Marissa Hurst, 4-H Youth Development
Photo Courtesy of RVED
The week before Christmas, the River Valley District hosted “4 Days of 4-H,” a Holiday-themed spirit week, where the 4-H members of the district participated in four days of fun activities that showcased both the spirit of 4-H and the holidays.
Day one asked the youth to write a goal that they would like to meet in their project area by spring. Setting goals is an important attribute of 4-H. Youth setting their own goals guides their planning and learning, helps them manage their time, helps them take responsibility for their project, and challenges them to grow. The Day One challenge even allows them to put a goal into their Project Records, which puts them a step ahead of the game.
Day two had participants incorporating the holidays into a project exhibit. This day is important because youth can practice skills or learn something new in their project area. For instance, one youth made Christmas cookies with her grandmother which allowed her to practice her baking skills in the Foods & Nutrition project.
Day three included heaps of festivity as it asked our River Valley Family to dress in both their holiday garb and their 4-H Clovers. While this is a silly day, and one that might seem of little importance, it is a great opportunity to promote 4-H. While River Valley 4-H members are wearing their 4-H apparel to school, other youth are exposed to the clover and have the opportunity to ask questions about what the 4-H program is. They have an opportunity to learn from their peers who are in the organization.
One of the Hs in 4-H stands for “Hands” and represents using our hands for larger service to make our communities even better. Day four really focused on this area and asked the youth of River Valley to give back to their communities through some sort of service project. Whether its making cards to deliver to the nursing home, or partaking in a community coat drive, youth are always great about giving back to their communities through 4-H service projects.
Be on the lookout for this event next year the week before Christmas for even more festive fun!
The River Valley Extension District (Clay, Cloud, Republic, and Washington Counties) has 22 different clubs that would love to have you join as a youth member or as a volunteer! Call any of our Extension Offices for more information today. Belleville at 785-527-5084, Clay Center at 785-632-5335, Concordia at 785-243-8185, and Washington at 785-325-2121.
