Club Impacts
Youth today have an unprecedented array of sports, clubs, activities, lessons and entertainment options to choose from in their free time. And for many youth, these activities will provide the foundation on which they develop their personalities and life skills.
For young people who choose to be part of a 4-H Club, research shows they are more likely to be educationally motivated, have higher self esteem and communicate more maturely than their peers.
A 2003 study of 4-H alumni showed that club membership improved responsibility, confidence, leadership, project and presentation skills. Members also learned how to handle competition; feel more at east in relating to new people, and developed good sportsmanship skills.
Subject matter skills taught in projects are the foundation for the youth development that occurs in 4-H. Learning to prepare meals, give a presentation, repair machinery, ride a horse and care for others are just a few of the skills taught in 4-H that can be of economic, social and/or personal value to youth in their future.
Youth and early adolescence are times of rapid change in young people. 4-H Clubs have the opportunity to strengthen family ties and create good citizens.
