Extension Update from Megan Burda: 4-H Helps Foster Youth Success

Megan Burda – York/Polk Extension Educator

Involvement in 4-H can Help Foster Success in Youth

The 4-H Pledge – I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world. 

Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four H’s that describe how youth are engaged in the 4-H program.  Using their heads they learn to manage many different things in their 4-H projects and life. Through their heart, they learn to relate to others and be caring to those around them and their projects.  With their hands, 4-Hers are able to work on various projects. By living healthy they are practicing being capable of caring for self and others. 

How can being involved in 4-H foster youth’s success?  In 2002 the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development longitudinal study began and was then repeated annually for eight years.  There were more than 7,000 adolescents from across 42 states in the United States that participated in the study. The Tufts research team examined how structured-out-of-school time learning, leadership experiences, and adult mentoring that young people receive through 4-H plays a role in helping them achieve success.

4-Hers practice responsibility by being involved in a variety of different projects offered through the program.  The project areas are Animal Science, Communication and Expressive Arts, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Education and Earth Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences, Healthy Lifestyle Education, Leadership and Citizenship, Plant Science, and Plant Science and Technology.  If a youth chooses to participate in a Healthy Lifestyle Education project, they may learn the skill of meal planning for themselves and their family.  This skill could lead to them actually planning out healthy meals for themselves and their family members and may even include keeping a food budget for their family. 

4-Hers practice responsibility by caring for animals daily in various animal science projects. 4-Hers make sure their animals have a safe place to be, have appropriate food and water, and that their animals are cared for and can be handled.  This takes much time and dedication by the 4-Her and their family and does not just happen one week out of the year at the county fair.  4-Hers in livestock projects take 4-H Livestock Quality Assurance to help prepare them for daily care and management.  They also work closely with their family members and even their local veterinarian.

The Tufts research longitudinal study showed that compared to their peers, youth involved in 4-H programs excelled in several areas.

4-Hers are:

Nearly 4x more likely to make contribution to their communities.

About 2x more likely to be civically active.

Nearly 2x more likely to participate in science programs during out-of-school time 2x more likely (Grade 10) and nearly 3x more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science program compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.

Nearly 2x more likely to make healthier choices. 

For information on how you can be involved in 4-H go to york.unl.edu. 4-H enrollment season is NOW! York County enrollments are due March 15.

Source: The Positive Development of Youth; Comprehensive Findings from the 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development, Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development, Tufts University.   

This article was written by Amy Topp, Extension Educator in Wayne County 

York County Extension Office Staffing Update

As you know, our office has gone through a significant amount of turnover in the last year. I am pleased to announce that the hiring process is complete for both vacant positions. We will have a full office again in April.

First, I am excited to welcome a familiar face back to York County. Tanya Crawford will be joining us as the Extension Assistant in 4-H. Tanya was a York County 4-H member and was an Extension Assistant in Platte County for six years. She has most recently been serving as a member of the Extension AmeriCorp program teaching Science Literacy in Hall County. Tanya and her family live in Clarks. She will be officially starting on March 21. Please stop by to welcome Tanya!

I am also pleased to share that Jenny Rees will be serving at the new the Cropping Systems Educator position stationed in York that serves York and Seward counties.  Jenny comes to us from Clay County and brings a wealth of experience to this position.  She is an outstanding agronomist and among the best in Nebraska Extension at engaging growers and addressing critical agriculture issues. Jenny will begin her new role on April 1.  She will also continue to help support her previous accountability region as her replacement is hired and trained.  Please stop in next month to welcome Jenny!

Upcoming Events

4-H Dog Project Seminar

Have you ever watched dogs zipping through an obstacle course on TV or the Best of Show winner at the Westminster Dog Show? Did you know your 4-Her could train your family dog to do those things through 4-H?

Come and learn all about the project and what your 4-Her could do in the project at our 4-H Dog Project Seminar led by experienced dog trainers on March 19 at the Cornerstone Building on the York County Fairgrounds from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Learn the basics of dog training, the difference in the skill levels your 4-Her can enter and tips and information that will set your 4-Her on the right path in their journey with their furry best friend within the dog project.

Have questions? Call Mary Bristol (402) 366-2659   PLEASE leave your dog at home.

4-H Public Speaking Workshop

March 28, 2016 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

York County Extension Office

Have you ever wondered what it takes to give a 4-H speech? Or, thought about recording a 4-H PSA, but wasn’t sure where to start? Well here is your opportunity to learn a new skill! Information will be shared on how to write your speech/PSA, tips on how to speak properly, and the benefits of participating in the York County 4-H Public Speaking Contest. Learn in an interactive environment with 4-H members in your age category. Youth will have the opportunity to practice their skills and receive helpful hints on preparing for the contest. Reserve your spot for this workshop by calling the Extension Office at (402) 362-5508 before March 21. For questions, contact Megan Burda at megan.burda@unl.edu