On Saturday, April 20, 2024, the Washington County Ag Center came to life with 64 4-Hers and 141 chickens for the 2024 Northwest District Chick Chain show. The show was the culmination of the seven-month Northwest District 4-H Chick Chain project.
In September 2023, at the beginning of the 4-H year, 4-Hers took ownership of day-old chicks and began their journey in the 4-H poultry science project. They learned about poultry nutritional and (more…)
Not only does Florida 4-H teach life skills that make our youth members competitive scholarship applications, our organization also provides several opportunities to help youth pay for education beyond high school. Another benefit of our scholarship program is that it sets youth up for success when applying for other scholarships outside of 4-H. Parents- you are going to want to bookmark this article, because it covers which programs offer scholarships and how to apply for them in three simple steps! Another benefit of our scholarship program is that it sets youth up for success when applying for other scholarships outside of 4-H.
Step 1: Become Familiar with the Types of Scholarships we Offer
Florida 4-H offers two types of scholarships- scholarships for 4-H events, and scholarships for college or trade school. Some of these scholarships are tied to our Scholarship Application (formerly known as the 4-H Portfolio) and some are tied to competitive events, such as our 4-H Tailgating Contest where the first place winner receives a $1,500 scholarship! Many of our other state events offer opportunities to compete at national contests and provide a travel stipend. For information on which events offer monetary or travel scholarships, download a copy of our Florida 4-H Events and Activities Handbook.
Step 2: Decide which Scholarships you want to Either Compete or Apply for
If you are applying for a scholarship that is tied to a competitive event, you will want to enroll in that project and event through 4Honline. Your local UF IFAS Extension Office will be able to connect you with opportunities to learn and practice the skills and knowledge you need to compete successfully. This could include a project club, workshop, or a project mentor or coach.
More than $65,000 in monetary scholarships are given each year as part of our Scholarship Application Process. This process includes an interview during 4-H University, and the checks are presented during our 4-H University Awards Banquet. Youth can apply for multiple scholarships. Check out our 4-H Scholarship Summary Page for the full details, but here is a short list:
UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences- Four (4) $1000 Scholarships (potential to renew each year)
Fred and Mabel Barber Scholarship- Two (2) $1000 Scholarships
T.G. Williamson Scholarship- Two (2) $1000 Scholarships
Thomas Greenawalt Scholarship- One (1) $400 Scholarship
Platt Memorial Scholarship- Two (2) $500 Scholarship
Nettie Ruth Brown Scholarship- One (1) $1000 Scholarship
Terry Floyd Statewide Scholarship-One (1) $500 Scholarship
Jared Padgett 4-H Excellence Scholarship-One (1) $1000 Scholarship
Florida Cattlewomen’s Association 4-H Scholarship-One (1) $1000 Scholarship
Alden Hilliker Memorial Scholarship- One (1) $500 Scholarship
Dr. Bobby Damron Scholarship-One (1) $500 Scholarship
Ruth Milton Scholarship-One (1) $1000 Scholarship
Teki Hinton Ericson 4-H Scholarship- One (1) $1000 Scholarship
Hal Porter 4-H Scholarship-One (1) $1000 Scholarship
Langley Bell 4-H Legacy Scholarship Endowment-One (1) $1000 Scholarship
Tampa Bay Kennel Club Dog Scholarship-One (1) $1000 Scholarship
Lakeland Winter Haven Kennel Club 4-H Scholarship-Two (2) $1000 Scholarships
Horseman of the Year- One (1) $800 Scholarship and $200 Award
Dallas C. Osborne 4-H Horsemanship Scholarship- One (1) $500 Scholarship
Step 3: Work with your local UF IFAS Extension Agent to Prepare
If you are applying for a scholarship that is part of our state scholarship application process, you will prepare a cover letter and resumé to submit along with your application. We have lots of resources to help you!
Who doesn’t love a warm, soft pretzel? Did you know they are fast and easy to make? Pretzels are a yummy way to introduce youth to the science of bread baking. Following a recipe can also help them practice following directions and measuring ingredients. Plus….it’s just fun! In honor of National Pretzel Day, we are sharing our tried and true soft pretzel recipe, which is perfect for your next 4-H club meeting or a fun family night. Of course, be sure to note any youth with food allergies and plan accordingly! This recipe makes 12 pretzels, so you may need to double (or triple) the recipe depending on the number of people you have.
