DATE: 4/4/06

CONTACT: Amy McCune, (864) 656-6651; amccune@clemson.edu

WRITER: Diane Palmer, (864) 656-4741; spalmer@clemson.edu

S.C. 4-H Youth Development launches new training program for teens

CLEMSON -- The South Carolina 4-H Youth Development program recently launched a new leadership and communication training for teens – the 4-H Ambassador Training program.

“The first round of trainings has been completed, and the program results show it to be a resounding success,” said Amy McCune, state 4-H events coordinator.

The 44 participants from across the state all cited an increase in 4-H knowledge and history, improved public speaking skills, and greater promotional techniques.

The program’s purpose is to enhance and utilize the leadership, citizenship, and communication skills of 4-H teens.

“These teens will then be better prepared to actively educate the public about the South Carolina 4-H Program and the important youth and community issues 4-H addresses,” said Keith Diem, state 4-H director.

State 4-H Teen Council member, Julia Hoag of Chester County notes, “It was a lot of fun to see teens from around the state get together to learn how to be better leaders in their communities and how to promote 4-H.”

The teens that participated were asked to complete a plan of action which were goals of what they would like to do through 4-H in their communities. They also were to include plans on how to apply those goals. Some of the goals are:

• To get younger kids involved in 4-H programs in the schools and after school programs.
• To see more teen participation and teen leadership clubs.
• Being available to give speeches about 4-H at different community events.
• Creating a health management class to teach youth about eating healthy, how to become fit and stay fit, and how to address the problems of peer pressure.
• Designing a money management class to teach youth ways to save money and to become responsible with their money.
• To beautify parks, and help animal shelters find good homes for animals.

“As a 4-H Ambassador, our job is to promote 4-H and try to gain new members. Along with 4-H promotions, we are working hard to improve the physical, and mental well being of out communities; we are working to make the best better,” said newly trained 4-H Ambassador Heather Maule of Lee County.

Justin Steedly of Charleston County said, “As 4-H Ambassadors, our job is to promote 4-H, and try to gain new members. We will be working to improve 4-H in our clubs, our community, and our world.”

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. The South Carolina 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach, the involvement of caring adults, the knowledge and resources of Clemson University and the land grant university system to empower youth to become healthy, productive and contributing members of society.

Diem notes that “4-H provides youth the opportunity to master the knowledge and skills needed throughout life. The opportunities provided in the 4-H Ambassador Training program, is the perfect example of a 4-H experience that these youth will remember throughout their lives.”

To learn more 4-H in your community, contact your county Extension office or go the state 4-H web site at www.clemson.edu/4h.

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