by Heather Gordon
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension is literally an
“extension” of the latest research from the land-grant University in each state
out into the counties. In North Carolina, Cooperative Extension is an extension
of NC State University and NC A & T State University. We are part of the
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and assist individuals and families
with information in agriculture and life sciences, home economics, human development,
and related areas. 4-H is the youth development program of Cooperative
Extension.
4-H is a youth organization committed to building citizen
leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today’s global society. “We
believe that youth development is not something you do TO youth, but is the
result of programming WITH youth and is dependent upon the family and other
adults in the community.” (Essential Elements, C Kress) Four concepts have been
developed to guide our work with young people in 4-H:
1)
Belonging
2)
Independence
3)
Mastery
4)
Generosity
Many 4-H alumni report gaining a sense of belonging through
their 4-H club involvement and lots of folks tell me about their projects and
oral presentations. Are you a 4-H alumnus? Did you sew a skirt and model it in
the Fashion Review? Did you create an electric project? Did you attend every
4-H Congress while you were a member? How about summer camp - do you have a
favorite memory? Did you make a presentation, or demonstration, at District
Activity Day? We’d love to hear from you about the learning that occurred when
you were a 4-H member.
Jackson County 4-H is currently focused on teaching
leadership, getting outdoors and helping to instill self-confidence in young
people. We have five active clubs – Cloverbuds (ages 5-8), Sewing Bee (for
those with experience), Explorers Club (ages 9-13), Horse Club (ages 9-18), and
Youth Leadership Council (ages 14-18). In addition to these clubs we run after
school activities, summer programs, and take a group of Jackson County kids to
4-H camp each summer. We have a number of WCU students who volunteer to assist
with clubs and provide additional activities. We are always excited to hear
from new volunteers so please contact me if you have a skill that you would
like to share. You can reach me at 586-4009 or heather_gordon@ncsu.edu. Also check
out the most up to date information about our program at
jackson4-h.blogspot.com.
The 4-H Pledge: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my
heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better
living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