You can demonstrate making the dough, or divide youth up into groups of 4-5 to make a recipe of dough each. In addition to the ingredients below, you will need either a stand mixer or a bowl and spoon for each group, measuring spoons, a liquid 1-cup measuring cup, 1-cup measure for solids, baking sheets, parchment paper, pastry brush, oven, and pot-holders.
Tips for baking with youth:
Create stations with all the supplies (including the recipe) needed. If possible, have a teen or adult for each station.
Demonstrate how to measure ingredients
Demonstrate how to knead and shape the dough
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups of warm water (around 100 degrees Farenheight 2 1/4 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast (this is about 1 packet)
1 tablespoon of sugar or honey
1 teaspoon salt
3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little more for kneading)
3 tablespoons of melted butter
This is optional, but you can have a variety of toppings for youth to try:
Traditional-course sea salt
Cheesy- nutritional yeast (if allergic to dairy), or cheese-flavored seasonings (like the kind you use for popcorn)
Ranch, or any other seasoning you prefer
Instructions:
Stir the yeast into warm water and sugar (or honey). Allow to sit for 1 minute. Slowly add 3 cups of flour, 1 cup at a time. Mix with a wooden spoon (or dough hook attached to stand mixer) until dough is thick. Add 3/4 cup more flour until the dough is no longer sticky. If the dough is sticky, continue to add flour (a small bit at the time) until it is no longer sticky. This will depend on how much humidity is in the air (this is a great science discussion!).
If using a stand mixer, keep the dough in the mixer and beat for an additional 5 full minutes. If mixing by hand, place the dough on a lightly floured surface and knead with clean hands for 5 full minutes. If the dough becomes too sticky during the kneading process, sprinkle more flour on the dough as needed. After kneading, the dough should slowly bounces back when you poke it with your finger.
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball. Cover lightly with a towel and allow to rest for 10 minutes. While the dough is resting, preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
After the dough has rested, use a knife to cut it into 12 even portions. Give one portion to each youth, and show them how to roll the dough into a rope, or “snake” shape. Form a circle with the dough bringing the two ends together. Twist the ends and bring them back down over the circle to form the pretzel shape. Place pretzels onto the baking sheets and brush with melted butter and the topping of your choice.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and enjoy!
Further Engagement:
Youth who enjoy this activity may also enjoy the 4-H Breads Project. Youth can enter their baked goods in their local county fair or the North Florida Fair. Youth can also do a demonstration on breadmaking for county events, district events, or 4-H University.
Gardening is not just about growing plants; it’s about nurturing a connection with the earth, fostering a sense of responsibility, and discovering the wonders of nature. For 4-H youth, gardening provides a hands-on learning experience that teaches valuable skills, promotes healthy living, and instills a lifelong appreciation for the environment. After all, 4-H is about helping youth find their spark! In this article, we’ll explore five engaging activities to help 4-H youth develop their green thumbs and cultivate a love for gardening. These activities are perfect for a club meeting, classroom, or even at home with the family!
Recycled Plant Pots– Make plant pots out of recycled materials! This is a fun and easy way to make small pots for seed-starting. All you need are some empty water or juice bottles and newspapers. Download the step-by-step directions.
Paper Towel Gardening– Figuring out how to space seeds when you plant them can be a daunting task. Seed tapes make this easier, but they are expensive. You can make your own while teaching youth about how many plants can fit in a square foot of space. You will need 2-ply paper towels, school glue, a ruler, and seeds. Most full sheets of paper towels are about 1 foot square. You can do the math to determine how many seeds can fit on one paper towel. Once the spacing is determined, gently pull apart the paper towel layers and use a small amount of glue to glue the seeds in place. Place the other layer of paper toweling over the seeds and glue. Once it dries, you can plant the paper towel according to the depth listed on the seed packet. Below are a few common examples:- Bush Beans- 9 seeds per paper towel
– Cucumbers- 2 seeds per paper towel
– Tomatoes- 1 seed per paper towel
Plant a Plant Person– in a paper cup, or a recycled plant pot from #1 above, plant grass seed. The pot can be decorated to look like a face with googly eyes! In a few short days, the “plant person” will grow “hair.” The “hair” can be cut with scissors. Step-by-step instructions can be downloaded from Clover by 4-H.
