The University of Vermont

extension

Youth

Programs

4-H offers a wide variety of programs in- and out-of-school. These experiential based, life skills focused activities range from science, engineering and technology topics to more traditional 4-H programming areas. The purpose is to engage youth who may not be enrolled as members of 4-H clubs but are interested in the types of projects 4-H provides and who may consider becoming independent members without a club association. With a wide range of topics to choose from, more youth can find productive environments to spend out-of-school time hours.

Programs to consider

Operation: Military Kids (OMK)

Coordinated by University of Vermont Extension 4-H, OMK Vermont helps the community understand the full cycle of deployment and its impact on children and families. In a state like Vermont, where there is no military base to connect them, military children can be invisible to coaches, teachers, and community. OMK provides educational, recreational, and support activities to children and youth of service men and women in Vermont building community connections for kids, empowering teens to share their stories, and helping them educate the community about the realities of the deployment cycle. Learn more:

Program partners:

  • Army Child, Youth and School Services
  • USDA National 4-H Headquarters
  • University of Vermont Extension 4-H Youth Development
Shooting Sports

The focus of all 4-H programs is the development of youth as individuals and as responsible and productive citizens. Youth learn marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and much more. The activities of the program and the support of caring adult leaders provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, self-worth, and conservation ethics. Learn more:

Growing Connections Gardening Program

What is 4-H Growing Connections? It is a garden-enhanced nutrition education program for youth that includes planning and planting a garden, developing nutrition and cooking skills, building food security and hunger awareness, and enhancing food safety and preservation skills. Learn more about Growing Connections

Program materials:

SET - Science, Engineering & Technology

What is SET? The United States is falling dangerously behind other nations in developing its future workforce of scientists, engineers, and technology experts and faces a crisis in its ability to keep up with increasing demand for professionals trained in these fields. For over 100 years, 4-H has been at the forefront of teaching youth about science, engineering and technology and reaches more than 5 million youth with hands-on learning experiences to encourage young minds and to fill the pipeline of young leaders proficient in science. Vermont 4-H has SET curriculum, materials and resource kits, and training opportunities in areas such as robotics, GIS and GPS, chemical and wind energy, among others. For specifics, contact Debbie Fajans, 4-H Educator and SET Project Leader at debbie.fajans@uvm.edu.

Learn more about 4-H SET:

Youth Environmental Council

Attention teens!

YOU can provide important leadership for conserving Vermont’s natural resources in the 21st century! The Vermont 4-H Youth Environmental Council (V4-HYEC) is an advanced service learning and leadership opportunity for teens ages 13 to 19.

If you’re interested in…

  • A six-month learning experience working with key environmental decision-makers in your region and the state government…
  • Improving your presentation and public speaking skills…
  • Researching and presenting environmental issues to Vermont’s legislative committees…
  • Being formally recognized as a youth leader in environmental public policy…
  • Networking with teens, agency professionals and government officials through meetings, training sessions, Internet communication technologies…
  • Getting valuable information on future career opportunities…

…the Vermont 4-H Youth Environmental Council is for YOU!

Become a council member:

Positions limited to 25 teens ages 13 to 19; applications are accepted on or before August 1, 2009.

Contact Information

For more information on how to get involved on the Vermont 4-H Youth Environmental Council, please contact:

Lisa Campion
V4-HYEC Coordinator
Vermont Law School
P.O. Box 96
South Royalton, VT 05068
lcampion@vermontlaw.edu
(586) 530-1771
Lauren Traister
4-H Educator
UVM Extension
29 Sunset Drive, Suite 2
Morrisville, VT 05661
lauren.traister@uvm.edu
(802) 888-4972 x103
Operation Purple Summer Camp

This year the National Military Family Association will host military children at Operation Purple camps in 62 locations in 37 states and territories. Each camp is “purple” and open to children of any uniformed service member, active duty or reserve component. Learn more and register on the National Military Family Association website.

Last modified October 06 2009 02:17 PM

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