The Florida 4-H Program Marilyn N. Norman University of Florida Marilyn N. Norman University of Florida

What is 4-H? 4-H is the voluntary, non-formal educational youth development program of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Florida 4-H creates supportive environments for diverse youth and adults to reach their fullest potential.

What is 4-H? 4-H has a unique service: – Youth Development Program of Land Grant Universities & Colleges – Accessible to All Youth – Unparalleled Reach – Practical, Hands-On Science Focus – Practical Life Skills Focus

4-H Enrollment Number of Youth Involved in the year: 223,057 – Organized Clubs: 23,788 – Day Camps/Special Interest Clinics: 30,724 – School Enrichment: 198,548 – Residential Camps: 3,244 – School Age Child Care: 10,294 – Individual Study/Family 4-H: 1,203

4-H Projects Studied – (Content) 4-H’s Mission Mandates: Healthy Lifestyles - 112,678 Science, Engineering and Technology - 136,711 Citizenship - 51,732

What Youth Need (Context) Belonging Mastery Independence Generosity

Themes in 4-H Science, Engineering & Technology Healthy Living Citizenship CONTEXT Afterschool Clubs Camps Belonging Mastery Independence Generosity CONTENT School Enrichment High Content High Content High Context Low Context High Context Low Content Developed by Cathann A. Kress, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA

Themes in 4-H Science, Engineering & Technology Healthy Living Citizenship CONTEXT Afterschool Clubs Camps Life Skills Belonging Mastery Independence Generosity CONTENT School Enrichment High Content High Content High Context Low Context High Context Low Content Developed by Cathann A. Kress, National 4-H Headquarters, CSREES, USDA

What makes 4-H unique? Youth Development principles alone are not sufficient; Education alone is not sufficient; Youth activities alone are not sufficient; Listen to a youth talk about why they joined

Program Highlights Legislature – National Program of Distinction

Program Highlights - Leg – Simulation of the state legislature – A youth/adult partnership and implemented as a youth-led learning event – Participants function in decision making role and – use creative problem- solving skills within the state legislative process – Florida youth become active, responsible citizens for civic engagement

Program Highlights Healthy Lifestyles Initiative – The Youth Empowered Ambassadors for Health (YEAH!) Campaign, provides information and supports the role that 4-H youth can have in becoming advocates for a healthy lifestyle.

Program Highlights Healthy Lifestyle Workshops

Program Highlights Florida 4-H Congress – Congress is a time for youth to come together and celebrate the past 4-H year and prepare for the new year! Competitive Events Workshops Share the Fun Fashion Show Awards Banquet

Program Highlights- American Camp Association Accreditation – 4-H Camps begin accreditation process in 2007! Camp Cherry Lake – 2007 Camp Ocala – 2008 Camp Cloverleaf – 2009 Camp Timpoochee

Program Highlights Camps provide: – Positive developmental environments – Supportive relationships – Positive experiences foundational to practicing successful life skills. – Enhanced value by attending multiple summers or for sessions – Counselors-In-Training opportunities in leadership and decision-making

Regional Specialized Agents Regional Specialized 4-H Agents – Northwest – Kelley Hiemstra – Northeast - William Heltemes – Central – Judy Butterfield Responsibilities – District Support of 4-H faculty – State Program Leadership – State Curriculum Leadership

4-H Improvements Website – – Easier navigation – More interaction – photo galleries, downloadable marketing materials, etc. – Coming soon: 4-H stories, blogs, etc.

Improvements – Focus Groups Goal 3 – Life Skills – Organizational Development – Volunteer Development

Improvements – Focus Groups – Need your involvement on several of these committees – Extension Symposium will offer an opportunity for you to review the options – Prepare youth for the future

Summary Large part of the IFAS program family Important work of Extension Invite your involvement