Figure 1:  Teen Council members share their leadership style at a club meeting

While historically 4-H clubs have engaged participants in programs focusing on agricultural interests, such as growing crops, caring for livestock, and preparing nutritious meals, the Pennsylvania 4-H program has expanded to include a wide variety of other topics in recent years. These program topics vary greatly, but all work to develop communication, problem-solving, and personal development in youth across the state.

A recent highlight in 4-H programming is science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). By connecting these technical skills with 4-H, participants can relate their interests to future career opportunities in these fields, find passions solving complex problems in their lives, and work as a team to design and create a better world. In Pennsylvania, 4-H members can engage in STEM topics at all ages of the program, through Engineering Design Challenges, Animal Science Camps, 4-H STEM Labs, and more!

Another popular area of programming in Pennsylvania is leadership. Youth across the commonwealth are encouraged to engage with their club, community, country, and world through programs that provide opportunities for youth to connect with their roles as young leaders of Pennsylvania. The state offers 4-H members opportunities to enhance their understanding of civic engagement and the role they play as active members of their community by providing opportunities to hold office positions in clubs, organize community events, and participate in events such as State Leadership Conference.

These are only some of the opportunities 4-H offers participants throughout the state. Youth members participate in activities ranging from shooting sports and rocketry to sewing and gardening. Other members may find an interest in horses or showing rabbits, while still more members may find their passion lies in leadership projects or public speaking. With such a wide variety of opportunities, 4-H members can work to improve and develop their passions with the guidance of a trusted adult no matter where their interests lie. For more information on 4-H programming or how to get involved, contact the Potter County Extension Office at 814-274-8540 or email Spencer at sqg5901@psu.edu.