colorado with one of her daughters. Investing in the Missouri 4-H foundation is a good investment. Missouri 4-H Mission is, "Creating environments in which young people are valued, contributing members of their communities.