The 2021-22 Montgomery County 4-H program year is slowly coming to an end. While some may believe that 4-H is just the fair, our program year actually starts Oct. 1 annually and ends on Sept. 30. It has been a great year for the Montgomery County 4-H program. This year we increased our enrollment to 618 youth in grades K-12 and 31 10-year members. 4-H youth took part in various experiences that provided the opportunity to gain and enhance important life skills, such as 4-H Round Up, Academy @ Purdue, 4-H Camp and more. Our youth also saw success at the Indiana State Fair.
4-H members also took on new leadership opportunities that will not only help grow the next generation of leaders, but will empower them to be a positive role model for younger youth. Our Teen Leadership team expanded to six members and they taught leadership development activities during various events throughout the year. They even led a leadership activity to individuals that were interested in running for a governmental office. This year, we had four members of the inaugural 4-H Tech Changemakers team for Indiana 4-H. This team is tasked with training adults in digital literacy skills and increasing digital inclusion in communities. Our Junior Leader program also saw growth in the number of members.
Our 4-H program is growing and needs 4-H volunteers to help lead it. The North Central Region 4-H Volunteer Impact Study (2019) stated that 88% recruited new youth to 4-H, 84% made new connections in the community on behalf of 4-H and 84% spoke about the value of the 4-H program to members in the community. As we prepare for the next 4-H program year, our adult 4-H volunteers play a large part in sharing the message of 4-H and inviting new youth to participate. There are various ways you can volunteer and give back to the youth in the community. We are in need of additional certified instructors for our Shooting Sports: Firearms project. There are also opportunities to serve in a variety of committees or lead a SPARK Club. If you want to learn more, contact the Montgomery County Extension office.
The next 4-H program year starts Oct. 1 so be on the look-out for 4-H materials being sent home through schools, shared in school newsletters, etc. You can “like” us on Facebook, Montgomery County 4-H, to see what opportunities will be offered throughout the community. Have questions about joining 4-H or just general questions about what your child can expect? I would love to talk with you and help get these questions answered. Feel free to call 765-364-6363, email asweet@purdue.edu, or stop by the Extension office. I am always happy to share how amazing the 4-H program is and how it benefits the youth in our community.
Abby Morgan is the Montgomery County Extension Education, 4-H Youth Development Educator. The office is at 400 Parke Ave., Crawfordsville; 765-364-6363. She may be reached by email at asweet@purdue.edu.
