From Tiny Vest to Big Impact: My 4-H Journey

Green 4-H vest for a child on a table — Josey’s 4-H journey started with this little green vest.

It’s National 4-H Week! To celebrate, I’m sharing my 4-H journey and how it shaped my life—from catching piglets as a Cloverbud to supporting youth as an Extension Agent. Join me in recognizing the impact of 4-H and the fantastic people who make it possible.

The Beginning – Glades County Roots

My earliest 4-H memory starts with this tiny vest. I was too young to officially join, but Glades County supported Cloverbuds.

White tshirt with glitter art and lettering for h2o camp — Josey’s Father’s 4-H shirt from his time as a counselor.

with fun activities—like chasing piglets in the livestock show ring! At age 8, I became a full 4-H member. My first project was showing two rabbits: Oreo, a French Lop, and Itty-Bitty, a Netherlands Dwarf. Over time, I began showing pigs and beef breeding cattle. Summers were filled with camps like Horse Camp and H2O Camp, where my mom volunteered. In 2008, my older brother, Michael, won the Senior Showmanship champion with his pig!

Fun fact: Here’s my dad’s H2O Camp shirt from his time in the program!

Growing Through Middle School

I expanded my animal projects to include sheep, goats, pigs, and Brahman cattle from our family herd. My mom was also a 4-H club leader for many years. In 2012, I earned Reserve Champion in Intermediate Showmanship with my Market Lamb at the Okeechobee Youth Livestock Show. I also participated in speech contests and held officer roles in several clubs. My younger brother joined too, especially excelling in archery! (See newspaper clipping below.)

Josey's Brother's archery success in a news paper clipping — This newspaper clipping showcases Josey’s Brother and his success in archery!

High School Years – Leadership and Academics

I continued showing animals and earned Reserve Champion Beef Breeding Bull in 2013. That same year, I received a 4-H leadership award. In my final two years, I focused on academics through dual enrollment at Indian River State College, earning my associate’s degree in arts before graduating from high school.

certificates of leadership presented to Josey's Mom - Cindy — These certificates were earned by Josey’s Mother from Okeechobee 4-H

Teen to Adult Volunteer

As a teen, I volunteered as a camp counselor, especially at Horse Camp! Later, I became an adult volunteer, helping with Ag Camp, Fishing Camp, and Horse Camp. In 2021, I co-led the ShowStoppers of Okeechobee club with fellow 4-H alum Sierra Coward, who continues to lead today.

Full Circle – Supporting 4-H Today

Over 20 years later, I’m still deeply involved in 4-H. As an Extension Agent with UF/IFAS in St. Lucie County, I support 4-H through scholarships, fair judging, and summer camps. I helped organize County Line Camp with Okeechobee and Highlands Counties: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/2025/08/13/county-line-camp-a-culinary-journey-through-floridas-heritage/. I also host Living On My Own financial literacy programs: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/stlucieco/2025/04/02/national-financial-literacy-month-learn-about-lomo/. This year, I attended the SLC 4-H Gala with my family—we’re already excited for the next one in January 2026!

Memorabilia of Josey's Time in 4-H — Josey’s memorabilia of her time in 4-H throughout the past 20 years.

Why 4-H Matters

4-H isn’t just for kids. Teens and adults can find their place in robotics, culinary arts, animal clubs, and more. These programs thrive because of dedicated volunteers and participants. I’m grateful to every 4-H agent, counselor, and fellow member who helped shape my 4-H journey.

What is your 4-H journey?

Want to learn more about 4-H? Start here: Florida 4-H or https://florida4h.ifas.ufl.edu/

#4HBeyondReady #National4HWeek

Featured Image by: UF/IFAS Photo by Cat Wofford