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Across the country, communities are facing unforeseen challenges due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19). For 4‑H, our network of 500,000 volunteers and 3,500 4‑H professionals have had to quickly understand the impact of COVID-19 and respond with swift action to support our young people and communities. While this time of uncertainty has presented new obstacles to navigate, our commitment to positive youth development is unwavering and 4‑H remains present to support the six million young people we serve in every county and parish and all kids who need educational resources, mentorship and a sense of belonging in this time.

Through our community of more than 100 universities and America’s Cooperative Extension System, 4‑H is working diligently to continue to fulfill our mission because our work is too important, especially now, as communities across America experience the impact of school closures. We recognize it can be stressful for parents and families to find resources available to maintain a sense of normalcy and make sure kids don’t get off track in their daily development. And while some schools are implementing a virtual learning plan, others don’t have the resources to continue student lessons. 4‑H is committed to providing free and low-cost online and print educational resources to support 4‑H’ers and families while schools and clubs remain closed. Please visit 4‑H.org/Legacy to learn more.

We will continue our work to ensure young people and communities have the resources to stay connected and engaged throughout this time. We don’t know what the coming weeks will bring, but what we do know is that Cooperative Extension’s 4‑H program is prepared to rally around our young people. Working together we will get through this and our young people will thrive.

Educational 4‑H Resources:
4‑H Activity Guides
4‑H STEM Lab
Kids’ Guide to Giving Back
Kids’ Guide to Mindfulness
Inspiring STEM

 

It was the week before Christmas Day 2018. My family and I were in our vehicle, traveling to Illinois to visit family over the holidays. Still a bit groggy as I had just woken up from a great nap, I received a phone call from a number I did not recognize. I had been expecting a call, and the suggested caller was National 4‑H Council. Anxiously, I answered. Suddenly, my jaw hit the floor, as I received the news that I had been named the 2019 4‑H Youth in Action Award Winner in Civic Engagement. My mind began racing at the thought of all the grand opportunities and individuals I knew I would encounter along this journey, and the reality is… I was not wrong.

I had just started the Alma Entrepreneur Tour, a project that connects rural youth to successful entrepreneurs in our community to highlight the importance of persistence, resilience, and individuality—specifically in the workplace. My fantastic 4‑H agent, Leah Wooddall, approached me about applying for the Youth in Action Awards, but I quickly declined and told her I was not qualified and would never stand a chance against the other applicants. Meanwhile, I continued with my project, and it was extremely successful! I had known about the 4‑H Youth in Action Awards program for a few years; especially because my biggest role model of all time from Georgia 4‑H was named a pillar winner in 2018. However, never in a million years would I have thought that I could accomplish the same thing. Zooming up to present day, I stand in awe of the fact that I am being seen by others in the same light that I still view my biggest role models.

If you have ever considered applying for the 4‑H Youth in Action Awards program, I strongly recommend you do, regardless of how qualified or experienced you are! I decided to apply two-and-a-half hours before the deadline and clicked “submit” 30 seconds before it was due, and look where I am today. I am just a South Georgia boy with a passion for empowering others to be confident in themselves and a story of self-love and acceptance. To think that something as simple as making the decision to live my truth has earned me the platform I have today is mindboggling. You see, I did not have to do anything bizarre to earn this award. I just decided to be myself and take action for something in which I believed. Sometimes, though, that is the most bizarre thing one can do. You might be surprised by how much good can come from making the decision to shine your light. I know I was.

4‑H Youth in Action: Living My Truth

In this exclusive “Reflecting on Kindness” series, Ponysitters Club members reflect on moments from episodes that allowed them to express different forms of kindness.

In this week’s journal entry, Trish demonstrates kindness through the themes of secrets, guilt, anxiety, honesty, sharing what’s on your mind. She shares how these themes allowed her to express kindness by not bottling up negative emotions, trying to protect people you care about, trusting friends enough to confide in them.

After the Club returns from a camping trip in “Fire Scare” (S01E07), Trish begins to act differently. Other Ponysitters pick up on this, but give her space to work out whatever is on her mind. Eventually, the pressure gets to be too much and Trish reveals what’s been bothering her: she thinks Grandpa started a forest fire that’s creeping nearer and nearer to Rescue Ranch! She learns that it feels a lot better to let those you care about know what’s bothering you, and if you’re worried about a loved one, to let them know right away — there might not be a reason to worry.

