Published: October 04, 2008 04:30 pm         

4-H programs change with the times, but its motto and focus remain the same

Green and white will always be special colors for Susan McGrady.

The program assistant for the West Virginia University Extension Service dons the traditional colors of 4-H every time she gets a chance.

“Being involved with 4-H has brought me back to the youth I loved,” McGrady said. “I was involved with the program during my youngest son’s years. It was fun to watch him enjoy the things I had enjoyed several years before. Now, I find myself reliving all those good experiences — and some new ones — through involvement with 4-H.

The first State 4-H camp was held in West Virginia at Jackson’s Mill in 1921. The Mountain State is also the home of the first county 4-H camp, Camp Good Luck, which formed in 1915. West Virginia has the largest camping program in the world, McGrady said.

Things have changed over the years, but 4-H has kept pace with the times, developing programs of interest to a generation growing up in the 21st century, she said.

“I grew up at a time when 4-H was in every classroom. That’s the biggest change I’ve seen in my life time. Now, kids have so many other kinds of activities in which they are involved that many schools don’t have a 4-H program at all. The ones that do have meetings after school,” McGrady said.

The message based on the 4-H motto: “To Make the Best Better” has not changed. The methods through which the goal is advanced have changed a great deal.

“We now offer clubs outside the school setting. There is a teen club that has service projects and charting offered. There are so many different projects a child can choose from,” McGrady said.

Rhonda Coleman, youth development extension agent, said all activities are geared to building good citizens and good leaders. “Our program is not about winning or doing better than others. It’s about teaching children to do the best they can and being the best they can be. It’s about building character,” she said.

4-H has a proven track record of doing just that. Celebrities such as David Letterman, Julia Roberts, Glenn Campbell, Johnny Carson, Faith Hill, Al Gore, Alan Shephard, Johnny Bench and even the president of Harvard University are among famous 4-H alumni.

“Recent research shows 4-H alumni are more likely to be involved on school boards, PTA groups and in other civic organizations,” McGrady said. “4-H is alive and well in Raleigh County, which has had the most campers at Alpha Two State Camp at Jackson’s Mill for 15 years running. This year, they lost by one camper.”

Traditional programs such as those tied in with horse shows and county and state fairs still exist. However, projects based on an ever-expanding field involving science are available.

“The books have updated over the years to keep up with the times,” McGrady said.

Probably the most memorable part of 4-H for any participant revolves around the excitement, fun and nostalgia of summer camps.

Tribal traditions have continued with children grouped as Cherokee, Mingo, Seneca and Delaware, with a chief and sagamore for each one.

“The tribal names and practices are treated with great respect in 4-H,” McGrady said. “It’s a fun way to help children learn about our heritage.”

Volunteers play a key role in keeping 4-H viable.

“Without our volunteers, there would be no program,” Coleman said. “Our volunteers embody the 4-H foundation — Head, Health, Heart and Hand. The volunteers help us provide those practical, learn-by-doing experiences that encourage youth to experiment, innovate and think independently.”

Training and support are provided for 4-H club officers and leaders.

“We encourage people who’ve never tried 4-H to become involved, either as a leader or by involving their children in a 4-H program in their county,” McGrady said. “4-H offers unique opportunities and provides friendships that last a lifetime.”

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com