Lewis & Clark County 4-H

Published: 2019
By Kara Tangedal

4-H provides our 455 enrolled youth with engagement in learning, service to others, and a sense of belonging. In 2018 Lewis and Clark County 4-H formed a Youth Council to provide a younger collective voice to decisions made at the county level in 4-H. This move provides leadership opportunities to all enrolled 4-H youth and creates a sense of ownership in the program. One of our teen leaders said, “I am excited for these changes and feel like I can make a difference.” Our teens exercise their leadership in their club meetings, projects, and activities, including the Livestock Jackpot Show, Fair, 4-H Camp, and more. A citizenship survey conducted in Lewis and Clark County this year indicated more than half of our youth experienced increased service learning in helping with a community service project and encouraging others to volunteer in their community. Because of 4-H, 55% of our 7th-12th grade youth felt more part of their community than before, and when they learn about a problem in their community or elsewhere, they are more likely to talk about those needs and look for ways to help. Our youth members’ experience with 4-H has led to higher rates of youth reflecting they have learned skills while serving their communities that will help them in the future. 4-H continues to create true leaders here in Lewis & Clark County, our state, and the world. 4-H promotes positive relationships with our 114 enrolled, caring adult volunteers. This fall, our 4-H families and volunteers celebrated our achievements at Awards Night, put on by our Lewis and Clark County Ambassadors and Teen Leaders. We celebrated our club of the year, Kountry Bumpkins, project awards, project sponsorships from Helena McDonalds and the Schatz family, and five incredible volunteers who have made notable contributions to our program. Our Distinguished Service and Volunteering award winner, Jeff Patten, was nominated because, "Any time we have questions or concerns he has an answer or knows how to find the answer. He is easy to talk to and is encouraging. He sets up workshops so we have a better understanding of our projects. We appreciate his willingness to teach and encourage." 4-H truly is special in its community involvement and positive adult-youth partnerships.