Trish

Dear diary,

Phew, what a day! I spent most of today worried that Rescue Ranch might burn down and that Grandpa might go to jail and I’m exhausted from all that worrying! I like keeping my energy level high, but I never want it to be this high ever again!

I guess I need to explain. We just had our first Ponysitters Club camping trip and it was pretty great — Skye learned she was allergic to wildflowers, Isabella learned everyone is allergic to poison ivy, but a fun trip apart from that. When we were just about ready to leave, Grandpa and I were in charge of putting out the campfire. That’s where it all started to go wrong.

He threw a bowl of water into the fire pit, but afterwards I could still see a few sparks. I went to help Billy pack up and trusted that Grandpa knew how to put out a fire, but I really wanted to double check and make triple sure it was out before we left. I didn’t get a chance though, and I didn’t really think much more about it until I heard about the forest fire.

When we got back to Rescue Ranch, we could see huge clouds of smoke coming from the campsite. As soon as I saw the smoke, my stomach just dropped. I started to sweat and feel sick and my mind was racing and I couldn’t slow it down no matter what I did. I know I should have said something right away, but I was worried Grandpa would be in trouble if I told anyone he started the forest fire. I thought he might go to jail, and then Rescue Ranch would have to close and there would be no one to care for the animals and no more Ponysitters Club. Even worse, I felt like I was just as responsible as Grandpa since I noticed the leftover sparks and didn’t tell him.

I felt so guilty for the rest of the day. It was eating me up inside so much I couldn’t have fun with the Ponysitters. Everyone definitely noticed — I kept running to the bathroom and drifting in and out of conversations. Eventually, I just HAD to tell the Ponysitters, and what a relief! I immediately felt soooo much better after sharing how I was feeling with my friends, and they helped give me the courage to tell Grandpa and Billy. Grandpa let me know that after I left, he threw another 10 bowls of water into the fire pit to make extra, extra, extra sure it was out. Even better, the forest fire died down shortly after I got my secret off my chest — maybe it was nature telling me that it’s better to share secrets that are making you upset with people you trust. I’m so glad Grandpa and I don’t have to go to jail!

Did you know that kids can become a real member of the Ponysitters Club? Learn how to join and be sure to inspire your kids to be doers by downloading the 4‑H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide!

Here at 4‑H, we encourage kids and parents to continue to learn by doing whenever possible. By encouraging kids to engage in their surroundings and explore their curiosity, we give them the opportunity to learn skills that easily translate to various parts of their lives. What’s a good way to spark your child’s interest in doing home projects together? Baking bread!

Every kid likes a sandwich – grilled cheese, PB&J – no matter the sandwich, there’s always that one common ingredient – bread! Even if you think your child doesn’t have an interest in cooking, introducing a fun way to make a favorite snack might just challenge them to take a chance.

Here’s a step by step guide from our Inspire Kids To Do Activity Guide that The Typical Mom Blog decided to try as well!

How To Make Bread In A Bag

You don’t need much to make bread in a bag, you’re ingredients are:

  • 2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 pkg. yeast quick-rising
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp nonfat dry milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 c water HOT
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 c whole wheat flour

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12

Your basic steps for making bread in a bag:

  1. Combine all-purpose flour, yeast, sugar, dry milk, and salt into a freezer bag, squeeze air out and zip closed.
  2. Shake to blend ingredients, then add your hot water and oil into this mixture.
  3. Reseal your bag and work together using your fingers until well combined.
  4. Add whole wheat flour, reseal bag and mix again thoroughly.
  5. Add a bit of the remaining 1 c. all purpose flour at a time, kneading in the bag in between, until the dough stiffens and begins to pull away from the bag.
  6. Once this is achieved, remove dough from bag and put on a floured cutting board to knead with your hands.
  7. Knead for 2-4 min. until smooth and elastic, cover dough in a bowl and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  8. Use a rolling pin to roll dough into a 12×7″ rectangle, place in a loaf pan that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  9. Cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Put in a warm location for 20 min or until dough doubles in size.
  10. Bake in preheated oven at 375 degrees for 25 min. or until top is golden brown and knife inserted into the middle comes out clean.

Did you try making Bread in a Bag with your family? If so, share your photos on social media using #InspireKidstoDo!

