4-H Center for Youth Development
Source: MU Extension Annual Report, FY 2008
A recent study revealed actively participating Missouri 4-H’ers have significantly reduced risk behaviors, lessened likelihood of bullying and fewer symptoms of depression than their non-participating peers. Here, a small group performs a team-building project at a 4-H summer camp at Roaring River State Park.
With mounting episodes of student violence and the media’s increased recognition of youth delinquency, high school dropout rates and teen pregnancy, a national spotlight has focused on the importance of positive youth development programs for school-age children.
Four-year findings from an ongoing nationwide study of students released in 2008 are providing insight into how participation in youth programs such as 4-H corresponds with children and adolescents transitioning into leading healthy, productive lives.
“The Positive Development of Youth” report covered research of students in four waves, as they progressed from grades five through eight, detailing the positive effects 4-H has on the students’ social behaviors and choices. The study, by Tufts University’s Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development, is showing significant benefits to youth who participated in 4-H activities at least twice monthly, including reduced alcohol consumption, smoking and premarital sexual activity. Results show students involved in 4-H have a decreased likelihood of bullying others and exhibiting symptoms of depression while at the same time they increased leadership roles among their peers, their goal-setting capabilities and adaptive behavior to achieve their goals.
In addition, youths who regularly participate in development programs such as 4-H are 70 percent more likely to attend college.
With the support of thousands of community leaders and hard-working volunteers, state and regional 4-H youth development specialists and other MU Extension team members, the Missouri 4-H program reached one of every 10 — a total of 104,157 — youths, ages 5 to 19, on a local level across the state in FY 2008.
Nearly a third of those participants (28,345) belong to 4-H clubs, whereby they commit to a yearlong variety of community service projects and family-related activities. More than 58,000 students were active in 4-H school programs. Seminars, conferences, camps and child-care programs hosted thousands more.
Even into an individual’s adulthood, 4-H continues to have a place in the lives of Missouri residents. MU faculty trained 6,529 youth professionals, MU Extension faculty and staff, parents of participants and volunteers to help carry on the 4-H pledge to empower the state’s youth. In all, more than 11,385 adults and youths served as volunteers statewide during the year.
Learn more about the MU Extension 4-H
Center for Youth Development
Success story
Research Affirms Value of 4-H Camp Counselor Experiences
Hannibal-LaGrange College freshman, Jordan Hawker, knew she wanted to be a physical therapist, but she didn’t know she would want to work with kids—until her experience as a 4-H camp counselor. A frequent camper herself since she was 9 years old, Hawker says her counselor experience helped her have more patience with children and has encouraged her to be a better role model.
A study of 194 camp counselors in 2007 by University of Missouri Extension measured counselors’ experiences in areas such as interpersonal relationships, identity, initiative, teamwork and social skills. According to regional 4-H Youth Development Specialist Don Nicholson, the results were consistent. The counselor experience is positive in every way—in developing communication skills, personal confidence, compassion and the ability to help kids through tough experiences. In fact, 73 percent said it helped prepare them for college, and 63 percent reported an increased desire to stay in school.
Until recently, attempts to measure the value of serving as a camp counselor have been rare. Missouri is a national leader in evaluating that role and is using results of its research to equip and empower teen camp counselors across the state. Nicholson is confident the research would apply to other states and youth organizations as well.
“Factors of belonging, mastery of skills, generosity and independence are common in most camps,” he says. “And any place where they are present, it seems good things are going to happen.”