Beyond Ready

It’s more than just a catchy new phrase for 4-H!

Nancy N., 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant

Collage. Leadership exemplified with our 4-H Ambassador Team. A 4-H member sharing teaching and presenting. A 4-H member giving a presentation

The National 4-H Council, with the leadership and work of 4-H Extension, has launched Beyond Ready.

This new nationwide initiative is designed to empower ten million young people with the skills, self-resilience, and self-confidence that are imperative to thrive in an ever-changing world.

As 4-H educators know, this requires a multi-faceted approach that incorporates not only youth’s academic pursuits but also adaptability, with a strong sense of purpose and ties to their community.

Kansas 4-H has accepted this challenge by committing to engage more of our Kansas youth in a 4-H experience. This may look like a special interest short-term project known as the SPIN model. It may be through a fun and educational day camp available to communities during school breaks. In short, any programming mode that increases engagement beyond the traditional enrollment.

So, what are we doing in Douglas County 4-H to step up to the Beyond Ready challenges set by the national initiative? Initiatives such as:

  • to increase traditional enrollment in community clubs
  • to leverage our partnerships with government agencies, universities, and local coalitions.
  • to increase leadership and communication skills in our membership through programs that foster mentorships with local community leaders.

In addition to the end of the 4-H year on September 30th, we are simultaneously ushering in the new year with our November Achievement Celebration. This October 1st, 4-H enrollment will open, and our club leaders have the tools to begin the new year. We plan to offer updated leadership training for our new project leaders and parents who may be considering taking on a leadership role. We always encourage returning 4-H members to bring a friend to their club meetings. Their enthusiasm is the best advertisement!

As we begin the 2025-2026 4-H Year, we plan to continue into a third year of the Biology & Natural Sciences SPIN club, which is led by KU Doctoral students (all screened 4-H volunteers). Their mentorship has been invaluable. We will also continue our partnership with the KU College of Engineering (ME) for our STEM youth project, specifically robotics.

The Fiber Arts Project hopes to expand on a series of day camps following the success of the Crochet Day Camp of last summer in partnership with The Yarn Barn of Lawrence.

4-H School Enrichment has been an excellent vehicle for acquainting local youth with the program and has increased interest among adults, as well. We have already had four new classrooms to request a unit for next spring. The hope is to expand enrichment programs to other subjects.

Our program continues to expand our leadership and communication series of events for our high school-aged 4-H members. We are so proud of their accomplishments! We believe with certainty they will leave our program, Beyond Ready!

This article is from the 2025 K-State Extension Douglas County Fall Newsletter publication.