For more tips and ideas to help inspire your kids to be doers, download the 4‑H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide!

Inspire Kids to Do: Bread in a Bag

NBA star Jarrett Allen has a long-standing relationship with 4‑H, sharing his passion for technology with New York 4‑H’ers. In February 2017, the Brooklyn Nets center teamed up with local 4‑H kids during National Engineers Week 2018 to perform the 4‑H National Youth Science Day Challenge, Incredible Wearables. The challenge focused on the technology of building a wearable fitness tracker, an obvious interest for the rising athlete.
 
Since then, Allen has teamed up with 4‑H to showcase his unique interest in STEM through community outreach events and 2018 4‑H NYSD.
 
For his second meet-up with 4‑H, Allen performed the Code Your World activity, letting local students code a shot.
 
In this exclusive “Reflecting on Kindness” series, Ponysitters Club members reflect back on moments from episodes that allowed them to express different forms of kindness.

In this week’s journal entry, Skye demonstrates kindness through the themes of leadership, teamwork, self-confidence, compromise, and asking for help. She shares how these themes allowed her to express kindness by accepting shortcomings without anger or sadness, asking for help when needed, and empathetic conflict resolution.

As the leader of the Ponysitters, Skye has a uniquely challenging role. Others look to her for direction and when things don’t go smoothly they look to her for a solution. Luckily for her, and as shown in “Teamwork Trouble” (S01E06), she has leaders that she can look up to in the form of her mom and grandpa whom she can reach out to for advice. Good leaders need to examine themselves critically, but they need to ask for outside feedback too.

Dear diary,

What a day! I feel like the Ponysitters are a tighter group who understand each other a bit better after today, but we had to go through a rough patch to get there. Running into a coyote on the trail wasn’t even the biggest part of the day! Let me tell you all about it.

So, Ethan has been showing up late for Ponysitters Club meetings for a while now. I didn’t want to make a big deal about it, but this time he wasn’t even paying attention after he finally did show up. On top of that, Trish and Olivia starting fighting about who was going to do which task to help with making the Rescue Ranch more accessible to people with disabilities. I was trying to stay calm and help resolve the issue, but there was just too much going on at once and I got overwhelmed. I didn’t feel like a very good leader — aren’t I supposed to be the one who helps solve problems instead of letting them get worse?

I let everyone go off and do their tasks and hoped it would be okay while I took Puzzle for a walk through the woods. We were enjoying a nice quiet walk together when out of nowhere we got stopped in the middle of the trail by a coyote! I love all animals of course, but my only thought at that moment was to try to stay calm, protect Puzzle, and get the coyote to leave. Luckily I remembered mom teaching me that coyotes are more afraid of you than you are of them, and to make your body look big and make noises to scare them away. Sure enough, he ran away and Puzzle and I were free to go check on everyone else’s progress.

It was just as I had feared — Olivia and Trish were still fighting, and Ethan came from soccer practice to let us know that he had too much on his plate to keep working at Rescue Ranch with us! Now I felt like an ESPECIALLY bad leader. I knew I needed help, and I needed to tell mom about the coyote incident, so I went and told her what was going on. She reminded me of a few things, and what stuck with me most was that being a leader is about seeing how your group’s personality differences fit together. She was so right — I had been so focused on assigning tasks and trying to solve conflicts that I forgot to encourage the Ponysitters to play to their strengths!

Once we all met up, made up, and had a talk about our strengths, we agreed that we’d put our heads together and figure out a way to convince Ethan’s dad to let him stay in the Club. And sure enough, just as soon as we got back to working together like we know we can, we got his soccer team to practice at the Ranch and totally saved the day!

I always knew the Ponysitters would get back to being the Ponysitters, but sometimes it takes a bit of hardship to remind us who we really are. Sometimes you’ve got to ask for help to see what you’re missing too — I definitely need to remember that one. Talk to ya later, diary!

Did you know that kids can become a real member of the Ponysitters Club? Learn how to join and be sure to inspire your kids to be doers by downloading the 4‑H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide!

 

The 4‑H Youth in Action (YIA) Program recognizes four young leaders in our core pillar areas: agriculture, civic engagement, healthy living and STEM. Some perks of being a Pillar Winner include a $5,000 higher education scholarship and getting to network with 4‑H celebs, but our favorite perk is the all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the National 4‑H Council Legacy Awards. In honor of this year’s 10th Anniversary 4‑H Legacy Awards on March 12, 2019, we’re highlighting the success stories of a few notable past Youth In Action winners.

