It is National 4H Week, and youth across the Upper Cumberland benefit from the program that continues to grow.
Pickett County 4H Youth Development Agent Katie Hunter said 4H programs teach more than cooking, sewing, and how to raise animals. Hunter said the program focuses as much on a child’s development, citizenship and social skills.
“Over time its evolved tremendously, you know,” Hunter said. “You used to be able to do one or two things but now boys and girls are able to do all of it. It’s not just being able to be involved in agriculture anymore.”
Van Buren 4H Youth Development Agent Shelby Boyer said the program helps kids find a voice. She said that’s especially important in a generation where face-to-face communication can often be lacking. teaches subject matter like public speaking and conversational skills.
“I have seen growth in kids all the way from not speaking at all in public or just hardly talking at all to giving speeches at a national level,” Boyer said. “And I’ve seen them grow and develop as humans and to put their selves out there and to not be afraid to take a step and to either running for things at their college or school.”
Boyer said Van Buren County’s program has seen significant growth in the last several years. Boyer said Van Buren accepts parent requests for what the next 4H program should be.
“Our program in the state of Tennessee has become one of the largest 4H programs in the U.S.,” Boyer said. “And we have just grown a lot in opportunities for kids to receive money for scholarships and open their horizons.”
While COVID slowed the growth in Pickett County, Hunter said they plan to expand, in an effort to grow enrollment.
“It’s been COVID since I’ve been hired,” Hunter said. “And so we’re still looking at rebuilding and getting the participation and getting the programs that Pickett County will thrive in.”
Hunter said there is something for everyone in 4H. Hunter said children can experience hands-on learning from a professional in a particular field of interest. Hunter said participating youths can talk to professionals and gain extra resources.
“The kids benefit tremendously, they get to make connections at a young age and that continues to grow knowledge of people and stakeholders in our community,” Hunter said. “But all across the state they get the opportunity to travel which is something that they might not get otherwise.”
Boyer said the children and generational 4H graduates build a bond, and they see each other during the regional trips. Boyer said 4H relationships can last a lifetime.
Boyer said the more time participants put into the program, the more they will get out of it.
