Data reveals that Gen Z is worried yet optimistic about the future of the planet, believe it’s critical to address now or will lead to global political instability

CHEVY CHASE, MD (April 13, 2022) - A new survey by National 4-H Council and the Harris Poll exploring teens' perceptions and attitudes about the environment found that across demographic groups, 75 percent of Gen Z teens in the U.S. are worried about the future of the planet.

An overwhelming 84 percent of teens agree that if climate change is not addressed today, it will be too late for coming generations and make parts of the planet unlivable. This impacts how they view their own futures, with 84 percent of Gen Z respondents indicating that the effects of climate change will lead to global political instability and 69 percent of teens expressing worries that they and their families will be personally affected by climate change through floods, fires, and extreme heat in the near future.

"This survey reinforces that climate change is among the most urgent issues facing youth today," said Jennifer Sirangelo, President and CEO of National 4-H Council. "Gen Z has experienced historic weather events and climate concerns firsthand, and they are channeling their worries into innovative solutions in their backyards and the world," added Sirangelo. "Cooperative Extension's 4-H program is committed to lifting up youth voices and empowering young people to help their communities achieve a brighter and more environmentally secure future."

Teens feel empowered to take action with 84 percent expressing a desire to be involved in shaping the future success of the planet. Yet they believe everyone is equally responsible for protecting and preserving the environment and that political and business leaders are falling short. The vast majority of teens (84 percent) agree that we need more action from companies on addressing climate issues, and 83 percent of teens want to see more legislative action from the government.

"The future of the Mississippi River is concerning because it is the lifeline to not only Louisiana industries and ecosystems, but also to the entire country," said Louisiana 4-H'er Izzy Dean. "If the Mississippi River and its deltas continue to experience pollution, nutrient runoff, and levees blocking the reintroduction of soil deposits to the floodplains, there will be detrimental impacts for the environment and future generations of humanity," added Dean. "I hope that my soon-to-be career as a coastal environmental scientist can address these concerns by figuring out solutions to mitigate subsidence, restore disappearing habitats, and work to fix the many other problems that plague this very important, yet very fragile, river and watershed."

The survey also found that Gen Z is concerned not just about their own individual futures when it comes to climate change, but on the future of life as we know it. Indeed, 84 percent of teens are worried that if we don't do more to protect the environment now, humans, along with wildlife and other species, will suffer and possibly go extinct.

"For generations, 4-H'ers have recited the 4-H pledge, 'pledging their hands to larger service.' The current generation faces severe environmental challenges with great concern and even greater hope," said Dave Francis, Director of Extension & 4-H Youth Programs for Utah State University Extension. "These young leaders know they can make a difference and are willing to extend great effort to drive change in their local communities to impact the world."

The survey polled 1,500 respondents between the ages of 13-19 nationwide. Data was collected and analyzed on a variety of factors including gender, age, race, urbanicity, and 4-H involvement. The full survey results can be viewed at 4-H.org.

Contact:

Julia Majors, National 4-H Council
jmajors@fourhcouncil.edu
202-262-1782

About 4-H

4-H, the nation's largest youth development organization, grows confident young people who are empowered for life today and prepared for careers tomorrow. 4-H programs empower nearly six million young people across the U.S. through experiences that develop critical life skills. 4-H is the youth development program of our nation's Cooperative Extension System and USDA and serves every county and parish in the U.S. through a network of 110 public universities and more than 3000 local Extension offices. Globally, 4-H collaborates with independent programs to empower one million youth in 50 countries. The research-backed 4-H experience grows young people who are four times more likely to contribute to their communities; two times more likely to make healthier choices; two times more likely to be civically active; and two times more likely to participate in STEM programs.  Learn more about 4‑H at 4-H.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

As the firstborn child of two Cameroonian immigrants the path of my life has been an immovable blueprint, a vicarious manifestation of my parent's dreams. Go to school, graduate with high marks, become a doctor, support the family, and set the precedent for those who come after you. Being inept and failing is not an option. Additionally, having lived in predominantly white towns for most of my life, the perpetuated monolithic tropes of young black women aren't beneficial for survival. To survive, I wield code-switching like a sword with many faces. Neither of these factors enabled my emotional fluidity. I was expected to only showcase my strengths. I felt trapped and isolated.

