4-H I Sarah Feider, 4-H Program Educator
A six-hour day camp for 18 youth in grades K–7, where participants built teamwork and communication skills through team-building activities, 4-H Bingo, art, LEGO sink-and-float challenges, S’mores, puppet and air-dry clay creations, and hands-on exploration of what 4-H has to offer. Through these experiences, youth developed new skills, connected with peers, and were introduced to the wide variety of opportunities available through 4-H.
The program was developed in response to an ongoing partnership with the local library, which had invited 4-H to provide programming for youth for two consecutive years and expressed interest in continuing the partnership the following year. This created an opportunity to provide engaging, hands-on activities while increasing youth awareness of 4-H programs and the learning, leadership, and social opportunities available to them. I responded by collaborating with the library to provide a six-hour, hands-on 4-H day camp for 18 youth in grades K–7. Activities included team building and teamwork challenges, 4-H Bingo, art, LEGO sink-and-float challenges, S’mores, puppet and air-dry clay creations, and an introduction to the opportunities available through 4-H. This approach allowed youth to experience a variety of fun, educational activities while building connections with 4-H and learning about future opportunities to participate. The program supported the broader community by giving youth opportunities to build teamwork, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and social skills in a welcoming environment. By introducing youth and families to 4-H through the library partnership, the program helped increase awareness of local youth development opportunities and strengthened community connections between 4-H and the library. These experiences can help youth develop confidence, positive relationships, and skills that contribute to their success in school, their communities, and future leadership roles.