4-H for decades has been known for 4-H camp, and while 4-H camp is a huge part of what we do, it’s not all we have to offer!
4-H was founded as a youth development program in the United States, and its goal is to engage young people in experiential learning opportunities to help them develop life skills and become responsible, contributing citizens. While Virginia Cooperative Extension/4-H has been around for more than 100 years now. Our goals and objectives have not been altered too much!
Paige P. at Virginia 4-H Congress, where she was accepted to represent Virginia at the National Congress.
So, what else do we offer other than camp, you may ask? The simple answer would be any or everything that is related to positive youth development! However, a great example comes to light when you begin to toss Paige Parks and 4-H into a conversation.
Paige has been a stand-out teen for Smyth County 4-H for several years now and was able to represent not just Smyth County but Virginia at the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta Georgia on Nov. 25-28. Some of you may remember this young lady from an article this past summer where she earned the opportunity to attend this prestigious opportunity in Georgia!
Paige P. (Smyth County), Maya E. (Lee County), and Cadence B.(Washington County) attending the International Dinner & Dance at 4-H National Congress.
Before, we can move any further in the article we need to backtrack to the last sentence and bold, highlight, underline, and make flash the word earned! This National 4-H opportunity was not just handed out to anyone.
As a rising senior, Paige was required to put together a portfolio, resume, and presentation to present in front of the State 4-H leader and other board members last year at the Virginia 4-H Congress.
Paige was competing for a spot to attend against a plethora of applicants. However, only 12 applicants were accepted, out of the whole state! Moreover, Paige would not have been able to apply for this opportunity without an extensive background in 4-H projects, clubs, workshops, camps, services, and community work!
Paige P. pictured with 4-H National Congress guest speaker Amberley Snyder, who acted on the TV series Yellowstone and horse barrel races.
During this National 4-H Congress event, Paige was exposed to learning opportunities, sharpening life skills, serving community members, and creating connections/memories that will last her a lifetime! After attending Paige states, “This 4-H National Congress experience has truly been an eye- opening event into the 4-H world. It was amazing communicating and understanding all the different aspects of 4-H from all the different states.” The 4-H world does not just have to be associated with a camp and Paige Parks brings that to light for us. National Congress really hones in on youths’ ability to become critical thinkers, responsible, educated, and outstanding leaders. During her stay in Georgia, she was able to attend several workshops. (Habits of Highly Charismatic Teens, Speed Meeting workshops, and others) These workshops resulted in, “ My public speaking skilling increasing and understanding how to become a better team player,” which will carry over into her adult life in years to come! Lastly, Paige tells us that two of her favorite memories of this excursion are visiting the Atlanta History Museum and the ability to see the 1996 Olympic Torches.
Some last-minute points to talk about Paige and her experiences before the conclusion of this article would be. Paige’s trip/experience at the 4-H National Congress was completely paid for, through our State 4-H office and donors. Meaning, no money other than a small portion for food and souvenirs came out of her wallet. So, we would like to thank those supporters not only for supporting Paige but the other 12 teens who attended, five of whom were SWVA Teens. Something else that makes the experience so special is the fact that Paige quite possibly is the first Smyth County resident to represent Virginia at the 4-H National Congress ever! Lastly, thank you, Miss Paige, for representing Smyth County and striving to make a difference within our 4-H programs.