To combat this, I facilitated race relations discussions amongst my peers and adults within my community. When asked why, I habitually said what people wanted to hear. I'd reply, "Racism is a viral societal ill that must be combatted one uncomfortable conversation at a time. I am advocating for anti-racism because the voices of people of color deserve to be amplified. We deserve visibility." This response is correct socially and politically, but it wasn't honest. My guard was still up, and I began to question myself more. Why was I really doing this? I summed it up to two factors.

First, by facilitating these discussions, I gave myself permission to be vulnerable. I was afraid of being perceived as frail, inadequate, or a victim. I viewed my vulnerability as a weapon to be used against me, rather than a strength I can utilize upon my own volition. With every unfiltered conversation, I began to free myself. Being able to lay my pain out in front of others was relieving. With that relief I invited others to be vulnerable as well, to share their stories, relay their pain or lack of understanding, and with that understanding came increased empathy.

By facilitating these workshops and cultivating empathy within my community, others have experienced that freedom as well. My 4-H peers and I started to bridge the gap between young people and law enforcement, freeing one another from preconceived grudges and historical challenges. Our outreach expanded as other 4-H clubs across New York State were inspired to host their own Race and Reconciliation workshops too. In my own school, I was empowered to create a safe space for students of many different backgrounds and identities to feel free as themselves. In collaboration with the school board, my peers and I created a "Diversity Cafe", a space within our school's library that would enable students to meet with each other, share their stories, and embrace their differences. I am proud to say our leadership inspired our school to start constructing the Diversity Cafe, which will be completed this year. I hope this will be a space for future 4-H teen leaders to teach the values of advocacy and hospitality to all.

As a Youth in Action Pillar Winner, I am using my platform to educate others on anti-racism and to find new ways to foster safe spaces for my peers inside and outside 4-H. I've also continued my Race and Reconciliation work here at The George Washington University through the Women's Leadership Program. In collaboration with another student, we conducted a workshop titled, "Understanding and Supporting Non-Dominant Race and Gender Identities". This sparked numerous introspective conversations about ways to support one another through societal struggles and because of this workshop, we were even awarded the Humphries Leadership Award for Spring 2022.

I know there is still work to be done, but at the end of it all, I just hope to create freedom for my peers: for emotions and self-expression, for empathy and understanding.

Growing up in a small, rural Louisiana town surrounded by agriculture, I was reminded of the value and importance of the industry every day.

There's no doubt in my mind that I would not be the person that I am today, and in the role that I am in, had it not been for 4-H. The ability to be able to learn how to serve, the ability to learn about civic engagement, the ability to learn how to lead - the heart and the passion that is given from 4-H - have all shaped my career and who I am as a person.

After high school, I earned a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I went on to Louisiana State University to earn a master's in environmental studies and a Ph.D. in renewable natural resources. As I pursued degrees in male-dominated fields, I was able to rely on the opportunities, skills and confidence I gained through 4-H.

When I stepped into my role at NIFA, a priority was to build a strong, innovative agency filled with some of the nation's very best experts. Our NIFA team is dedicated to strengthening education and Extension outreach efforts to help propel U.S. agriculture forward and solve some of our most pressing national issues.

During my time as NIFA director, I have had the opportunity to spend time talking with and listening to our 4-H'ers about the challenges they face and how we at NIFA can play a role in best serving them.

While we are focused on developing science, knowledge and service delivery to address the big challenges of our time, we are keenly aware of the greatest need we have - to educate and develop the next generation of scientists and leaders for agriculture and our communities.

When it comes to our priorities throughout NIFA, one of the things that we try to do is make sure everyone feels like they belong. That is particularly important with 4-H and positive youth development.

As we work together to be able to build our support for all young people, particularly those that come from underserved populations, we ask what we can do not only as USDA, not only as NIFA, but as people - people that believe in youth. What can we do to make sure we are supporting our commitment to make sure everyone belongs in 4-H?

I recognize that my ability to be where I am is because of the leaders ahead of me. I value my role, and it is a true honor to be helping pave the way for others to find their place in agriculture.

