National 4-H Week is the first full week in October, during which millions of youth, parents, volunteers, and alumni across the country celebrate everything 4-H. Area 4-H clubs observed National 4-H Week this year by showcasing the incredible experiences that 4-H offers young people, and highlighted the remarkable 4-H youth in our community who work each day to make a positive impact on those around them.
Area youth in Fond du Lac County participated in various ways to celebrate throughout the week. Some clubs had their club meetings and celebrated with fun activities. Other clubs took this as an opportunity to promote their clubs with displays of what their club has to offer. Tracy Keifenheim and youth members of the South Byron club led STEM activities to promote 4-H the following week at the Lomira Quad/Graphics Community Library when the district had off of school. Green Valley, Brandon Tanagers, and Campbellsport 4-H Clubs set up displays in local community libraries, also.
The theme of this year’s National 4-H Week was Find your Spark, which highlighted how 4-H encourages kids to take part in hands-on learning experiences in areas such as health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement. What is Your SPARK? When asked the question “what is your spark?” Most individuals have an immediate answer as it is something that brings joy or excitement. According to the Search Institute, a spark is a “special quality, skill, or interest that lights us up and that we are passionate about. It is something that comes from inside of us, and when we express it, it gives us joy and energy. It’s our very essence, the thing about us that is good and beautiful, and useful to the world.”
4-H may be your spark or where you found your spark. As a 4-H volunteer leader, you are a “spark champion”. You can affirm a youth’s spark. Provide opportunities to express it, eliminate obstacles, teach, and mentor. Generally, according to the Search Institute, “there are three types of sparks, something you are good at – a talent or skill, something you care deeply about – such as the environment or serving your community, or a quality you know is special – caring for others or being a friend.” When youth know their spark and have several adults who support their spark, they are more likely to have a sense of purpose, be socially competent, physically healthy, help others and have greater school success. Sparks can change over time and young people need multiple champions to teach and cheer them on.
If you are interested in more information about becoming a volunteer or have a youth looking to join a club, please visit this webpage, contact the Extension office at 920-929-3171, or email Tracy Keifenheim at tracy.keifenheim@wisc.edu.