Planting Party– This activity can double as a service project. Choose a sunny spot at your Extension Office to plant a small herb, vegetable, or flower garden. Work with your Extension office to see if some Master Gardeners might help to demonstrate proper planting techniques, including digging holes, loosening roots, and backfilling with soil. Encourage club members to work together in teams to plant their chosen seedlings, taking turns and offering assistance as needed. Discuss the importance of spacing, watering, and mulching to promote healthy plant growth and prevent competition for resources. As they plant their garden, 4-H youth will develop teamwork skills and a sense of ownership and pride in their collective efforts.
Garden Journaling: Encourage 4-H youth to keep a garden journal to document their gardening journey and reflect on their experiences. Provide each participant with a notebook or journal and encourage them to record observations, drawings, and notes about their garden activities. Prompt them to write about the plants they’re growing, the weather conditions, any pests or diseases they encounter, and their successes and challenges. Encourage them to take photographs of their garden throughout the growing season to track its progress. Set aside time during club meetings to review and discuss journal entries, share tips and insights, and celebrate achievements. By journaling their experiences, 4-H youth will develop communication skills, critical thinking skills, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature.
Opportunities for further engagement:
If planting seeds and growing them at home, youth can exhibit them at the North Florida Fair in several ways:
Youth can take photos of their plants and enter it into Class 11. Photos can also be entered in County Events. Blue ribbon photos will move on to 4-H University.
Youth can enter potted plants or dish gardens in Class 1.
If harvesting vegetables, youth can enter canned goods in Class 6.
Youth can create a poster to demonstrate what they learned about gardening (parts of a plant, plant varieties, what plants need to grow, etc). Posters can be entered in Class 12 and can also be entered in County Events. Blue ribbon posters will move on to 4-H University.
Youth interested in learning more about plants can join a Horticulture Judging Team– the contest takes place on 4-H Day at the Fair on November 9th. The state contest is in June, and the winners go onto the national contest.
Gardening offers endless opportunities for 4-H youth to learn, grow, and connect with the natural world. By engaging in hands-on activities such as seed starting, garden planning, planting parties, journaling, and harvest celebrations, 4-H youth will develop valuable skills, cultivate a love for gardening, and make lasting memories with their peers. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and let the green thumb adventures begin!
As the days grow longer and the weather warms up (but isn’t too hot), it’s the perfect time to take your 4-H club activities outdoors! Outdoor activities offer unique opportunities for hands-on learning, team building, and exploration of the natural world. Whether you’re in a rural setting or an urban environment, there are plenty of fun and engaging outdoor activities to enjoy with your 4-H group or as a family. This article shares five ways you can shake things up by taking it outside!
Nature Scavenger Hunt: Embark on a nature scavenger hunt to discover the wonders of the great outdoors! Create a list of items for participants to find, such as leaves of different shapes and sizes, animal tracks, bird feathers, or specific types of flowers. Divide the group into teams and set them loose to explore the surrounding area. Encourage participants to use their observation skills and work together to check off items on their list. The team that finds the most items within a designated time wins a prize!
To make this even more engaging with youth, you can use iNaturalist. It is a free app from National Geographic that uses crowdsourcing to identify plants. You can create your scavenger hunt for your club in the app, and then families or teams of youth use their phone to take a picture, document, and identify plants or animals.
Outdoor Games Day: Organize a fun-filled outdoor games day for your 4-H club members to enjoy friendly competition and physical activity. Set up stations for classic games like sack races, tug-of-war, relay races, and frisbee throwing. You can also introduce lesser-known sports or activities such as disc golf, ultimate frisbee, or orienteering. Tailor the games to accommodate different skill levels and abilities, and encourage teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play among participants. Don’t forget to provide plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks to keep everyone energized throughout the day!
This idea can also be a fun celebration to end the club year.
