Youth Program Grows Despite the Pandemic

Published: 2020
By Josie Evenson

Although 2020 was challenging for all, there were also great things that happened. The Richland County 4-H program’s enrollment grew by 16% from the previous year with a total of 253 enrolled 4-H members. 4-H provides opportunities for youth to participate in learn-by-doing projects that guide them in the experiential learning process. The top projects in the county are market beef, market hog, photography, wood working and foods and nutrition. With an increased enrollment, our project enrollment also increased, some by up to 50%. The Richland County 4-H program had to find alternative avenues that allowed youth to grow and develop. A virtual speech and demonstration day was held with 11 youth participating, as well as a virtual quilt and fashion revue with 12 participants. In addition to virtual events, a 4-H only fair took place where 233 members were able to practice project mastery and independence. Even though the fair was not open to the public, the community offered incredible support to the youth program. Local businesses came forward to support the 4-H only event, these 11 businesses allowed the youth to partake in an important educational event and provided opportunities for the public to view the fair events virtually. In addition, local businesses stepped forward to support the livestock auction, with sale support up 23% from the previous year. Despite the challenges, Richland County 4-H had a successful year in 2020.