Our primary objectives in the Share-the-Fun program are to encourage 4-H members to: 1) discover and develop their talents and 2) to develop confidence in self and performing before others. This score sheet is designed to have judges evaluate 4-H members’ performances, give members feedback to assist with their continuous development, and assist in the selection of acts that can be used in an exciting, entertaining variety show.

Public Speaking challenges the contestants to develop and deliver a message that informs, influences or entertains an intended audience. They will plan and deliver a speech with an effective beginning, middle and conclusion. The audience, appropriate topic, purpose, research of supporting materials, and appropriate methods of delivery will be considered.

The Radio and Public Address contests provide 4-H youth with an opportunity to express themselves clearly,organize their ideas and have confidence. By competing in this contest, youth learn valuable life skills in effective communication that they will use throughout their lifetime.

The Science Fair Presentation& Display Contest provides youth with the opportunity to communicate scientific experiment by using the scientific method.

Extemporaneous Speaking challenges contestants to think quickly and prepare a speech on an assigned topic with little preparation. Participants will draw three possible topics, choose one, prepare for 15-30 minutes, and then deliver a 2-5 minute speech response.

Fashion Revue is a contest that aims to increase youths’ knowledge of consumerism, textiles, and garment constructionwhile providing opportunities to express fashion trends and present themselves in an appropriate manner. Categories exist for purchased and constructed garments.

During the summer months of 2017, a team of Virginia 4-H extension agents and a 4-H extension specialist surveyed currently active teens and their parents/guardians to gather insight on how they became involved in 4-H, what keeps them engaged in the program, what they have learned as a result of their participation, how they are utilizing what they have learned, and their familiarity with the variety of opportunities available to teen 4-H members. As a result, 233 teens and 388 parents/guardians responded to the survey, representing all four districts and 71 of our 106 counties and cities in Virginia. The age range of teen respondents was 13-19 years old. This publication highlights the key findings from the study.

During the summer months of 2017, a team of Virginia 4-H Extension Agents and a 4-H Extension Specialist surveyed currently active teens and their parents/guardians to gather insight on how they became involved in 4-H, what keeps them engaged in the program, what they have learned as a result of their participation, how they are utilizing what they have learned, and their familiarity with the variety of opportunities available to teen 4-H members. As a result, 233 teens and 388 parents/guardians responded to the survey, representing all four districts and 71 of our 106 counties and cities in Virginia. The age range of teen respondents was 13-19 years old. This publication highlights the key findings from the study.

There's been a lot of discussion lately about the connections between social media use and mental health among both teens and adults. In fact, the US Surgeon General issued a report about the issue. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf In this session, we delve into the pros, cons, and recommendations for using social media in ways that are helpful and strategies to avoid harmful practices.

Virginia Cooperative Extension takes pride in the premise that vital programming is based on the issues, problems, and needs of the people. A thorough analysis of the situation provides context for understanding and addressing these problems. Each local office updates their situation analysis every 4-5 years.

This quick guide is a tool to help Unit Coordinators navigate the process of onboarding a new agent in their local office. This resource clarifies the key responsibilities & roles a Unit Coordinator plays in the onboarding process, as well as tips for a successful experience when welcoming a new agent to the local unit office.