Wildlife Watching: Take a walk on the wild side and explore the fascinating world of local wildlife! Visit nearby parks, nature reserves, or wildlife sanctuaries with your 4-H club and embark on a wildlife-watching adventure. Bring along binoculars, field guides, and notebooks to help identify and record sightings of birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Encourage participants to observe animal behavior, habitat preferences, and adaptations to their environment.
Consider inviting a local naturalist or wildlife expert to join you on your excursion and share their knowledge and expertise with the group.
Visit a state park to look for signs of wildlife. You can request a letter from your Local UF IFAS Extension Office to waive the state park entry fee.
Clover by 4-H offers several easy activities to support projects that are grab-and-go. Wildlife Signs is an activity that is appropriate for a variety of ages. This activity helps youth make observations about the wildlife around them, and can be a great introduction to the 4-H Wildlife project! To access the materials, you need to create a free account.
With a little creativity and enthusiasm, the possibilities for outdoor activities with your 4-H club are endless! Whether you’re exploring the wonders of nature, , engaging in friendly competition, or observing wildlife in its natural habitat, outdoor activities offer valuable opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. So, grab your sunscreen, put on your hiking boots, and get ready to make lasting memories with your 4-H club members and families in the great outdoors!
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As we continue with part two of our series ‘Planning a Safe and Engaging Paddling Adventure for Youth,’ our goal is to highlight the key elements that make these excursions both memorable and educational. You will be introduced to the essentials of group dynamics, communication strategies, and incorporating educational components to your trip. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day camp, the information in this blog will help you navigate the challenges and delights of introducing young paddlers to the wonders of the great outdoors.
Paddling is a Group Activity
A successful paddling trip depends greatly on strong group dynamics and clear communication. Prior to getting on the water, it’s essential to conduct a thorough on-land training session that covers the basics of paddling, maintaining balance, and methods for recovering from a capsize. Turning these drills into interactive and enjoyable activities can greatly alleviate any nervousness and boost the confidence of your youth participants. For those organizing multi-day camps, scheduling this training a day in advance can be particularly beneficial—the more familiar youth become with these practices, the better.
A successful paddling trip fosters solid group dynamics, clear communication, and teachers essential on-land training that covers paddling fundamentals, balance maintenance, and capsize recovery techniques.
Before setting out, it’s important that designated adult volunteers take on the specific roles, such as the lead and sweep, to maintain order and ensure the group’s safety throughout the adventure. The lead is responsible for navigating the route, monitoring for hazards, being mindful of other waterway users, and setting a pace that accommodates the entire group. The sweep boat, positioned at the end of the group, ensures that no one falls behind. This position requires experience with rescue situations, the capability to offer aid during capsizes or emergencies, and typically includes the responsibility of carrying a first aid kit along with having certifications in first aid, and CPR.
Effective and clear communication is essential when on the water. All paddlers should stay within earshot of each other to facilitate this. However, if distance makes verbal communication challenging, hand, paddle, and whistle signals become crucial tools for conveying messages. For instance, holding a paddle horizontally above your head signals others to stop paddling. Raising your arms vertically signifies an all-clear or prompts others to proceed. Waving your paddle overhead indicates a need for assistance in emergencies. To direct paddlers, use your paddle to point in the intended direction of travel, avoiding using it to point out hazards.
Whistle signals also play a key role in communication:
One whistle blast calls for attention, urging the group to stop and wait for further instructions.
Two blasts instruct paddlers to stop and remain in their current location.
Three blasts signal an emergency, indicating that help is needed.
By creating clear communication among experienced adults, the trip not only becomes safer but also serves as an opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and leadership to youth on the trip. This structure provides a secure environment where youth can focus on refining their paddling skills and fully engage in the educational aspects of the activity. Modeling teamwork within the adults fosters a sense of unity throughout the team, enabling everyone to navigate challenges more effectively.
In case of a Capsize
When someone capsizes, it’s essential to remember your rescue priorities. The safety of people is always the most important. First, make sure everyone is safe. Then, collect boats and paddles. After securing the larger items, you can retrieve smaller gear like water bottles and dry bags.
