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Kimberly Coldicott, University of Florida/IFAS/Monroe County Extension
You may remember 4-H as a program for farm kids. Agriculture is indeed a big part of our 4-H heritage and future. Founded in 1902 as an outreach to rural youth, 4-H now has 60 million alumni and involves 28 percent of youth in America. Monroe County and the other 66 counties in Florida have a 4-H Youth Development program, serving youth in cities and rural areas. Monroe County 4-H is the youth development program of the University of Florida/IFAS/ Monroe County Extension.
The 4-H Youth Program exists to promote the positive, healthy development of young people. Our mission is to provide challenges, experiences and support that youth need to develop to their fullest potential. We emphasize learning in non-formal educational settings that are based on fun, action, group and individual challenges. We teach life skills rather than academic lessons. Although our education takes place outside the formal school setting, we use an organized, systematic, teaching and learning process. It is not an alternative to formal education but instead another kind of education necessary for healthy youth development. Learning can take place in kitchens, living rooms, community parks, community centers and beaches, and anywhere that youth and adults come together to pursue
their interests.
In the 4-H Youth Program, our primary learners are youth 5-18 years old; however, 4-H does educate parents and volunteers who work with young people. The primary teachers in the 4-H Youth Program are adult and teen volunteers who take responsibility for community clubs, project clubs and special events. Kimberly Coldicott, the Monroe County 4-H Agent/Coordinator, has an essential teaching role with both adult and youth audiences.
Youth involved with 4-H, select projects based on personal interest. They work independently or in groups to “learn by doing”. In 4-H, youth have the opportunity to experiment, evaluate and apply their knowledge in projects such as aerospace, horticulture, fishing, photography and leadership. Trained community volunteers guide this learning process.
The 4-H Youth Development program in Monroe County is alive and well. We are looking for opportunities to work in your community. We know that there are many citizens who are looking for a fulfilling volunteer experience. If this describes you, please contact us to find out how you can connect to 4-H. Call the Monroe County 4-H Extension Office at 305-853-7385 or e-mail at kgcoldicott@ifas.ufl.edu.
Additional information on marine, horticulture, nutrition, and youth development programs is available from our University of Florida/IFAS/Monroe County Extension office at 1100 Simonton Street, Suite 2-260, Key West, Fl, 292-4501; email monroe@ifas.ufl.edu or visit our web site http://monroe.ifas.ufl.edu. Our services are free and available to all without regard to race, color, gender, or national origin. |