The future is bright, and I am so very encouraged by the work I see being done with our young people in 4-H. By prioritizing positive youth development, I know our young people will be poised to lead.

Afterschool programs provide the perfect setting for students to engage in STEM learning. According to the newly released America After 3PM special report, STEM learning in afterschool programs is on the rise, but inequities remain. Lights On Afterschool is a great opportunity for programs to showcase their STEM curriculum!

In its 22nd year, Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide celebration of afterschool programs, students, and staff. In a typical year, one million people come together for 8,000 Lights On events across the country. There are plenty of ways to incorporate STEM learning into Lights On Afterschool events. One of those ways is by celebrating two events in one, and making your Lights On Afterschool event a 4-H STEM Challenge event!

This year’s 4-H STEM Challenge, Galactic Quest, incorporates physics and engineering through telescope building, computer science with cybersecurity and coding, and even space agriculture—allowing students to build a mechanical arm to harvest crops in outer space. Galactic Quest also examines the history of space exploration and the hurdles present while in orbit.

This year, more than 200 participating programs are focus on STEM activities during their Lights On Afterschool events. Here are a few of the ideas we’ve seen so far:

Partnering with an organization that focuses on STEM learning: The Napoleon & Ada Moton Chapman Institute has a partnership with NASA’s Museum Alliance as part of their Lights On celebration: “STEM is Here To Stay: Come & Learn!”

Combining STEM with health and wellness: The STEM club and SMART moves club of the Kadena Teen Center will collaborate to create colored powder for the organization’s Lights On Afterschool color run.

Incorporating STEM with the Lights On theme: The Boys and Girls Club of The Northtowns in Buffalo, New York, is hosting a “Lights On Afterschool Town” event, featuring a glow party and DIY STEM projects about lights and circuits.

Utilizing resources such as those provided by Million Girls Moonshot: Throughout October, Million Girls Moonshot is celebrating girls and women in STEM for Lights On Afterschool. Visit their Million Girls Moonshot toolkit to find STEM resources, events, and activities to help students explore STEM opportunities and foster the engineering mindset.

Join the hundreds of other afterschool programs around the nation this year in celebrating Lights On Afterschool and STEM learning!

As co-chair of the Congressional 4-H Caucus, I join a group of 55 Representatives who are advocates, champions and alumni of 4-H, raising awareness of the organization’s impact on young people and communities across the United States. We are a community of leaders who use our national platforms to impact the districts we serve locally.

As one of eight children born to migrant farm workers in Laredo, Texas—in a household where we primarily spoke Spanish—I was raised with a passion for advancement and an unwavering work ethic. My parents emphasized education, and to them at that time, a high school education was a great achievement. However, they continued to support me as I went beyond what was expected of me, earning a Juris Doctor and Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin.

Today, as the most degreed member of Congress, I credit my education to what my parents instilled in me and their vision for my future.  Due to their influence, my public service to Texas is still informed by the values of my local communities.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, I’m proud to join 4-H in their commemoration of recognition for Hispanic and Latinx individuals across the nation. The campaign, “La Comunidad,” exemplifies the importance of community and celebrates all aspects of what a community means to us all. Today, it is my honor to represent and give back to my community by serving as the U.S. Representative of the 28th District of Texas.

I support my community through the continued development and expansion of the Texas Grant Program, which allows thousands of students the chance to achieve a college education, particularly minorities. I address local agricultural, and nutrition needs by serving on the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, which provides funding for farmers, ranchers, nutrition programs, food banks, school lunches, and more. Most importantly, I represent my community by being a voice for underserved and underrepresented communities who deserve fair and equitable opportunities to thrive.

Coincidentally, this week is National 4-H Week, a time to celebrate the life-changing experiences and opportunities 4-H provides to all its members in every corner of the nation. It is a celebration of the diversity of 4-H, and how all young people—our future community leaders—have a safe and inclusive space to succeed within their communities and our country.

A community is where we experience fellowship and share commonalities with the people around us. Family, friends, togetherness, hope, experiences, opportunities—that is how we define a community, and this is what 4-H represents.