NATE SEESE – Youth in Action Winner 2012

NATE SEESE - Youth in Action Winner 2012 

For Nate, being a Youth In Action winner opened the door to many opportunities and he’s continued his passion for science and agriculture well into his time in college. He currently works at Pat Edger’s blueberry and strawberry genetics lab and is about to graduate with a degree in Crop & Soil Sciences from Michigan State University. He plans to continue working in the lab post-graduation, building his resume and continuing growing his skills before pursuing graduate school.

Nate’s Youth In Action Win? He coordinated with local businesses to donate meat from his 4‑H projects to the local Byron Center food pantry. In just two years, he provided 1,000 lbs of meat to the pantry.

NOSA AKOL – Youth in Action Winner  2015 

NOSA AKOL - Youth in Action Winner  2015 

Nosa received a scholarship from the Endwell Rotary & Rotary International to participate in a humanitarian aid trip conducted through the State University of New York (SUNY) where she is currently majoring in Political Science & Diplomacy. In the Spring of 2018, she was accepted into SUNY Oswego’s Study Abroad Program in Seoul, South Korea where she is now an exchange student at Yonsei University, a private research university considered to be the most prestigious university in the country.

Nosa’s Youth In Action Win? 4‑H gave her the confidence and independence to overcome bullying. She also performed research on Women’s Empowerment in South Sudan and helped to build a Hunger Banquet with her 4‑H club. Nosa hopes to one day return to South Sudan so she can “pay it forward” by pursuing a career in international development.

RU EKANAYAKE – Youth in Action, Healthy Living & National Winner 2016 

RU EKANAYAKE - Youth in Action, Healthy Living & National Winner 2016 

Since winning the Youth in Action Healthy Living & National Award, Ru’s focus has never strayed from healthcare and wellness. At Cornell, she joined the Student Assembly Health & Wellness Committee where she spearheaded a sexual assault prevention initiative that engaged multiple student groups, Greek life, and served almost 700 students.

Through a YIA connection, she interned with the executive policy team at Molina Healthcare where she helped write policy supporting alternatives to prescription opioids,  and she interned for the Prostate Cancer Foundation helping to develop policy analysis of the Right to Try legislation. If that’s not enough, she’s currently freelancing there helping to create an online widget to connect prostate cancer patients with applicable trials – all while currently studying in Prague, Czech Republic and serving on the National 4‑H Council Youth Advisory Committee. Her Youth in Action Win? Creating the first 4‑H Healthy Living Blog.

JACOB SHUMAN – Youth in Action, for Agriculture Winner 2016 

JACOB SHUMAN - Youth in Action, for Agriculture Winner 2016 

Since his win in 2016 Jacob has been studying at Ohio State University – Agriculture Technical Institute in Wooster, OH where he’s enrolled in the Agriculture Community Leadership program, specializing in Extension Education and minoring in entomology.

Jacob knows how critical honey bees are to life on earth and has continued to focus on their importance. As a result, he has been working with Dr. Reed Johnson as a research assistant working with honey bees as an extension of his YIA project. Jacob is, the president of the Ohio State University Bee Club, where he began his own research project on Drone Honey Bees, specifically on Drone Congregation Areas. Last summer, Jacob judged the Beekeeping Level I and II projects at the Ohio State Fair, where just six years ago he was a competitor and beginning his career in beekeeping.

His Youth In Action Win? He created Teens Educating Adults & Children about Honey Bees (TEACH B.) He also led live bee education, demonstrations, and lessons on the importance of bees to agriculture and the economy.

AMELIA DAY – Youth in Action, Citizenship/National Winner 2017 

AMELIA DAY - Youth in Action, Citizenship/National Winner 2017 

Amelia currently works at an Interior Design Firm and recently began getting her Associates of Science in Culinary Arts at Helms College. She was a Georgia 4‑H Camp Counselor for two years and coached the county 4‑H Consumer Judging team to a state win.

