Washington State 4-H Youth - Our Next Generation of Great Thinkers

by Betsy Fradd, WSU Extension 4-H Youth Development

Food coloring, unused diapers, and soil soakers. These and other key ingredients helped turn Washington State kids into some of our nation’s budding scientists. In the first 4-H National Youth Science Day on October 6, youth from our state and beyond took part in an experiment designed to highlight how water-absorbing polymers, called hydrogels, can be used in environmental applications including agriculture, erosion control, soil management, and environmental clean-ups.

In Pierce County youth tore into disposable diapers to extract the hydrogels. When added to water they found how the congealed substance ensnared additional liquid and began to think how polymers could be used in daily life.

“This experiment sparked an interest and curiosity in science with the youth while they practiced life skills such as critical thinking and problem solving,” said Christina Murray, WSU Pierce County 4-H Program Coordinator. “They discovered solutions to take care of our planet by conserving water and preventing groundwater contamination. They realized hydrogels could help people in other parts of the world, especially growing food in dry regions that don't receive much rain,” added Murray.

Youth on the Colville Reservation in Ferry County discovered what happens on top of the soil affects ground water below. Using a control and an experimental soil soaker they added potting soil to both soakers and placed hydrogels in one. Colored water, simulating contaminants, was added to each soaker. Youth watched and recorded what happened as the colored water seeped through the control soaker but became virtually trapped inside the soaker with the polymers.

“4-H science activities offer youth hands-on learning that ignites their thought processes and promotes investigative thinking into educational areas not thought of before,” said Linda McLean, WSU Colville Reservation 4-H Youth Development Coordinator.

One goal of the experiment was to show youth that science can be fun and have immediate tangible benefits. Now recognized by Congress as an official day, 4-H National Youth Science Day is part of 4-H new initiative to reach one million new youth through 4-H science, technology, and math programs by 2013.

Special Needs Youth Thrive in 4-H

Being a teenager can be a time of self-discovery, mixed emotions, and gaining perspective in life. Being a teenager with disabilities is the same except it can also be intensely isolating if you feel left out because of your differences. Enter 4-H in Kitsap County. Clubs there have long welcomed youth with differing abilities and, more recently, two new clubs have formed specifically for children with special challenges.

Vickie Hoefer leads the Justice Riders Club in Olalla. Her son Terry, 16, has cerebral palsy and David, 18, a mild form of autism.

“4-H has made them feel so independent,” said Hoefer. “They like being part of a group and knowing they are part of society. Their disabilities don’t stop them from participating,” she added.

Terry’s mini horse, Ra, and David’s quarter horse, Buddy, provide life skills in responsibility, caring and communication. Record books are a collaborative effort with Vickie doing the typing and the boys tracking the data. Upcoming meetings include making bird feeders, visiting a goat farm, learning about chickens and poultry, and hearing a farrier talk about essential horse care.

This past summer the brothers participated at the Kitsap County Fair showing Ra and doing herdsmanship in the barn. “I liked taking leadership in the group,” said David. “I helped decorate the stalls and I liked helping others and encouraging my fellow club members.”

Terry also took his horse to the petting farm at the Fair. “I liked telling the public about my animal and letting the public see a disabled person can have fun in 4-H,” said Terry.

Kelly Fisk, Kitsap County 4-H Youth Development Coordinator, works with clubs to ensure members receive services to accommodate individual needs. “It’s important for people to understand that special needs members are just as capable as anyone else in challenging themselves and achieving success,” said Fisk. “A number of people see the disability and not the child. Expectations are then lowered and the child is not pushed to their individual capabilities because of lack of knowledge or inexperience with the disability and modifications that can be made,” added Fisk.

Community service is intrinsic to Hoefer’s club. Their current project is sending greeting cards and raising money to help a soldier in Iraq. Since joining 4-H Hoefer has seen her sons’ willingness to reach out to others grow. “They like working with other people and getting things done,” said Hoefer. “It brings them a sense of well being. They have a feeling of ‘I did it and nothing can stop me.’ It’s a great sensation.”

Cooking for Cats: Paws-N-Claws 4-H club

Melanya Nordstrom, Patricia Lamas, and Robin Van Dyke star together in this helpful video about Cooking for Cats. Listen and watch as they share their favorite healthy recipes for cats -all recipes that utilize wholesome natural products. Laurie Hampton is the 4-H leader of the Paws-N-Claws 4-H club in Jefferson County, WA.

Capitol Christmas Tree 2006: Claire Turner's Video Interview With Governor Gregoire

Video: Claire Turner Interviews Gov. Gregoire

Third grader Claire Turner, 4-H Network News, interviews Gov. Gregoire about the 2006 Capitol Christmas Tree and her 4-H experiences.

4-H Know Your Government

4-H leaders and youth members in Jefferson County, WA share their thoughts about the value of 4-H Know Your Government conferences and training.

Dolly Dwyer chosen for 4-H Hall of Fame

Great Falls volunteer chosen for 4-H Hall of Fame: Dolly Dwyer got started in the organization as a 10-year-old in 1930 and remained involved for decades

GREAT FALLS (AP) — An 85-year-old woman here is set for induction into the national 4-H Hall of Fame and hopes her fractured wrist doesn’t prevent her presence at the ceremony Friday near Washington, D.C.

Dolly Dwyer is ‘‘exactly the kind of person who should be in the national Hall of Fame,’’ said Kirk Astroth, the state 4-H program director.

‘‘Her record of achievement over the past 60-something years is above and beyond the call of duty.’’

Dwyer broke her wrist in a recent fall and underwent surgery, said her husband, Terry Dwyer, a former managing editor for the Great Falls Tribune.

She hopes her doctor gives her a green light Wednesday to head for the East Coast on Thursday.

‘‘This award will never happen again for me,’’ Dwyer said. (Read More)