Orange County Insight April 2023

What is 4 - H and What Does it Mean for Orange County?

By: Orange County Extension Office

4 - H is development organization engaging youth to reach their fullest potential. a youth It is a program available in many counties around the nation just like Orange. The four (4) H ’ s stand for head, heart, hands, and health. With these values, 4 - H teaches leadership, life and social skills, job readiness, and responsibility. 4 - H has a big impact in Orange County as a needs - based organization. As part of 4 - H, “ students have become more confident in their abilities and learn to give back, ” Kaci Daniel, 4 - H Extension Agent, said. The activities youth do as part of the program vary in delivery including year - round camps, volunteer clubs, overnight camps, and day camps.

Volunteer Sarah Gower, former soybean plant breeder, leads fifth graders to a soybean field at Brooke Farms in Locust Grove.

Courtesy of 4 - H Extension Office

In fact, most volunteers were children in the program. Some examples of concepts children learn are public speaking, trying new foods, and exposure to a variety of careers. There is a big need for life skills in Orange County such as empathy, social skills, teamwork, and responsibility. One program youth love doing is competing on a food challenge team, like the show Chopped . Youth are given an ingredient, prepare a dish and a presentation, and explain how it applies to the MyPlate model. This activity combines public speaking, teamwork, and food preparation. 4 - H camp registration is currently open! Have your youth apply today: om4hcamp.org .

4 - H camp teens work in groups to describe characteristics of a strong camp counselor during one of their monthly trainings.

Courtesy of 4 - H Extension Office

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