4-H reaches youth throughout county

Extension Corner
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     Did you know that youth who are not enrolled in traditional 4-H have probably been involved in programming provided by area 4-H agents and local Extension offices?
     Oftentimes, when 4-H is mentioned, many people think about the county fair, livestock, cakes that have been carefully decorated and clothing that has been sewn by youth. While all of this is correct, 4-H has branched out to serving the community and providing a variety of educational programming for all area youth. The following is a description of a few of the ways the Phillips County 4-H program has reached area youth throughout the past year.
     The “Be Somebody” program has been delivered to elementary-age students in both Haxtun and Holyoke. This program, formerly known as Cowboy Ethics, teaches values through fun, interactive games and activities. For example, students discuss what it means to be respectful, then they play a game where the value of respect is emphasized. Following the activity, students will gather together to discuss what they learned and how they can apply that to everyday life. Be Somebody has been presented in school and also during a two-hour program held each December at the Phillips County Event Center.
     Phillips County 4-H has established a partnership with Phillips County Family Education Services after-school program. Through this partnership, PCFES after-school students are exposed to 4-H projects and activities.
     Each year the students vote on a 4-H project area they would like to explore. Last year’s students learned some basic sewing techniques and made a pillowcase. This year, students are learning all about rockets and the science behind building and launching rockets. They will each build and launch their own rocket. Once their project is complete, it will be entered into open class at the Phillips County Fair. Following the fair, students take home their projects (and ribbons and premiums!).
     In addition to learning about the projects, students also learn the 4-H pledge and complete one community pride project. The past two years, the students have decorated gingerbread houses with nursing home residents.
     Elementary students in second through fifth grades have had the opportunity to hear presentations from International 4-H Youth Exchange representatives. Colorado 4-H annually sends one to two young adults (former Colorado 4-H members) on an international exchange trip. The IFYEs spend around six months living with host families in foreign countries, learning the history and culture of that county. Once they arrive back to Colorado, they spend four to six months traveling throughout the state, speaking to groups about their experiences abroad. The youth greatly enjoy these presentations, seeing pictures from different countries, and hearing about other cultures and traditions.
     For youth who attend area Water Festival programs, 4-H and Extension have traditionally provided one of the stations for the festival. The “Backyard Bass” station, led by 4-H agents, is usually a big hit with elementary students. Backyard Bass teaches youth about native fish species, talks about the environment in which fish live and introduces youth to fishing. Youth use casting cans to “fish” for plastic fish laid out on the ground in front of them. This program also introduces youth to the 4-H sportfishing project.

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Holyoke Enterprise

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