Welcome 4-H Project Leaders… Where the Action Starts 2007 Statewide 4-H Project Leader Training

We Hope You Leave Today’s Training Feeling… Motivated Educated Equipped

Experiential Learning Model

Target Life Skills Model

FLOW SKILL CHALLENGE Boredom AnxietyApathy FLOW

Conditions for FLOW Clear set of goals Immediate feedback Skills are fully involved Manageable challenge

Think of an adult who helped you learn a new skill.

What were the characteristics of that adult you just identified?

What do kids say? It’s about the adults….positive “ If you have a teacher that you like, you will learn more than if you have a teacher who’s not nice to you…your not going to want to go to that class. One young person talked about her community’s art program, “They have teachers that are not just teaching, they are being more friends…that’s important.” Another said, “After school there is this girl named Heather, she is 32 …she stands outside and she brings a bunch of balls, footballs or whatever…and she lets a bunch of kids come over there (by the park) and play a bunch of games.”

…or negative One youth’s comments about her experience in an organized group, “My leader wasn’t very…nice to me. She didn’t really communicate with our group, like maybe at 10:00 on Wednesday night she would call to say ‘oh yeah, we have a meeting tomorrow.’ I felt we weren’t doing anything to help the community…the only thing we did was working at the church carnival for little kids where she goes to church…that’s about the only thing we did.”

Young people are attracted to programs where adults create a sense of enthusiasm and anticipation of “fun.” --Minnesota 4-H What’s Up Study

In 4-H I’m Learning… Independence Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future Opportunity for self-determination Belonging Positive Relationship with a caring adult An inclusive environment A safe environment Generosity Opportunity to value and practice service for others Mastery Engagement in Learning Opportunity for Mastery HEADHEART HANDS HEALTH

You are those adults… You create the sense of belonging. You are the caring adult that reaches out to a child… not just a teacher – a friend. You create the sense of enthusiasm and FUN! You create the safe environment that allows young people to explore new skills…ideas…meet new friends.

What Does Quality Look Like? Independence HEAD Members have voice in and influence on decisions around project experiences Members have opportunities to act as project leaders, facilitators, mentors Members partner with adults and share control of project activities Belonging HEART Members greeted/ welcomed when they arrive at project meeting/activity Physical environment is safe and free of hazard or risk Emotional environment is respectful, positive, supportive, inclusive, relaxed, and accepting Project leader shows sincere interest in the lives of his/her members Generosity HANDS Service to others and community is integrated into project experiences and the input of members in determining service efforts is welcomed & valued Project Leaders support and encourage the contributions and accomplishments of members Mastery HEALTH Members set goals & make plans for individual & group project experiences Project leaders push youth to take healthy risks, try new things and challenge themselves Project experiences provide members opportunities to talk with others about what they are doing, thinking and learning

What Is My Job and Where Do I Start?

WHY 3 – 5?

Sample Project Year Fall: Gather members, get acquainted, discuss interests ideas/goals One Project meeting or experience Winter: One or two project experiences, plan for spring/summer Spring: Check-In with members, monitor progress, service effort Summer: Fair prep, reflect on learning, plan for new 4-H year

Whew!

Let’s Listen to What Project Leaders and Members Have to Say

Recruiting Project Leaders

Ideas and Resources

Group Project Creating A Quality Project Experience

Beat The 4-H Clock