Community of young people across America-- 4-H

I am still interested in 4-H although it is now 16 years since I retired from extension as a 4-H youth specialist. If you were to check my blood, you might still find that green is flowing through my veins.

Recently, I received a copy of the Missouri 4-H Youth Development Programs 2004 Annual Report. I am always pleased to receive this report and see some of the highlights in the 4-H program.

Throughout the state, there are great things happening, including new programs that expose youth to new technology in our society.

For example, 4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. L. Jo Turner, Ph.D., is the director of Missouri 4-H Youth Development Programs, University of Missouri Extension.

Turner said the following in the report, "As always, this reflects only a small fraction of the work of many 4-H partners -- MU campus and regional 4-H youth development specialist, 4-H assistants and associates, University of Missouri and Lincoln University faculty, donors, volunteers, parents, and youth. Additionally, the Missouri 4-H Foundation is our private sector partner, tirelessly raising funds to support all Missouri 4-H programming."

According to Turner, the number of youths reached through 4-H clubs grew to 27,212, a significant increase from 2003 club enrollments! This stems from Missouri 4-H's priority on the 4-H club approach.

It is the proper thing for University Extension to be placing priority on the 4-H clubs. I fully realized that youth in 4-H clubs can benefit in a large number of ways. Adults also benefit by being actively involved.

Turner said, "Why emphasize 4-H clubs? Simply put, the research on young people tells us that the best way to help kids grow in positive ways is through sustained, long-term, educational experiences that connect them with a caring adult. Sounds like a 4-H club experience to me!"

The 4-H program reached one out of every 10 Missourians between the ages of 5 and 18 in 2004. The effort is being made to keep growing. The 4-H enrollment numbers give an indication that it is going in the right direction.

The 4-H clubs offer long-term educational experiences where members learn life skills such as decision making, public speaking, and working with others. Members learn by doing under the guidance of adult volunteers who teach projects ranging from aerospace and arts to veterinary science and sport fishing. Clubs also involve children and teens in community service, camping, and educational trips.

There were 21,967 participants in 4-H special interest programs. These programs include conferences, distance learning programs, day camps, and other educational activities such as school-age care. They often reach youth with special needs, such as those living in group homes or youth who are physically or mentally challenged.

There were another 63,142 participants in 4-H school programs -- short-term educational experiences that supplement learning in the classroom. Most are led by teachers or 4-H leaders.

While it has its beginnings in rural America, 4-H projects and activities today appeal to all young people -- farms, 16 percent, towns smaller than 10,000 and rural, 40 pecent; cities and towns 10,000-50,000, 11 percent. 4-H is supported by 11,330 youth and adult volunteers -- with the time valued at $40.5 million. Volunteers create, support and are part of the 4-H community. National statistics suggest that the average volunteer contributes 208 hours per year.

Participants are learning leadership. There were 330 4-H teen and adult leaders from 43 states, Japan and Korea who participated in a community service activity in Forest Park.

This included 42 Missouri 4-H youth and leaders.

Livestock judging camp help youth develop lifelong leadership skills.

There were 47 participants, 4-H and FFA attending the camp on the MU campus. They learned more than judging at this event -- skills that will benefit them in life.

Missouri 4-H engages young people in civic life, who become involved in the community. This type of activity is good for the participants and a valuable service to the community.

There are a number of other ways in which 4-Hers develop 4-H as a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills.

As public funds become less available, importance of private funds become more essential. The Missouri 4-H Foundation is an important partner in the program.

The board of trustees are a dedicated group of volunteers, who contribute their talents, their time and their financial support to 4-H. Bill Crouch is the chairman, Don Henderson is executive director, and Barbara Casady is director of development.

Crouch said in a letter in the report, "The Trustees are a group of dedicated volunteers who for over 55 years, have been focused on the important task of securing and managing funds to enhance and expand the 4-H program thoughout Missouri.

"In 2004 the Foundation raised nearly 41 million from private sources. In addition, 44 college scholarships totaling more than 437,000 were given to 4-H members across our state."

The donors to the 4-H Foundation for the year were listed. Among the donors I noticed was Opal Gould, former Walker 4-H Club Leader and an active leader in the county 4-H programs. She now lives in W. Va,, and they will be celebrating her 90th birthday on May 15.