Volunteers

Working with Youth: From Frazzled to Dazzled: Part 2

Over the past couple weeks we have discussed ways to promote positive behavior, discourage disruptive behavior and thus go from frazzled to dazzled in our work with youth!  Remember, the ultimate goal of all 4-H clubs/groups is positive youth development.  We want 4-H members to have the opportunity to participate in physically and emotionally safe environments, in welcoming and inclusive environments, and in appropriately structured environments when they participate in 4-H programs. These are three of the essential elements of positive youth development (PYD).  

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Activity Ideas for Livestock Project Leaders

Project leaders have a vital role in developing youth’s skills in a project and need to keep youth motivated in the project all year long.  This can be difficult with the many activities youth are involved in today; nevertheless, it is important to promote the responsibility and life skills youth develop from animal projects by providing fun and new learning opportunities beyond the typical club meeting.  

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Helping Youth Establish Goals

Setting goals can be one of the most challenging and frustrating things for adults to do and it can be even harder for youth to accomplish.  However, it has been shown people who write out their goals and share them with others are more likely to reach their goals than people who have unwritten or unspecific goals.  As a project leader, advisor, or parent; sitting down with youth and helping them write down goals will provide a more positive learning experience within a project and hold the youth accountable for accomplishing their set goals.

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4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame

The 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame was established as part of the 100th Centennial Birthday Celebration for 4-H in 2002.  Its purpose then, and now, is to recognize and celebrate those individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of the 4-H program in South Dakota.  Their time, effort, and dedication have benefited thousands of youth over the history of South Dakota 4-H. More than 160 4-H volunteers have been inducted into the Hall of Fame since 2002.

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Understanding Early Childhood Development

Early childhood is generally defined as ages from birth to eight with an emphasis on the ages between 5 and 8. At age five, many children begin their formal education in the school setting. Meanwhile, they also begin joining in other group activities where informal learning occurs, such as, afterschool groups, teams and clubs.  For adults who guide, coach or mentor children in these organizations, it is important to plan activities thoughtfully and intentionally based on the developmental characteristics of early childhood.

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