Sincerely,

Henry Cuellar
Member of Congress
28th District of Texas

During this year’s Global 4‑H Digital Summit, the inaugural Global 4‑H Youth Committee will be introduced, comprised of 15 young people to represent youth voices from each of the five 4‑H global regions. Among the three representing North America are two from the United States—Dylan Gentry and Katie Pascavis.

Get to know the two 4‑H U.S. members:

Dylan Gentry, Kentucky 4‑H

Dylan Gentry, raised in rural Central Kentucky, loves 4‑H and personal development. His experience in 4‑H culminated in 2018-2019 as he was elected Kentucky 4‑H Treasurer and awarded the title of Honorary Commissioner of Agriculture by current Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner, Dr. Ryan Quarles. In his last year of 4‑H eligibility, he was an ambassador for the States’ 4‑H International Program. As an ambassador, he traveled to Seattle, Washington, to orientate inbound Japanese and Korean youth before their yearlong foreign exchanges in America.

Dylan Gentry is a senior at the University of Kentucky, where he is pursuing a dual degree in Family Sciences and Community & Leadership Development. In addition, he has minors in Appalachian Studies and Agricultural Economics with a certificate in Business. Upon graduating in the spring of 2022, Dylan plans to attend law school and finish a doctoral program. With this extensive education, he hopes to better himself and his future job performance. His dream job is to work as an assistant dean for Extension or department director for 4‑H Youth Development at a land-grant university.

Dylan’s past work experience includes working under Dr. Rachel Noble as the state intern for 4‑H Leadership and International programs. As an intern, he authored the 2019 National State Officer Report, a first-of-its-kind report which reached out to all 50 states’ 4‑H programs to capture information about their state officer programs. He also co-authored 4‑H international programming curriculum focusing on the country of Brazil. Other experiences include interning under Dr. Jennifer Hunter, Assistant Director of Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. In addition, Dylan currently works part-time with the Globalizing Extension Innovation Network, where he works with Extension professionals to incorporate global perspectives into local programming opportunities.

Katie Pascavis, Illinois 4‑H / Arizona 4‑H

Katie Pascavis was raised in Bloomington, Illinois, and joined the 4‑H program when she was five years old as a Cloverbud, but she considers herself a 4‑H’er for life. As a 5th-generation 4‑H’er, the program is truly in her blood. Katie’s family moved to Arizona, where she continued her participation in 4‑H. She began organizing community service projects for her club, including local nursing home visits and food drives.

Katie served as President of the Queen Creek 4‑H Club and the State 4‑H Dog Committee, where she taught younger 4‑H’ers how to train dogs and small stock at weekly meetings. In addition, she started her county’s first 4‑H STEM project club. Katie was selected for the 2017 National 4‑H Congress Youth Leadership Team and was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the National 4‑H Gala. Through 4‑H, she competed in public speaking at National Western Roundup and represented Arizona at National 4‑H Conference. There, she worked with a team of 4‑H’ers to create a youth policy proposal that they presented to the U.S. Department of Health.

Currently, Katie is a junior at Arizona State University majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Global Health with a certificate in Sustainable Food Systems. She continues the 4‑H mission of service-learning through ASU’s Engineers Without Borders international team designing rainwater catchment systems. Katie is also a researcher for the Luminosity Lab, an interdisciplinary research and development lab on campus. In addition, she works on various COVID-19 response projects, including the XPRIZE Next Gen mask and the Fulbright Post-COVID challenge. Katie also continues to volunteer with both the Arizona and Illinois 4‑H programs.

Recently, Katie started as a Sustainability and Impact Analyst for Biomass Controls PBC, which provides eco-friendly solutions to global agricultural, water, and sanitation challenges. She aspires to focus her career on increasing access to clean water, food, and sanitation worldwide, a passion that she discovered through 4‑H.

There’s still time to combat the summer slide with these kid-friendly tips and activities! They’re fun, safe, and sure to keep the kids sharp as the school year draws near.

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Traveling Reimagined


Couldn’t make that annual summer vacation this year? Now is the perfect time to learn about a place you’ve never visited before—like, say, rainforests! Try this 
Paint a Rainforest activity, courtesy of Utah State University Extension, to learn about and create a tropical jungle scene.

Fun with Food


Turn mealtime into a learning moment that the entire family can enjoy. Kids (and adults) can learn how to grow and produce food ingredients with this 
CLOVER collection of activities (brought to you by University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service).