If you’re the rescuer, it’s crucial to stay calm and control your boat to avoid becoming a casualty yourself. Ask for help if needed, giving clear instructions to the victim or other group members. If you’re witnessing a capsize, sometimes the best action is to stay clear unless the rescuer calls for assistance. If asked to help, follow their instructions while keeping yourself and your boat under control.
As a potential rescuer, remember the sequence talk – reach – throw – paddle – go.
Talk: Start by getting the attention of the capsized paddler using your voice, whistle, or another sound device. Often, simply talking them through staying calm and performing a self-rescue is enough.
Reach: If more than verbal guidance is needed, use the reach method. Extend your paddle or arm to help. Guide them to the front of your kayak for safety, avoiding having them hold onto the side, which could destabilize your kayak.
Throw: When the capsized paddler is too far for a reach, throw them a rope or a life float they can grab onto.
Paddle: If neither talking, reaching, nor throwing works, paddle close enough to them so they can be safely pulled to safety using the reach or throw method.
Go: As a last resort, you may need to get into the water to assist, which involves significant risk. Ensure bystanders are calling for help while you swim to the capsized paddler’s aid.
This approach ensures everyone knows their role in a capsize situation, prioritizing safety and effective rescue techniques.
Outdoor Education and Stewardship
Enhance your paddling journey by turning it into a comprehensive educational experience, focusing on the local ecosystem and conservation initiatives. By immersing participants in the surrounding natural environment, you deepen their connection and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Teaching and practicing Leave No Trace principles is key to fostering respect for our natural surroundings. Paddling leaders play a crucial role in emphasizing the importance of minimizing our environmental impact, showing consideration for wildlife, and preserving the natural beauty of our waterways. Instilling these values in young paddlers helps them understand the critical role they play in conservation efforts and encourages them to engage in responsible outdoor behaviors well into adulthood.
Reflection
Incorporating a debrief, or post-trip reflection session, into your paddling adventure is an excellent way to incorporate principles of experiential learning, which values learning through action and reflection. After your trip, taking time for a debrief enables participants to express their thoughts on the activity, confront challenges encountered, and share new insights. Purposeful reflection is essential to the experiential learning process, helping learners to internalize their experiences and apply their insights in future contexts.
Debriefing among adults is also important. Scenarios encountered during the trip may highlight potential opportunities where additional training from certified instructors to improve paddling skills and safety knowledge is needed.
Conclusion
Embarking on a paddling adventure with youth offers more than just a day on the water; it’s an opportunity to foster teamwork, respect for nature, and a commitment to environmental stewardship through experiential learning. By incorporating safety, education, and reflection, we not only ensure a memorable and enriching experience but also instill important values and skills that youth will carry with them long after the trip ends.
Consider using the Paddle Safe Paddle Smart (PS2) curriculum that has been created by ACA when implementing a paddling component during day camps or workshops.
Paddling Trip Checklist for Leaders
This checklist serves as a foundational tool for leaders to ensure that every aspect of the paddling trip is accounted for, from safety to environmental education. By following this guide and utilizing the checklist, leaders can provide a safe, enjoyable, and enriching paddling experience that youth participants will remember for years to come.
Setting off on a paddling adventure with youth, whether it involves canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), offers a wonderful opportunity for them to get active, connect with the outdoors, and learn the value of teamwork. These activities can leave a lasting impression on the young people involved, fostering feelings of accomplishment, resilience, and fellowship. However, the responsibility on the adults leading these trips is significant. Ensuring a safe, educational, and enjoyable experience requires meticulous planning, a focus on safety, and a commitment to engaging each participant. Through this blog series, you will be provided with the insights and tools necessary to organize a successful paddling event for youth.
Securing Kayaks
Safety is the foundation of any successful paddling adventure, especially when involving young people. A critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of this safety is the secure transportation of your kayaks. Begin by firmly attaching your kayaks to your trailer using suitable straps. Before hitting the road, double-check that the straps are tightly fastened, the ends are securely tied off, and the kayak doesn’t move when you gently rock it.