Her Youth in Action Win? Her project, Operation: Veteran Smiles, a program that provides care packages and encouragement to veterans in VA hospitals all over the country.. Since being selected as the 2017 4‑H Youth in Action Citizenship & National Winner, her project has blossomed, becoming an official 501c3 corporation. OVS is also the official community service project for U.S. Cellular and Touchstone Energies, and with the help of more than 8,500 volunteers, has delivered more than 14,000 cards, care packages and smiles to veterans across 16 states.

Check out this year’s Youth in Action winners and finalists here!

If you’re ready to help us continue to support exceptional youth across the nation, consider donating $10 in honor of the 10th Anniversary 4‑H Legacy Awards! Your support will help kids learn by doing, grow from failure and develop the skills they need to handle what life throws their way.

Leagcy-Blog-1440x250_Anniversary
In this exclusive “Reflecting on Kindness” series, Ponysitters Club members reflect back on moments from episodes that allowed them to express different forms of kindness.

In this week’s journal entry, Olivia demonstrates kindness through the themes of confidence, trying new things, empathy, and connection with animals. She shares how these themes allowed her to express kindness by recognizing and celebrating individual growth and the kindness of those who help us get there.

Sometimes it’s easier to focus on our weaknesses than our strengths. When Lizzie Sweet and her reptile zoo come to visit in “Special Connections” (S01E03), Lizzie goes out of her way to make Olivia feel comfortable trying something that scares her, never letting her feel small or less-than for not being as confident around animals. Olivia reflects on other moments when she’s played the role of helping Skye with something that scares her.

Dear diary,

Today was a big day at Rescue Ranch! I faced some fears, tried new things I never thought I’d try, and I surprised myself with how much I could do. Whoever thought I’d hold a snake, let alone enjoy it???

So, story time. A traveling reptile zoo broke down right outside the Ranch, and the zookeepers brought out all of their animals and let us all play with them while Grandpa helped fix their van. I was really nervous at first — I love all kinds of furry critters, but I do NOT like creepy crawly reptiles. How can you cuddle something with scales and cold blood? When one of the zookeepers, Lizzie Sweet, took out a snake and handed it to Ethan and Trish, I just about ran out of the barn!

Lizzie was soooo nice though. She let me watch the snakes from further away at first — I think she could tell I was nervous, so it helped to just watch until I was more comfortable. After seeing Ethan and Trish having so much fun playing with the snake, I started thinking they might not be as bad as I thought they were and started wanting to try holding them myself. Lizzie helped me hold one and taught us some neat snake facts — I never knew how hard it was to tell girl and boy snakes apart! It ended up being so much less scary than I thought it would be, and I even touched some other reptiles and lizards later in the day!

I guess it goes to show how great it can be when you try things that make you feel nervous or scared. It’s just like the other day when Skye was having a hard time with her reading homework — I know reading out loud gives her anxiety, but I also know she’s soooo smart and loves storytelling, and she’s so good at it too! Sometimes she just needs a friend to help her out with things that are scary for her, and I guess maybe I do too sometimes! We all want to be big, brave doers, but we all also have difficulties that get in the way, and we can’t do it all by ourselves. I guess that’s what friends are for!! I’m so happy that I have the best friends ever! I love my Ponysitter pals!!

Did you know that kids can become a real member of the Ponysitters Club? Learn how to join and be sure to inspire your kids to be doers by downloading the 4‑H Inspire Kids to Do Activity Guide!

In a generation fueled by the advancement of technology, we experience social and emotional learning unlike anyone before us! While before, behavior was almost completely a product of one’s surroundings, today, we can absorb a demeanor that is entirely foreign to our community. We are like sponges to the world around us! Social media has a huge impact on our lives, for it connects us to the world and gives us a glimpse into the lives of all kinds of people.

It is imperative that we are picky with what comes into our line of sight. Just because it’s on the internet does not mean you have to look at it! When reading or contributing to the world wide web, think about a few things:

  1. Is what I’m reading/saying really true?
    I know it can be easy believing those Twitter tales and Facebook fables that spark a fire in your heart, but take the time to fact check sources and get the true story. This is especially essential when dealing with current events or news stories. The internet is not policed, and users are not obligated to tell the truth! Before sharing something, check and make sure that it is true!
  2. Is it kind?
    If something is not kind, why actively read or share it? If it is offensive to you or to someone else, the best plan of action is to report it and scroll away! There is already so much hate in the world, so try and be the good you want to see!
  3. Does it matter?
    When I took that internet quiz to find out what my spirit animal was, I thought I would get something exciting like a lion. That website must’ve been broken, because it claimed I was an iguana! I could email the quiz maker and throw a fit, but in the grand scheme of things, it really doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, we have the power to decide who we are and how we will carry ourselves!

