Framework to Build Leadership in 4-H Youth

Nancy N., 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant

Our October 4-H podcast which aired the during the last week of the month was a joy for me to record! The primary reason being I interviewed my eldest daughter, Claire Ward, during her visit from Tacoma, Washington. The second reason is we discussed the educational competitive aspect of some of the 4-H project areas. The competitions are judging contests, skillathons and quiz bowls. I have always viewed these as skill-building tools in 4-H; I experienced this in my varied roles in 4-H Youth Development. I have served as a collegiate judging team member designing 4-H contests at Virginia Tech, as a Livestock Judging Coach, as an Extension Agent, a contestant parent, and many more years as a coach for multiple disciplines.

Claire was the perfect interviewee, she loved the 4-H contests! When I was preparing for the recording, I noted that she participated in every county and state contest except Dog Skillathon. I believe she began with Horse Judging, Horse Quiz Bowl, and Hippology Contest. She judged Horticulture, Poultry, Meats, Photography, and Family Consumer Science. In addition, Livestock Sweepstakes which included Skillathon, Quiz Bowl and Livestock Judging. She judged county and advanced to state in every discipline. She was on the winning Livestock Skillathon Team that represented Kansas at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY. Her consensus was it was fun! She enjoyed the challenge, the travel and meeting new people.

Here is where you can listen to the podcast to hear it in her own words, Framework to Build Leadership in Youth Podcast Episode. I am listing what she feels are skills she gained that continue to serve her well in her work in upper-level retail management. She is somewhat of a “fixer” in her corporate work. She gets sent to locations identified as having problems. Her role is to hire, train and build teams that are successful and happy, and that help the workplace thrive. She also touched on personal relationship and responsibility to others. In her words, “Showing up for your team and in life is more than 90% of the deal”.

Here is a rundown of skills learned and earned through competitive 4-H experiences:

• Critical thinking skills used for learning more of subject and evaluating your choices.
• Discernment when defending a choice and being able to articulate your reasoning.
• Explanation and communication of your logic and decision-making.
• Public speaking skills, maintaining eye contact, functional note-taking and memorization.
• Collaborative and team-building skills.
• Confidence and self-esteem building
• Long-lasting mentor relationships and friendships.
• Learning volunteerism as it relates to a successful event.

It was an enlightening recording session and I am thankful to Claire for sharing the advantages she feels were gained by diving deeper into 4-H project work through the competitive experience.

The contests we recommend ten out of ten!

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