When loading a kayak, always position the straps in advance. It’s a team effort to safely lift the kayak by its bow (front) and stern (back) handles—remembering to bend at the knees to protect your back. Once the kayak is evenly placed on the trailer’s crossbars, secure it properly by using the appropriate ties. Although ratcheting straps are commonly used, they can potentially damage your kayak due to excessive pressure. As an alternative, the use of buckle bumper straps offers a safe and user-friendly solution for both novices and experienced paddlers alike. Ensuring your kayaks are safely secured not only protects your equipment but also ensures the safety of everyone on the road.
Planning is Essential – Crafting a Float Plan
The backbone of a smooth paddling adventure is a detailed float plan. This document should outline your route, expected weather conditions, participant list with emergency contacts, and a timeline of the trip. Utilizing resources such as the Coast Guard Float Plan Central website ensures you don’t miss any critical planning steps. Your float plan should include not only the basics but also specific details such as the equipment each person will bring, health forms, expected departure and return times, access points, and the driving route. It’s also vital to assess and document the day’s weather, tides, water flow, and temperature, alongside local regulations, necessary permits, and the nearest emergency services and outfitters.
In addition to creating a comprehensive float plan, it’s essential to pack necessary items like water, snacks, sunscreen, and first-aid supplies, while encouraging lightweight packing to minimize the physical load on paddlers. Ensure that agents and other adults in charge involved are well-informed about the float plan, current and forecasted weather conditions, and the personal skills and comfort levels within the group.
Remember, the float plan is not just a list; it’s a snapshot of your group’s capabilities, equipment, and safety resources. Items not directly related to trip planning and participant safety should be recorded separately. Always leave the float plan with someone on shore who is familiar with the trip details, participants, and local area. This person’s responsibility is to alert local authorities should the group not return as scheduled. Typically, float plans are best entrusted to an agent and/or county extension director.
When you are out on the water, pay close attention to changing weather conditions. If the weather gets challenging, ensure your group stays together and maintains steady communication. In the case of unexpected thunder, lightning, heavy rain, or strong wind, find a protected area on land for the group to escape the elements. If the group gets off the water, be sure that boats or boards are far away from the water’s edge. Make sure to take all paddles and any food, water, and personal gear are with youth.
Choosing the Right Gear
Personal gear and preparedness are crucial for the success of your paddling trip. When choosing a paddling outfit, prioritize versatility, durability, and protection against cold, and wet conditions. Here are some key guidelines:
Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Always wear a PFD while on the water. Ensure it fits snugly without riding up over your face or head. If adjustments are needed, do so safely onshore.
Temperature Considerations: Youth and adults should dress for potential immersion. Hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, can occur in water temperatures as “warm” as 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to U.S. Coast Guard. Conversely, hyperthermia results from overheating, often due to hot, humid conditions. Dressing in layers will help adjust for body temperature changes during the trip.
Sun Protection: Applying sunscreen is critical for preventing sunburn and overheating, even on cloudy days. Due to the reflective nature of water, apply sunscreen often. Mineral sunscreen, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, forms a barrier against UV rays with a reduce risk of irritation or allergic reaction and is favored by many paddlers.
Avoid cotton and restrictive clothing: Steer clear of cotton clothing such as jeans and hoodies, which retain water when wet. Instead choose garments made from quick-drying, moisture-wicking synthetics, or wool, which provide insulation even when wet. Fortunately, outfitting yourself appropriately doesn’t have to break the bank—many of these items can be readily found at affordable prices in secondhand stores like Goodwill.
By following safety guidelines and preparing with the right gear, paddlers can enjoy a safe and comfortable experience on the water, ready to face varying temperatures and conditions with confidence. In the next blog, we will discuss group management and safety considerations to take while on the water.
Introducing youth to the joys of paddling can create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. At the same time, it’s crucial that we, as adults, prioritize their safety above all.
Consider using the Paddle Safe Paddle Smart (PS2) curriculum that has been created by ACA when implementing a paddling component during day camps or workshops.
The formulation of an effective camp counselor training program is crucial for ensuring a positive and enriching experience for both campers and counselors alike. The primary objective of any summer camp should be to recruit, train, and support competent counselors who can contribute to the overall enjoyment and success of the camp. Counselors play a pivotal role in shaping the camp experience, and their training is essential in achieving this goal.
