The following 4-H Youth Development articles originally published in the 2017 Report to the People and reprinted in the 2017 Winter edition of the Oldham County Extension Newsletter.

Record Number Attends 4-H Camp

At Oldham County 4-H camp in 2016, 89% of campers practiced responsibility, 99% made new friends, 94% tried something new, and 95% learned something that helped them at school or home.

The program continues to grow with 226 campers attendees in 2017, increasing 10% from last year. To help support camp transportation, classes, and scholarships, Oldham County 4-H raised over $6,800, securing donations from businesses, schools, civic groups, faith-based groups, and extension clientele (including Green Thumbs, Master Gardeners, Cattlemen’s Association, Oldham County Homemakers, and Beekeepers).

Many of Oldham County’s leaders grew up in the 4-H camping program, experiencing life as a camper, teen leader, and now as an adult leader. The following quote epitomizes camp’s impact.

“When my mom signed me up for 4-H camp, I was very nervous…I had the time of my life! I returned home and signed up for 4-H immediately. When I became a camp adult leader, I taught the caving class…[and discovered] I am good at training people…and I am now in my second year teaching secondary science. 4-H has made me the person I am today, teaching me to be kind, helpful, and how to live a successful life.”

Growing Up in 4-H

Teen Conference opened the door to career exploration for an Oldham County youth. Enrolling in the genetics workshop literally opened one teen’s eyes to a world of opportunity. She now works in the labs at the University of Kentucky on a weekly basis, running experiments and writing papers on genetics. A seven-year 4-H member, she has organized and taught eight project day events, all while remaining active in Shooting Sports and the Communications program.

Teen 4-H’er testimonial: “4-H has taught me the important of goal setting, staying focused, and the ability to persevere through obstacles. Strong leaders are needed to move communities forward. It is very easy to sit back and let things happen around you. But I have learned through 4-H, speaking up and being a part of the solution is important but not always easy. But in the end, you can certainly be proud of the difference you make with your efforts.”

“4-H has made me a better leader, speaker, and teacher,” another 4-H teen leader told us. “I have gained not only public speaking skills but confidence. Teaching younger members has taught me patience and how to modify to meet the needs of different age groups.”

“As a 4-H member, I learned self-discipline, developed self-confidence, and mastered time management skills. As an adult Shooting Sports Coach, I developed effective communication skills, leadership skills, and the ability to maintain social responsibility. Participating in 4-H has had an incredible impact on my life, equipping me for the future, bringing me closer to other 4-H families, and ultimately, developing me into an upstanding member of society.”
– 4-H Shooting Sports coach

Written by Lauren State Fernandez, Oldham County Extension Staff Assistant; and Kelly Woods, Oldham County 4-H Youth Development Agent.