By Stephen Smoot
With March comes the return of warm weather, the sprouting of greenery, usually one last solid snowstorm, and 4-H programs through the West Virginia University Extension Service.
Approximately six million youth around the nation participate in 4-H every year. Its website states that “we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.”
Delivered through extension services operated by more than 100 land grant colleges and universities across the nation, 4-H for more than a century “provides experiences where young people learn by doing.”
In Pendleton County, 4-H programs are planned and provided through the West Virginia University Extension Service. Brooke Alt, extension service agent for the county, says that youth can work in and learn about topics as diverse as robotics, speaking, leadership, and life skills, in addition to agriculture. Much of what 4-H offers is “topics they may not be picking up elsewhere.”
Social pressures go hand in hand many times with family challenges, struggles, and even dysfunction. The drug epidemic has hit families hard, while also threatening the ability of young people to thrive.
These issues make youth organizations such as 4-H even more vital than ever. “We try to teach the core values of leadership, honesty . . . that’s a lot of the things that kids are lacking,” Alt said. She added that “we encourage a lot of working together.” Organizations such as 4-H also provide a positive path that can lead children away from the temptations of drugs, alcohol, excessive video game play, and other activities that can cause a child to stagnate or regress.
Four parts combine to form the 4-H mission. The first “H” represents “head, for clearer thinking. Next comes “heart, for greater loyalty.” Thirdly, the organization encourages the use of “hands, for larger service.” Finally comes an emphasis on “health to better living.”
The age parameters for 4-H are between nine and 21, although many gravitate to the Future Farmers of America in high school. Younger children may participate in the Clover Bud program, starting at the age of five.
Some teens, however, stick around. Alt shared that “it’s cool to see the older kids stay involved.”
Janet Hartman, who works with Alt in the extension office, explains that the idea that agriculture serves as the alpha and omega of 4-H is “a big misconception. If you are not on a farm, you think it’s not for you, but that’s not true.”
She added that “about half (of participants in 4-H) take on projects nowhere related to a farm.” For example, as Hartman went on to explain, “a lot of kids pick a project called ‘self-determined.’” This category includes cooking, scrapbooking, computer programming, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation. One of the most popular selections under that aegis is gardening.
Etymology also attracts a lot of participation because “the kids are fascinated with bugs.”
Although spring commences a more active season for 4-H, they did remain active over the winter. The Upper Tract Producers 4-H Club prepared the Franklin WVU Extension Service dinner recently, while the chapter in North Fork 4-H cooked for the Riverton dinner on Monday.
This week, Pendleton County 4-H is hosting teen leader weekend at Thorn Spring Park for members 12 and older. Leadership serves as a key aspect of character for 4-H to foster. The event will bring in youth from the entire Eastern Panhandle.
After that comes a camp in the first week of June for members nine and older.
Volunteer chaperones at these events must undergo a background check and vetting process to ensure the safety of all involved. The organization always welcomes those willing to help out in any way.
They also include many with significant youth experience who know how to keep kids busy and focused – while preventing as much as possible the inevitable homesickness.
There are five 4-H clubs in the county — Franklin Mountaineers, North Fork 4-H, North Fork Elementary 4-H, Sugar Grove Maple Leaves and Upper Tract Producers. The lack of a second extension agent means that Alt’s time remains a scarce resource. She explained that she enjoys seeing the kids grow in the organization and learn. Her first year as extension agent was in 2016.
To those thinking of joining, but still hesitant, Alt says, “Just do it. It’s something you won’t regret.”
