Madison County 4-H The Power of YOUth!

The 4-H Youth Development program creates opportunities and supportive environments for youth and adults to become capable, competent and caring citizens. The emphasis is on "hands-on" learning that focuses on the youth's area of interest. Programs are conducted with the help of parents, adult volunteer leaders and professional staff who organize educational experiences. Youth participate in organized 4-H clubs, special interest and project groups, 4-H school enrichment programs, 4-H camp and other special activities.

Sarah McCormick wins National 4-H Week Essay Contest
By Miranda Shearer

Sarah McCormick, a member of the Madison County 4-H Saddle Club, won the 2008 National 4-H Week Essay Contest with this entry. 

Sarah is a very active member of our 4-H Program, especially the Saddle Club where she has attended almost all the monthly meetings and competed in both our District and State 4-H Horse Shows. 

National 4-H Week is a really important part of the Kentucky 4-H Tradition with more than 270,000 Kentucky 4-H club members and volunteers celebrating the first week of October. 

National 4-H week also received a lot of support from Southern States this year.  In fact, the Richmond Southern States sold clovers in October to help raise money for 4-H and allowed several members from our Livestock and Poultry Pals clubs to set-up displays and demonstrations.

Throughout National 4-H Week, the focus was on positive youth development and leadership opportunities.  4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 

4-H is organized around the notion of building community spirit and creating opportunities for youth to develop skills and confidence. Members gain knowledge and life skills and benefit from opportunities that promote positive youth development.

The goals of the 4-H program are easily seen through the ideals represented in the H’s on the widely recognized 4-H Clover. Head, clearer thinking and decision making and knowledge useful throughout life; Heart, greater loyalty, strong personal values, positive self-concept and concern for others; Hands, larger service, workforce preparedness, useful skills, science and technology literacy; and Health, better living and healthy lifestyles.

To become more involved in 4-H Programs, as a 4-H member or volunteer, contact the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service at 623-4072.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

4-H State Issues Conference Planned
by Lisa Adams

The  annual 4-H Youth Development Issues conference will take place Nov. 20-23 at the Kentucky Leadership Center in Jabez. The conference is open to high school sophomores and juniors who display leadership potential and commit to implement skills learned at the conference in their home communities.

The Madison County Cooperative Extension Service has registration forms and information on fees and other details about the conference.  October 28 is the deadline for conference delegates to submit forms and fees to the Extension office.

During the four-day conference, top student leaders from throughout Kentucky will learn the process skills necessary to plan and carry out community programs that address local issues.

Delegates will participate in action groups focusing on contemporary issues affecting young people.  This is how issues are selected for the action groups.  The conference planning committee develops a list of current issues affecting young people.  On their conference registration forms, youth vote on the first, second and third topics they are most interested in studying. Issues receiving the most votes are chosen for action group discussions.

Issues on which delegates will vote include diversity, teen image, character and ethics, health and wellness, war and peace and environment.

Participants also will have opportunities to discuss issues with other youth from across the commonwealth in informal settings.

Central conference goals are to help young people become more knowledgeable about issues that affect them, become more involved in shaping public policies on youth issues, believe they can help bring about positive changes in their communities, and acquire skills necessary to give leadership to local changes.

Although the conference is sponsored by the Kentucky 4-H Program, delegates do not have to be 4-H Youth Development members.

Last year 4-H had four delegates attend this state conference and hope for even more this year!

For more information on opportunities available through 4-H, contact the Madison County Extension Office at 623-4072.

4-H Shooting Sports Wraps Up Another Season

by Scott Darst The weekend of September 20-21, 2008, the Madison County 4-H Shooting Sports Club competed in the 4-H State Shooting Competition. Counties from all over KY sent 4-H teams to central Kentucky to participate for a weekend of fun and competition. This year it was estimated that the shoot had a record number of participants and observers. Saturday’s events were held in Wilmore, Kentucky that featured black powder, rifles, pistols, and archery. Nathan Burton won 1st place in black powder percussion rifle. Wes Burton placed 3rd in archery recurve bow.

Sunday’s events featured 12 gauge and 20 gauge trap here in Madison County, at the Central KY Wildlife Management Area. Bradley Long placed 3rd in the 9-11 year olds shooting 20 gauge.

Madison County 4-H Shooting Sports has had an awesome year. All our coaches and volunteers have dedicated themselves to teach safety, leadership and setting personal goals to all our members. This year I have observed members achieving “personal bests” in shooting and in life skills. Furthermore, I thank our coaches, volunteers, and members for helping us have a great year.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

See a list of 4-H Youth Development publications you can view and print.

Follow the links below for 4-H Information...

•   4-H Means Business has a great website - 4HMeansBusiness.com

•   4-H State Website

These are just a few of the many activities 4-H offers. For more information on these or other 4-H programs, contact the Madison County Cooperative Extension Service at 859-623-4072.   

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.