Slushie and Chill


Grab your favorite fresh—or frozen—fruits, a little bit of water or milk, add ice, and blend for a delicious and refreshing frozen drink. You can start with this 
Watermelon Slushie recipe (shared by 4‑H alum Elisabeth) and remix it however you want!

Marshmallows Out


Camping, but make it science! Recharge those STEM skills with these 
Solar Oven S’mores, courtesy of HughesNet.

Just Relaaax


A quiet mind and still body can surely bring some calmness to these last few days of summer. Need a little help managing your stress? This 
Stress Less exercise from The Allstate Foundation and Ohio State University Extension can help you identify daily high-stress activities and make room for more mindful, low-stress moments.

I’ve proudly recited the 4‑H pledge since I was 9 years old. But, much of my 4‑H experience has been unconventional.

I’ve attended virtual 4‑H meetings before “Zoom” became a household name; completed fair projects from the St. Louis Children’s Hospital while waiting for a bone marrow transplant; attended conferences and helped judge fair projects from my hospital room;  and wrote legislators regarding important health and agricultural issues while recovering in my bed at home.

For the past five years, I’ve spent much of my life in and out of hospitals undergoing treatment for stage IV High Risk Neuroblastoma cancer. I’ll never forget how difficult that first hospital stay was. Not only was my family still reeling from the cancer diagnosis, but we didn’t have any basic supplies for a lengthy hospital stay. Who thinks about toothbrushes when you’re just trying to wrap your mind around chemotherapy? Who remembers to pack snacks when confronted with their child’s serious illness?

But that experience got me thinking…Other families must be dealing with this, too. Could I make their days and nights a little more comfortable so they can focus on healing…and on just spending precious time with each other?

4‑H taught me many things, but most of all it taught me the importance of contributing to my community. It inspires us to be leaders when we’re called to serve. And that’s what I needed to do. I needed to turn my experience with pediatric cancer into a platform of awareness, advocacy and compassion.

In 2017, I took initiative and formed my platform, “Crowns Fight Cancer,” shortly after being crowned Jr. Miss Effingham County Fair Queen. I knew in that moment – when my name echoed over the loudspeaker – that it wasn’t about me, but rather every kid stuck in a hospital whose voice couldn’t be heard. So, I started advocating for childhood cancer research, awareness, and funding with a passion. I traveled to Washington, D.C. multiple times to speak with congressional leaders, I’ve been a guest speaker at CureFest, met with the FDA about issues affecting pediatric oncology patients, and was featured in an award-winning docu-series about pediatric cancer.

During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, I’m beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to bless other families going through their own harrowing cancer journeys. I organize supply drives collecting toiletries and snacks to donate to St. Louis and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospitals and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Using my 4‑H leadership skills, I’ve partner with local businesses, civic organizations, 4‑H clubs, area schools, and the media to promote this initiative which has – to date – provided families with more than 60,000 essential items. This project is something I am incredibly proud of, and I am excited to see how it will continue to grow.

One thing I love about 4‑H is how much it embraces diversity and people of all abilities. There’s no one way to be a 4‑H’er. With each passing year, I’ve gained a broader skill set, expanded my knowledge, and increased my beneficial contributions to society. Throughout my battle with cancer, I’ve felt empowered and supported by my 4‑H community which, in turn, has allowed me to empower and support others.

Participating in 4‑H truly changed the course of my life and equipped me for the future – inspiring my dream to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse. The hands-on projects I’ve participated in helped grow my confidence and develop my independence and strength. As a nurse, I will be able to take what I’ve learned in 4‑H and directly apply it on an oncology floor – enriching the lives I touch and teaching pediatric patients the power of resilience.

Cancer is part of my story, but it doesn’t define me. 4‑H continues to be the reason for some of my best days, and helps me through some of my most challenging ones. And after a year like 2020, millions of kids need that support, too. This difficult year is always going to be part of our story, but it doesn’t have to dictate our future. I believe 4‑H is what kids need most right now.

If there’s a kid in your life, introduce them to 4‑H. It can change the course of their future in remarkable ways.

