There is an adage that it takes a village to raise a child.
Youth development as 4-H embodies this idea! While based around positive youth development research, we need great community volunteers as community club leaders, project leaders, and in partnerships across the Cottonwood Extension District!
I love the work that I do with our traditional 4-H community club members as they learn about 4-H projects and develop skills throughout their experiences. Watching our littlest Cloverbuds as they learn the 4-H Pledge to developing into club leaders and gifted spokesmen and women is gratifying. However, traditional 4-H members are only a portion of the youth in Barton County.
Community partnerships such as United Way Central Kansas, Great Bend Economic Development, and the Kansas Wetlands Education Center provide access to youth through programs such as Reality U, the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, and Second Grade at the Kansas Wetlands.
We have fantastic recreation centers and libraries in each community of our county and I appreciate the ability to work with additional youth for babysitting classes, STEM programs, day camps and much more.
Where do we most often find kids? At school, of course. The opportunities to work with area school districts for programs such as Great Bend Reads, JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates), and other career readiness skills are highlights of my year. Additionally, we are very fortunate to be allowed to alternate 4-H Club Day between Hoisington High School and Ellinwood High School with the 7-county Regional 4-H Club Day held at Great Bend High School or Middle School.
I would be remiss if I didn’t include the Barton County Fair Association. Not only are they the hosts and organizers of the county fair, this group of volunteers puts in many hours for maintenance and improvements all year. Nearly every member was a 4-H member, parent, or grandparent and they have a passion for providing a great community event which highlights 4-H and FFA youth!
While we have Extension advisory committees, I also appreciate the chance to sit on and have input into organizations such as USD 428 FCS Advisory and the Barton Community College Ag Advisory.
If YOU would like to know how to be involved with 4-H, please contact me at the Cottonwood Extension Office.
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.
Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood District, Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and Development related questions email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.
