banner

Broadwater County

4-H Program Remains Strong During a Pandemic

Published: 2020
By Allison Kosto
Broadwater County 4-H had another strong year with 144 club members. The program is supported by 52 certified volunteers who led clubs, organized project work, served on committees, and coordinated events and activities. On average, volunteers spent 7 hours per month with 4-H. This commitment equates to a value of $111,078 of time given by 4-H volunteers to support county youth. Due to the pandemic, the office, clubs and leaders developed new ways to reach youth when face-to-face meetings were not possible. Club meetings and project workshops were done using virtual technology such as Zoom and Webex. Additionally, the office started the “4-H Activity of the Day” program to provide youth with an activity to do while at home during “shelter-in-place” and create another opportunity for youth to learn new skills and knowledge. Through the program, a daily activity was provided with bonus activities on the weekend. Topics varied from science, engineering, visual arts, problem solving and history. Some activities focused on 4-H projects so that members could use them in their 4-H project books as a substitute for missed workshops. A total of 39 4-H youth completed 316 activities during the spring of 2020. Another major change was the cancellation of the Broadwater County Fair & Rodeo. However, the 4-H program received special permission to continue certain fair activities with adjustments in place to ensure participants remained safe and healthy.
4-H Member Andrew Beatty displays his work.