How Douglas County 4-H engages members for learning and fun!

Nancy N., 4-H Youth Development Program Assistant

The National 4-H Program is built on the premise of “Hands on Learning”, or experiential learning; in fact, a longtime 4-H motto is “Learn by Doing”. The research-backed and evidence-based national 4-H curriculum has the components to ensure that 4-H members are engaging all six of their senses in the learning, and that two overall goals are reached- learning is happening and they are having fun while learning!

In Kansas, and specifically Douglas County 4-H, Program staff has worked to build a cadre of volunteer adult leaders who have the skills and desire to help us achieve our goals of making learning fun.

In our countywide project clubs, we see oftentimes the leaders who share their interests in exciting ways and through hands on methods helping members to question, experiment, build, grow, achieve and reflect on their specific interests. One of the most important roles of the adult volunteer is to inspire youth to think about “why?” and “How” and What if?” Keeping open communication and room to experiment is essential. It is proven that there are at least seven different learning styles and designing meetings or club events to embrace these through varied delivery can increase learning retention.

You may ask what is the downside to creating these learning environments? Assuredly, there is more time spent on the part of the volunteer in preparation for experiences that will inspire 4-H youth. However, that member may be learning a particular method for baking foolproof piecrusts, designing a robotics car, or earning a spot on a Poultry Judging Team. These are all notable successes that have great payoffs:

1. The increased use of multiple senses results in increased learning retention.
2. The multiple teaching/learning method maximizes creativity and flexibility.
3. The focus is more on learning from the view of the 4-H member, less from adult perspective.
4. The process of discovery of knowledge and solution builds self-esteem.
5. Learning is more fun!
6. Life skill learning, instead of merely subject matter.

In conclusion, I’ll share some real time examples in Douglas County.

Our Horse Project Club with longtime leadership of Bobby Hinds has seen members achieve many goals- in, and out of the show ring. They have competed in quiz bowls, photography contests, judging contests, educational demonstrations, and more.

Aerospace and Rocketry Project Meetings with leaders Tim and Brevin Flory meeting regularly to group-teach youth on aerodynamic principles and step-by-step rocket building and launching, and then prep for fair entry, has added greatly to youth knowledge and our county fair display!

And finally, Poultry Project Meetings with leader Janine Leslie are not to be missed! Month after month she has a large group of all ages wanting to look at chicken cuts of meat, cracked-out eggs or judging live birds. They show birds at the fair, but also participate in county and state poultry judging.

This is not a comprehensive list! We appreciate all our volunteers in the many ways they interact within the Douglas County 4-H Program.

 

This publication is from the 2025 K-State Research and Extension Douglas County Summer Newsletter.