Missouri 4-H annual report received
After expecting the annual report and looking forward to it, The 2005 Missouri 4-H Annual Report was finally received. This annual report reflects a small fraction of the work of the many partners in 4-H.
There are numerous stories that could be related about the impact and experiences youth are receiving as result of the 4-H program.
Only a few things are being pulled out and related to you. Ina Metzger Linville, Ph.D., interim director, university of Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development said, "We know from research that young people need the guidance of caring adults to grow develop and thrive. In 2005, each of our 4-H members benefited from 208 hours of time donated by more than 11,000 volunteers, and that is a conservative estimate. The investment of time is valued at more than $42 million, according to the Independent Sector, a national non profit, nonpartisan coalition of chariti! es, foundations and corporate philanthropy programs. We are expanding this positive influence of youth-adult partnerships to children of deployed military families, to youths who thought higher education was unattainable and to one in nine youths ages 5 to 18 in Missouri."
4-H had its beginning in rural America, and now it seems to have no boundaries. Projects and activities today appeal to all young people. It is interesting to see the list of the top 10 projects for the 2005 enrollment year. It's a far different list from that of several years ago. The top 10 projects for the 2005 enrollment year are: 1. shooting sports 5,329; 2. Arts and crafts 3,533; 3. Horsemanship 3,417, 4. Foods 3,100; 5. Beef 2,720; 6. Photography 2,484; 7. Woodworking 2,271; 8. Swine 2,114; 9. Clothing 1,823; and 10. Cake decorating.
An investment is made in Missouri's young people. According to the report, for every public dollar invested in 4-H, University of Missouri Extension leveraged $8.48 in additional resources. MU Extension invests an average of $425 for each of the 115,900 youths enrolled in 4-H youth development programs.
There are several statewide 4-H events. There were 36 teens learning about healthy eating and proper physical exercise during the 4-H Food and Fitness Camp, Nov. 5-6 on the MU campus. Camp students, ranging in ages 12-14, toured MU recreation and nutritional science facilities and received instruction on knife and food safety before planning and preparing an evening meal that included Caesar and fruit salads, grilled steak, cheddar crumb potatoes, sautéed green beans and homemade rolls and brownies.
One participant at this camp said, "Thanks very much for making this opportunity available to me. Life experiences like this are rare."
One of the great experiences I had as a 4-H member was attending the State 4-H Week held at the University of Missouri; at least I think that was the name. This was the first time I was on the Missouri University campus. The year was probably 1947 (Wow! 59 years ago). It was a good experience for me. Now a similar event is called the State 4-H Congress and it still provides great opportunity. The 2005 Missouri State 4-H Congress theme. "Green Means Go." inspired participants to make the most of their 4-H experience and take advantage of opportunities. Alison Copeland, and MU Extension state 4-H youth development specialist said that while the theme changes, the focus on leadership and communication skills remains constant from year to year.
During 4-H Congress, State 4-H Council members are elected. These 35 teen leaders serve as advisors to the Missouri 4-H program and have a primary role of planning and implementing two major state 4-H events -- 4-H Congress and 4-H Teen Conference Council members represent 4-H at the state and local levels, assisting with state contests, the Missouri State Fair and serving on the Missouri 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees.
For many 4-H teen conference participants, it's the first time they've been out of county in an educational experience. This year's event had an attendance of 244 members and 44 chaperones.
Communities are involving young people in planning and making decisions about community improvement projects. According to Steve Henness, and extension assistant with the University of Missouri Extension's 4-H Youth Development, this provides opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills for active citizenship throughout adulthood.
In Douglas County, a coalition plans to turn an old warehouse into a community center. Participants at the State 4-H Congress and local 4-H club members created more than 500 hero packs for young children who have parents deployed in military operations around the world.
Missouri 4-H program helps children of offenders overcome challenges, earns national awards. Developed jointly by 4-H faculty members and incarnated fathers. The 4-H LIFE programs helps families create a nurturing family environment for their children and allows these fathers to become positive role models and mentors.
During the meetings, children and their fathers work together on traditional 4-H club activities, including games and craft projects, the focu! s is on conflict resolution, substance abuse resistance, teamwork and character development. By contributing to their community, 4-H members put Missouri landmarks on the map. 4-H events also balance competition with personal development. 4-H camp teaches personal responsibility. One camper said the most important things learned included making and keeping friendships, taking care of themselves and their belongings, and working with others.
The Missouri 4-H Foundation is a group of volunteers who make a great contribution to the support and growth of Missouri premier youth development programs, 4-H.Dale R. Ludwig, foundation chair, said, "The year 2005 was another very successful year for both new funds, as well as building our endowment to ensure that the 4-H program will continue to develop youths into successful young women and men for generations to come. In 2005, 43 college scholarships -- totaling more than $35,300 -- were given to 4-H members across the state."
One of the items in the report related to Nelson Trickey being inducted into National 4-H Hall of Fame. This is a great honor for this highly deserving recipient. It is also an honor for all of us in Missouri. I first met Nelson and the lady that became his wife, Lorene, when I was in college. The acquaintance was made at the First Christian Church in the Christian Student Congregation. I consider him as a friend in life and as one of my mentors in life and extension.
He retired from extension in 1985, but has never stopped working for the youth development program he devoted his career to building. He spent 36 years in extension, starting as a county youth agent and eventually served as assistant state 4-H director.
He has spent his retirement years as a volunteer in many different ways. He raised more than $1 million for the 4-H Foundation and also raised funds for the American Cancer Society.
An investment in the Missouri 4-H Foundation is a great way to invest in youth.