When designing a counselor training program, it is imperative to cater to various learning styles and preferences among participants. This includes accommodating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners by incorporating a diverse range of methods and activities into the training sessions.
Five key components of a successful 4-H camp counselor training program:
Community Service: Initiating activities that allow counselors to engage in community service not only fosters a sense of social responsibility but also serves as an effective icebreaker, facilitating bonding among participants. (examples: gleaning citrus trees, sorting at food banks, assisting with clothing drives, etc.)
Ice Breakers: Commencing each training session with ice breakers and team-building activities helps to create a cohesive and supportive atmosphere among counselors, setting a positive tone for the camp.
Multimedia Presentations: Utilizing multimedia presentations comprising visuals and quotes can effectively highlight important concepts and enhance the learning experience for counselors.
Hands-On Activities: Incorporating hands-on activities into the training program ensures active engagement and caters to the diverse learning styles of participants.
Social Time: Allowing for social interactions and downtime during the training schedule enables counselors to build relationships and establish a sense of camaraderie, which is essential for effective teamwork during the camp session.
Additionally, facilitating structured discussions and reflection sessions after completing activities enables counselors to share their experiences, analyze their learning, relate it to real-life situations, and apply newfound knowledge to future scenarios.
Furthermore, individuals interested in assuming leadership roles at the camp should undergo a selection process involving applications and interviews to ensure suitability for the position. This ensures that counselors align with the principles of Positive Youth Development, which is integral to the camp’s mission.
September 1st serves as the start of the new 4-H year and the first week of October serves as National 4‑H Week each year. Throughout Florida and especially in the Panhandle, the first month of the 4-H year is full of events, activities, and social media posts to celebrate the impact of 4‑H. Once the start of the new year and National 4-H Week are over however, momentum for the program can ebb and flow. Here are 10 ways that you can continue to celebrate and promote 4-H in your club and county.
Give Back
Local programs are always looking for resources to continue growing their programs. From serving food, to collecting essential items, to making a donation, 4-H members can help provide resources and serve their communities.
Wear your 4-H Gear
Nothing says 4-H pride like wearing a 4-H clover. Dress yourself (or the entire family-including your pets) in 4-H green and 4-H gear, available at Shop 4-H.
Set up Informational Booths
If your local grocery store or hardware store allows, set up a table to share information about your local 4-H program or club. You can display 4-H posters, hand out flyers, or showcase the work of local 4-H members. 4-H has long-standing partnerships with Tractor Supply Co. and Joann Fabric and Craft Stores.
Highlight your 4-H Members
Share social media posts about your 4-H members and their accomplishments. 4-H clubs, counties, and even the NW 4-H District all have social media pages that showcase 4-H accomplishments. Take to social media to share a 4-H memory, express how 4-H shaped who you are today, describe what 4-H means to you, post an old 4-H photo, or shout-out your 4-H club.
Become a 4-H Volunteer
If you are a 4-H alum, you might be looking for ways to reconnect with 4-H. Consider giving your time to a local 4-H club by becoming a volunteer.
Showcase Your 4-H Work at a Local Fair
The Fall is Fair Season in the NW District. 4-H members can submit booths, entries, livestock, and a variety of other things into local and regional fairs. Even if you don’t submit anything, many of our local fairs have judging contests to participate in.
Prepare for Judging Teams and Competitive Events
4-H has a variety of judging teams and competitive events that are offered year-round. These opportunities are great ways to learn a specific skillset and work on teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. While many of these teams and events are in the springtime, you can start to prepare now to be ready when they start.
Have a 4-H Reunion
4-H alumni often credit 4-H for the connections they have made, remembering the friends they made and those who they may still keep in touch with today. Gather your old 4-H friends and spend some time together reminiscing on your 4-H experience or recreate your 4-H project together.
Send a 4-H “Thank You”
We all have a reason to thank our local 4-H leaders and volunteers. Whether you grew up in 4-H, you have kids in 4-H, you are in 4-H, or you’ve witnessed the positive work of 4-H in your community, send a “thank you” note to your local Extension Office to show your appreciation.
Try Something New
4-H is an organization that helps youth start a new skill or allows them to try a different interest. Do you want to dabble in fashion? Get a taste of cooking? Build a Lego robot? Ride a horse? 4‑H is the place to where all these things are possible.
