Wheatland County
Innovative Youth Development
Published: 2019By Mandie Reed
Research has shown that youth who participate in 4-H programs benefit in many ways. 4-H is research-based and provides youth an opportunity to experience positive youth development and develop relationships with caring adults. In Wheatland County, Extension Agent Mandie Reed recognized an opportunity to reach youth who were not currently engaged in other youth development programs and develop non-traditional 4-H programs that would meet their needs.
To engage youth who like to think creatively and outside the box, we partnered with Harlowton High School business teacher Mrs. Berg and created a Youth Entrepreneurship club. The YE curriculum has been tested for over 20 years and uses experiential learning models to create a fun, interactive space where youth are excited to engage. Mrs. Berg shared that youth who have never been passionate about anything were excited about the YE activities. The club was a safe place for youth to belong, where they were encouraged to think about problems differently.
Other innovative outreach programs offered by Wheatland County Extension include 4-H Fridays, Teen Leadership Camp, and Cloverbud day camp. Youth were able to enhance their project skills by participating in 4-H Fridays. Teen Leadership Camp is a leadership opportunity for middle school aged youth were they practice resilience and our youngest 4-H members participated in their own outdoor 4-H activities at Cloverbud camp. Through our innovative program efforts, more youth and adult volunteers engaged in 4-H activities.