Situation and Objectives: A 4-H SPIN club is a special interest club where five or more young people get together to learn about a topic of interest. SPIN programs have proved to be successful because they provide short-term educational programs for busy families that may not be able to take advantage of the typical 4-H club program as well as traditional club members looking for enrichment http://florida4h.org/programs_/special-programs/spin-clubs/. Educational Methods: Volusia County 4-H uses a modified model as well as the traditional SPIN model. The Shooting Sports programs meet two hours weekly for six weeks. The two-hour SPIN on WENZ classes alternate weekly between Sewing, Cooking, STEAM, and Florida Agriculture in the Classroom throughout the year. Classes are taught by the 4-H Extension Agent and by volunteers. Results: Evaluation of the Fall/Winter 2018-2019 Archery and Air Rifle sessions utilized observation and post-tests. These showed that (n=28) 100% could identify the parts of a range and set it up; 100% learned the parts of the firearms and mastered correct shooting stances; and 100% responded correctly to range rules. From September 2018 – February 2019, eight SPIN classes were related to Home Economics. Evaluation conducted through observation indicated that 100% washed their hands before working in the kitchen; 100% were able to follow a recipe using kitchen implements; and 100% use a pattern and sew a complete project. STEAM class participants demonstrated that they could program an Ozobot using color coding and design, build and fire a rocket. FAITC post-tests confirmed that youth could identify commodities and by-products, conduct pH tests on soil samples, and define what constitutes a vegetable or fruit. Conclusion: In 4-H SPIN Clubs, youth learn about a subject of interest to them, have positive interactions with their peers, and develop life skills https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/4-h-library/4-h-spin-clubs/index.html. Furthermore, SPIN programs strengthen the traditional club program by serving as a recruitment strategy.
SPIN. L. Cash, UF/IFAS Extension, Volusia County, DeLand, FL.
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