The UF/IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach to help youth gain the knowledge and skills they need to be responsible, productive citizens. This is accomplished by creating life skill development opportunities for youth through projects they have an interest in learning. The 4-H program utilizes the topics of archery, animal science, sewing, and much more to teach youth communication, leadership, community service, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) skills.
Over the next several months, youth will be busy working on their 4-H projects and participating in school enrichment programs. The culminating event efforts are being directed towards can be one of many events depending on the youth’s area of interest.
Flagler County 4-H
Youth in 4th-6th grade participating in the Tropicana Speech contest will be preparing their speeches and presenting to their classes and school with the hope of qualifying for the Flagler County 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Contest in May at the Flagler County Extension Office. Also in the area of 4-H school enrichment is the embryology project where elementary students will be learning about science as they hatch eggs and care for chicks in their classroom.
4-H club members participating in the archery discipline have been practicing and sharpening their skills to earn the “Top Shot” each week as well as preparing for an upcoming county competition at the Flagler County Fair.
Youth participating in animal science projects will be selecting and raising their food production animals over the next few months. Their time and dedication to learning to properly raise food animals for human consumption will be proudly displayed and sold at the Flagler County Fair and Youth Show in April. Equine also falls under the category of animal science and includes 4-H youth who have been improving their horsemanship skills with the goal of competing in the Area B Horse Show and hopes of further advancing to State and Regional contests.
Also competing in the Flagler County Fair and Youth show are the members of the 4-H cooking and sewing club-We Love to Learn. They have been improving their skills from year to year as they enter their home sewn garments into the Home and Family Division.
The main purpose of 4-H and events such as the ones listed above are to provide opportunity for youth to learn the skills necessary to successfully emerge into adulthood. This could not be accomplished without the countless hours of dedication and the sharing of talents provided by our adult volunteers as well as the support of our Flagler community.
As the 4-H program advances into the New Year and new learning opportunities, be on the lookout for a fun an exciting 4-H event happening near you!
If you are interested in joining in, volunteering for, or give a donation to Flagler County 4-H Youth Development Program, please visit http://florida4h.org/ and contact Amy Warwick Hedstrom at amywarwick001@ufl.edu or 386-437-7464
The Flagler County 4-H program is open to all youth, ages 5-18, regardless of gender, race, color, nationality, creed or disability
0
