The following 4-H Youth Development articles printed in the 2020 Winter edition of the Oldham County Extension Newsletter.

Participate in 4-H Virtually

Although COVID-19 has changed the delivery of some programs, 4-H is still committed to developing the leaders of tomorrow. With online opportunities, 4-H is meeting young people where they are and helping them gain the skills to become productive adults.

Kentucky 4-H is offering two virtual experiences each week, and any young person can participate. Kentucky 4-H state specialists have produced video lessons that are focused around traditional 4-H areas. Topics will rotate monthly. In January, for example, our youngest 4-H’ers can learn about Cloverbud activities. Many of the lessons offer hands-on opportunities for youth to complete projects that require minimal materials that are commonly available in most homes. The goal is to guide youth through the different 4-H project areas.

Participating in virtual 4-H activities allows youth to take advantage of many of the aspects they have come to know and enjoy about 4-H. Clubs are still led by caring adults, and the online programs are designed to help young people develop a sense of independence, gain mastery over a particular skill, and provide opportunities to give back to their communities. 4-H programming also enhances topics that youth are learning in school and offer fun enrichment activities. These twice-weekly experiences will continue until at least July 2021.

Youth can view the videos on Kentucky 4-H’s Facebook and Instagram pages and YouTube channel @kentucky4h. For more information, follow Kentucky 4-H on social media, or contact the county Extension office for local virtual opportunities.

4-H Communications Program Empowers Young People Virtually

Effective communications skills are more important than ever in today’s environment. As young people grow into adults, the ability to speak confidently in public can open many doors in terms of personal friendships as well as professional advancement. Competitive events give 4-H members the opportunity to practice what they have learned and receive positive, constructive suggestions to improve. These experiences help youth overcome the fear of speaking in public.

Join us on Thursday, January 21, at 6:30 p.m. for our Zooming Thru 4-H Public Speaking Workshop. Contact us via kwoods@uky.edu or (502) 222-9453 to receive the meeting link.

Life Skills 101

Check out this upcoming opportunity for middle school youth to discover personality styles, career interests, manners, communications skills, budgeting, and more. Oldham County 4-H is offering Life Skills 101 over ZOOM at 4:30 p.m. on January 12, 19, and 26 and February 2, 9, and 16. For more information or to register, contact the Extension office via (502) 222-9453 or kwoods@uky.edu.

Attention Horse and Dog Club Members

4-H members who would like to participate in any 4-H Competitive Horse or Dog Event must complete six hours of instructional hours taught by their 4-H Certified Club Leader. Documentation of hours completed must accompany your registration or show paperwork.

Please contact your 4-H Certified Club Leader now to ensure you will have completed your documented six hours of instruction and 4-H enrollment form submitted to the office prior to April 15.

Written by Lauren Fernandez, Oldham County Extension Program Assistant; Rachel Noble, 4-H Youth Development Specialist; and Kelly Woods, Oldham County 4-H Youth Development Agent.