Minutes 09-14-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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5 4-H offers a wide variety of programming across the county, employing the following modes of delivery: day and residential camps, school enrichment, afterschool, and community-based clubs. Considerable research has been published demonstrating the benefits of 4-H youth development to past and present generations of young people. Examples include: • Harris Poll- 2020 Teen Mental Health Survey • This Is 4-H —A Welcoming Environment for Youth of All Beliefs and Backgrounds • Journal of Human Sciences and Extension- From Context to Outcomes: A Thriving Model for 4-H Youth Development Programs The Strategic Vision for 4-H, as outlined in the National 4-H Council Strategic Plan 4-H Youth Development A 2025 Vision states, "4-H will reflect the population demographics, vulnerable populations, diverse needs and social conditions of the country. This vision has the elements of inclusion, caring adults, serving at minimum 1 in 5 youth, and the volunteers and staff reflect the diversity of the population." Chair Price invited staff and guests to speak on the item. Jonathon Smith, Orange County Extension Agent for 4-H development with the Cooperative Extension, said 4-H was founded in 1902 in Clark County, Ohio, and the first was a tomato club and taught young men how to grow the tomatoes and taught young women how to can and preserve the tomatoes to feed their families throughout the year. He said 4-H stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, and embodies an experiential learning model. He said it started as an agricultural and family science focused organization, and has grown to be the largest k-12 student organization serving students in the areas of agriculture, science, mathematics, robotics, etc. He said Orange County 4-H works with local universities, and is often found in schools, providing research space and instruction to after school programs, and partnering with teachers. He said 4-H provides affordable summer camp experiences that break the mold of traditional education, and strives to make the best better. He said Orange County has 8 active 4-H clubs, and attendance numbers continue to grow every week. He invited some of the student leaders to speak and share about their experiences. Camille Clark, Orange County 4-H President, addressed the Board. She said she is a senior at Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College, and serves as president of 4-H Youth Council. She said 4-H provides opportunities for youth development of skills and practical knowledge. She said 4-H empowers young people to be future leaders with confidence and know how to work with others and ability to endure situations. She said Orange County 4-H has many supporters throughout the community, like the Commissioners, as well as the Tractor Supply Company and Piedmont Electric. She said she has been in 4-H for seven (7) years, and highlighted meaningful experiences for her through this opportunity. She thanked the BOCC for its ongoing support. Austen Stinson-Miller, Orange County 4-H Vice President, addressed the Board. He said he is a student at Jordan High School. He said 4-H is a big family, and there is something for everyone to do no matter if it is based in agriculture, STEM, family and consumer sciences, health or other focus areas. He said 4-H allows for learning through hands on activities and molds leaders. He said he most enjoys the horse related activities and making memories at the 4-H horse shows. He thanked the BOCC for its support of 4-H Lauren Hoesli, Orange County 4-H Secretary, addressed the Board. She said she is a junior at Orange High School. She said the community within the 4-H program is the best part. She said she has been in 4-H for nine years and has learned a lot of life lessons through conferences and events like public speaking, teamwork, and leadership qualities. She said anyone from any background can be greatly impacted by 4-H. She thanked the Commissioners for their support.