Teaching & Leading Through the 4-H Mission Areas

The 4-H program is well-known for growing the next generation of leaders. Our youth understand the importance of giving back to the community and serving as positive role models to their peers and younger youth. Our 4-H members get the opportunity to explore the 4-H Mission Areas of Science, Healthy Living, and Civic Engagement through fund, hands-on learning experiences. Not only do they get the opportunity to participate in those experiences, but they also get opportunities to teach and lead those experiences.

During the month of May, six 4-H members led 30 Junior Leaders and seven 4-H Club Leaders in fun, hands-on learning activities related to the Mission Areas of 4-H. For Healthy Living, Miranda Crowe taught youth and adults about different supplies that go into a First Aid kit and what those are used for. Youth and adults then got to put together their own First Aid kits for each 4-H Club. For Civic Engagement, Kylee Reeves, Rachel Rhoads, and Caleb Chastain led participants in an activity that demonstrated the key ingredients of communication. This included providing detailed instructions, asking follow up questions, and more. Finally, Mallory Leach and Jenna Bushong led participants in a Science activity where they created miniature greenhouses. This activity explained the process of germination and what is required to grow plants.

In April, our Teen Leadership team also helped teach new 4-H members and their families about the 4-H Mission Areas through fun, hands-on activities. As new 4-H members, it can be overwhelming to get started and make new friends. However, our Teen Leadership team led participants in an activity where they got to create a collage about themselves, their hobbies, and their passions. Youth then got to share a little about themselves and make new friends. Youth that participated got to create their own fruit kabobs and explore new foods! They also got to create miniature greenhouses to take home.

If you have questions about 4-H and how to get involved, please reach out to the Extension office at (765)364-6363. Also, if you are interested in having the Teen Leadership come to your organization and teach civic engagement-type opportunities, please e-mail me at [email protected].

– Abby Morgan is the 4-H Youth Development Educator at the Montgomery County Purdue Extension Office. She can be reached at [email protected] or 765-364-6363.