Although it’s nice to flood our information superhighways with positivity, it is smarter to cultivate positive emotional wellness through effective behaviors against negativity. As 4-H’ers, we want to lead by example. If you are making extra efforts to know the truth, be kind, and pay attention to what matters, your peers will take note of that. Let’s work together to ensure the message we’re sending is a good one!

Looking back, 2017 has certainly been a whirlwind of excitement. I’ve traveled to both coasts of the United States, spoken at incredible STEM events with some of the most influential people I’ve ever met in my life, and continued to do what I love, sharing my passion for learning.

I started off my year as the 2017 STEM Pillar winner in February with a film crew and members from National 4‑H Council arriving at my home in Mogadore, Ohio. We filmed for a few days at my home and school to create my Pillar Video. I had such a wonderful time getting to know all the crew and Council members and had a wonderful start to my experience as a Pillar winner.

In March, I began readying myself to embark on what has been the adventure of a lifetime. I flew out to Washington, D.C. for the official 4‑H Legacy Awards ceremony. I had a wonderful stay at National 4‑H Conference Center and enjoyed sightseeing in the D.C. area. While in D.C. I got to meet three of the most inspiring and driven youth I know: Amelia Day, Bryanne Sanchez, and Bubba Sugarman, the other three 2017 Pillar winners. We had media training, photo sessions, tours, hung out with each other and our families, and an overall amazing week. When the night of the Legacy Awards came around, it was so surreal. Just being in a room with so many incredibly influential and powerful people was an experience beyond words. I met some of my biggest idols and found so many new incredible people to look up to. The representatives from my sponsor, HughesNet, were an absolute delight to sit with at the ceremony and just as wonderful as we kept contact throughout the year.

ava lonneman, youth in action, ohio, 4-h, STEM 

When I returned from D.C., I had a lot of local paper interviews, and I was even interviewed for RFD-TV. I loved sharing my journey and my message of empowerment with the world. In May, as the school year was beginning to wind down, I set off on my next trip. I flew all the way from Ohio to San Diego California! I had the incredible opportunity of serving as a speaker on a STEM Mentors panel at the U.S. News and World Report STEM Solutions Conference. I got to meet Ursula Burns, Susan Hockfield, and Ellen Ochoa, some of the most powerful women in the STEM world.

When summer rolled around, I had an even busier schedule than during the school year. The week I got off of school, I headed straight to Washington, D.C. on a bus full of other Ohio youth to participate in Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF). I had a great time and met a lot of new people. When I returned from D.C., I headed straight to 4‑H Camp for my third year as a counselor. Once camp was over, it was time for the County Fair life skills project judging and then the State Fair. As soon as I got back home from the state fair, I was onto the next pillar activity. I headed back to Washington, D.C. to host the 4‑H National Youth Science Day Preview Event, hosted by HughesNet.

ava lonneman, youth in action, ohio, 4-h, STEM

When I got back home from my final trip to D.C., it was time to prepare for the County Fair. This year I was named the 2017 First Runner-Up Portage County Fair Queen. I had a whole booth at the Fair dedicated to my time as the STEM Pillar winner and had a wonderful time representing 4‑H.

For my final event as the 2017 STEM Pillar winner, I went to New York City to help host 4‑H National Youth Science Day. I had a great time working with all the students and meeting STEM Ambassadors from around the country. I also had the opportunity to present trophies to two of the three 4‑H NYSD sponsors, HughesNet and Lockheed Martin, and thank them for their continued support of 4‑H.

The past year has been filled with so many incredible opportunities. I’ve had an abundance of new adventures and visited so many new places. Most importantly I met some pretty incredible people and made some amazing new friends. The 4‑H Youth in Action title certainly came with a lot of responsibilities, and they were all incredible. I would never trade my experience for anything in the world.  I am forever thankful for National 4‑H Council and all of their sponsors for growing the leaders of tomorrow and making the best better.

More from Ava

A Platform to Make an Impact

Previewing 4‑H National Youth Science Day