4-H Grows Leaders

Published: 2019
By Kellie Kahtani

Silver Bow County 4-H has grown by 60% in the past 3 years, with a total of 87 enrolled members for the 2018-2019 4-H year. Not only has our membership grown, but we were able to add a much needed 3rd club in our county in October of 2018. Our county program is supported by 32 enrolled volunteer leaders. This year, the MSU Extension office offered trainings for new families and volunteers entitled, “We Joined 4-H, Now What?” which was attended by 20 youth and 19 adults. During this workshop, members, parents, and volunteers learned about the 4-H program, roles, and the importance of communication to make a program successful for everyone involved. They were able to network with their club and/or project leaders, other members within the program, as well as have an opportunity to get to know the 4-H Extension Agent. Members were able to take on leadership roles this year as camp counselors at the Silver Bow County hosted Multi-County 4-H Camp. Camp leaders developed leadership workshops to 30 4-H members from around District 5. Members participated in communications workshops, STEM activities, cooking, healthy living activities, and recreation. We had record attendance, both with members and adult leaders, with 42 attendees representing 3 counties. With the growth of camp this year, more members are looking forward to becoming camp leaders and hosting their own workshops for next year.