Elizabeth Weidner
Illinois 4‑H
2021 4‑H Youth in Action Civic Engagement Pillar Winner

Thank you to our 2021 4‑H Youth in Action Civic Engagement Pillar sponsor, Allstate.

Amid the challenges and obstacles of 2020, one thing we’ve learned is that we all are holding on to hope for a better future—even if that future is a month away.

This sentiment is even more true for young people. For 118 years, 4‑H has been there to help all kids achieve their dreams and see a better future for themselves.

Through inequities, social unrest, pandemics, and other difficult times in our country, 4‑H has been there to help support, encourage and guide young people. And despite the challenges, their determination grows and their dreams prevail.

Right now, it’s up to us to provide kids everywhere with meaningful opportunities and eliminate the barriers that keep them from reaching their full potential. It starts by giving them the tools they need to define their own future.

So, where do we start, and how can you help? In this season of giving, there are several ways you can support our nation’s young people:

Facebook Fundraising

Facebook is a great way to connect with family and friends, and introduce them to the causes you’re passionate about. It’s easy to start a fundraiser for 4‑H on Facebook to share your support and encourage your family and friends to join you!

You can also support 4‑H’s national fundraiser, which will launch on our Facebook page on Giving Tuesday (December 1).

Donate on 4‑H.org  

Visit 4‑H.org to make your donation directly on our website. Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000 thanks to the generosity of 4‑H alum David Epstein and his wife Paula.

Shop, Save & Give with Amazon Smile

Support 4‑H while you score holiday deals on Amazon when you designate National 4‑H Council as your AmazonSmile charity of choice.

Support 4‑H with Your Holiday Shopping

Great brands are teaming up with 4‑H to promote products and offers that give back to 4‑H while you shop. With every product sold, a portion of sales helps create more opportunities for kids through 4‑H. Shop the following brands: BOGS Footwear, State Line TackGeorgia Boot, JOANN Fabric & Craft

These ways to give all directly support the FOURWARD Fund, which helps provide all kids with mentors, fun learning experiences, a sense of belonging, and a chance to serve others. And, most importantly, hope for a better future.

In October, we celebrated 4‑H STEM Month with exciting, informative, and interactive STEM events and content. Here’s everything you may have missed and how you can relive the excitement.

The Main Event: 4‑H STEM Challenge

We went to Mars and back with the 2020 4‑H STEM Challenge, Mars Base Camp, where we learned all about the red planet and what it takes to plan a mission. Kits are still available for purchase at Shop 4‑H, so anytime is a good time for a Mars mission!

Fun with the Science Guy

We launched STEM Month by announcing our 4‑H STEM Challenge Ambassador, Bill Nye, CEO of The Planetary Society and popularly known as the Science Guy! The science expert hosted a fun Mars Base Camp Trivia Challenge with a group of 4‑H’ers, and shared space facts throughout the month. Rewatch and test your space knowledge.

STEM in the Community

We partnered with several organizations to bring STEM learning to more kids and communities everywhere through additional 4‑H STEM Challenge Kit distributions to communities and groups across the country. Thank you to Afterschool Alliance, American Camp Association, American Library Association, First Book, Imagine Science, and NASA.

4‑H STEM At-Home Video Series

We kept the STEM momentum throughout the month by offering video interviews, tutorials, and career profiles. Here are just a few of the videos released:

Check out more videos in the 4‑H STEM Challenge YouTube playlist!

NASA Scientists Answer Space Questions

We caught up with scientists Brian Day and Emily Law, two members of NASA’s Solar System Treks Project, for a live Facebook Q&A! They answered questions about Space, life on other planets, what it’s like working at NASA, and more. Check out the Q&A and learn from the space experts!

Want More Space?

Because we didn’t want the learning—and fun—to end, we recently introduced an exciting 4‑H at Home experience, 4‑H Space Exploration! Brought to you by Texas A&M University and Utah State University Extension, the new destination explores the wonders of Space with easy at-home experiments and short educational instructional videos.

So, What Did You Think?

If you got a Mars Base Camp kit, we want to know what you thought! Share your experience and what you hope to see in a future 4‑H STEM Challenge. The first 250 respondents will receive $10 off their next purchase of $20 or more at Shop 4‑H.