From Brushstrokes to Life Skills: The Spark of Art
Art has always been a medium of expression. It allows emotions, ideas, and stories to be shared visually, bridging gaps where words sometimes fall short. For the young minds of today’s world, art offers a plethora of benefits that extend far beyond the canvas or sculpture stand. Art is not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s a potent tool that fosters communication, sharpens cognitive skills, and broadens horizons.
Improving Focus and Creativity Through Art
Art is a unique medium that demands both concentration and imagination. As youth experiment with colors, shapes, and techniques, they cultivate a creative mindset. The process of creating a finished art piece takes time, allowing youth to learn how to stay motivated through a long-term project. Whether creating or analyzing art, sustained attention to detail is required which helps youth to enhance focus. This interplay between deep concentration and imaginative exploration through art not only hones specific artistic skills but also fosters a broader capacity for creative thinking in various life scenarios.
Photo 1: Activities such as blind contour requires intense observation. This process trains youth to focus deeply and observe minute details, strengthening their attention span and observational skills.
Enhancing Communication Skills and Critical Thinking
Engaging with art serves as a dual exercise in communication and analysis for youth. Although art gives youth a medium to express nuanced emotions and ideas visually, often conveying what words might struggle to capture, it can also increase their communication skills by increasing their visual literacy. Teaching the fundamentals such as the elements of art and principles of design gives youth the vocabulary needed to dissect art verbally. During this process, young people grapple with interpretations and the underlying intentions of artists, honing their critical thinking. In today’s visually charged world, recognizing these art elements helps youth decode and discern underlying intentions, making them more informed consumers of the visual content they receive in the form of ads and social media.
Photo 2: At this art exhibit, young artists not only display their creations but practice their communication skills.
Promoting Appreciation of Differences
Art introduces youth to a world that spans cultures and eras. Through engaging with various artists and forms of art, they gain insights into different values, beliefs, and narratives. The subjectivity of art teaches them that multiple valid perspectives can coexist, each shaped by individual experiences. As young artists create, they learn to value their unique voices and respect others’ individuality. Learning these skills helps to prepare youth to navigate the world with understanding and empathy.
Photo 3: Art underscores the significance of individual expression and the beauty of varied perspectives.
How to Start an Art Program
Starting an art program for youth begins with the basics. Introducing them to the elements of art—such as line, shape, and color—and intertwining these with the principles of design, like balance and contrast, sets a strong foundation for understanding and creating diverse art forms. With these foundational skills in place, activities like group art critiques and art exhibits become both educational and enriching. For example, activities such as art journaling, reinforce newfound skills and perspectives, allowing a dynamic, hands-on exploration of the world of art that can be done in a workshop, club, or camp setting, but also at home. The National 4-H curriculum website offers many curriculum resources, alongside galleries and museums. Aside from being great for field trips, many local galleries offer youth year-round youth activities.
Fostering Art Skills through Florida 4-H
In 4-H, recognition of our youth members is an important step in creating a sense of belonging and developing positive self-esteem. A dedicated art program can provide youth with the opportunity to share their knowledge and be recognized for mastery gained in art through various Florida 4-H events. Below are some of these events:
Share the Fun in our County/District Showcase and 4-H University.
Florida 4-H Graphic Design and Photography Contests
Florida 4-H Holiday Card Contest
The Insect Art Contest (Insectathon)
Conclusion
Incorporating art into the lives of young people provides multifaceted benefits. From enhancing communication and critical thinking to fostering a deep appreciation for the vast spectrum of human experiences. Moreover, starting an art program in your county not only equips youth with technical competencies, but also instills values of empathy, understanding, and open-mindedness. As our society grows more interconnected, cultivating these qualities becomes an invaluable investment in our youth’s future.
We would like to thank BLICK Art Materials and the Artists League of the Big Bend for generously supporting the art program in Leon County 4-H. For more information about upcoming art workshops with Leon County 4-H, visit the UF IFAS Extension Leon County 4-H Facebook page or contact the Leon County 4-H Team at leon4h@ifas.ufl.edu.
