The Story Behind Virtual 4-H

In 4-H, kids roll up their sleeves and do with their hands. Their experiences grow the curiosity they need for life and career. 4-H is America’s largest youth development program-empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead a lifetime. Based on their interests and guided by adult mentors, youth develop their own path in 4-H.

Our nation was impacted by a harsh illness that caused us all to press pause on our day-to-day activities and stay at home for our safety. However, the stay-at-home order issued by our government did not stop our 4-H’ers from being involved in the organization and “learn by doing.” The COVID-19 pandemic created new opportunities for each 4-H member when completing their projects, interacting with one another, and working together in our communities. Since March, 4-H’ers in Edwards County have been provided with many opportunities to broaden their knowledge, virtually work with one another, and complete the 4-H year.

Each month of the 4-H year, the Ellery Panthers 4-H Club of Edwards County meet to discuss business, share information on individual projects through talks, demonstrations, and specials, and serve our community. Beginning in March, they transitioned to prerecorded YouTube videos as their meeting platform. Throughout the last several months, I have been honored to guide my club meetings and activities each month through our YouTube platform. I have tried my best to follow the same parliamentary procedure as we typically would in our traditional meeting including roll call, pledges, new and old business, demonstrations, talks, specials, and announcements for the next meeting. Through these virtual meetings, our members have been given the ability to continue learning and sharing their knowledge on individual projects with the club as well as be challenged to learn new ways of completing projects to better their skillset in the future.

In addition to virtual club meetings, I was given the opportunity to participate in a zoom meeting with 4-H’ers and 4-H Coordinator’s from Saratoga County, New York. Leland Bunting, a former 4-Her from Edwards County, is now a 4-H Coordinator for Saratoga County and was looking for a way his 4-Hers could connect with a completely different area of 4-H. He reached out to Debra Collier, Edwards County 4-H Coordinator, and scheduled a zoom meeting with some of his members as well as a few from Edwards County. In our zoom meeting, we discussed the difference in our environments, what 4-H projects we are taking, and activities we enjoy through 4-H. One of the comments a 4-H member stated included that in their area tornado sirens are not normal whereas ours are tested monthly due to the high demand during tornado season. Some of the activities that they mentioned were their favorites included an annual lock-in, ice cream social, and water fight during fair week. Overall, this zoom meeting was nothing like I had ever participated in prior to the stay-at-home order.

Additionally, Illinois Extension provided 250 4-Hers across the state with the opportunity to participate in an informational zoom meeting titled, “Exploring 4-H State and National Opportunities.” In this meeting we discussed state and national activities, state committees and teams, Collegiate 4-H, 4-H Camp opportunities, Speaking for Illinois 4-H, National Day of Service, National 4-H Conference, etc. This meeting definitely gave me more information on state and national opportunities through 4-H. 4-H alumni who participated in each team discussed their experiences with everyone as well as coordinators from each team. One of the newest teams Illinois 4-H has added includes the Food Advocacy Team coordinated by Mark Becker, Illinois 4-H Food Systems Specialist. I am honored to say that I am in the beginning stages of acceptance for this team of about twenty 4-H members from all across the state!

Many people do not realize the amount of opportunities there are through the 4-H program. This year has definitely been different, but 4-H members are learning even more by completing our individual projects virtually. I recently entered my “Sports Nutrition” project in the Food and Clothing Show. Through this project, I learned the importance of physical health, eating a well-balanced and healthy diet, how to build an appealing slideshow, and how to submit a project virtually! Through the help of my project supervisor, 4-H leaders, and 4-H coordinator, I was able to submit an amazing project that I can hopefully use for various activities for years to come. The time and energy our 4-H leaders put into this program is incredible and I will forever be grateful for that!

Despite the many negatives COVID-19 has created, 4-H has responded positively by continuing to grow and evolve with virtual opportunities. Going virtual has broadened my communication skills through technology as well as provided new experiences I never would have had otherwise.

Ava Anderson

Ellery Panther’s 4-H Club President

Unit #25 Edwards County 4-H Ambassador