The beginning of 2020 started out as a normal year, no one could foresee the worldwide changes that were about to unfold. Because of COVID-19, the most important event of the year, the Pinal County Fair, was cancelled. In addition, the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension declared a hold on any further in-person programming. The 4-H youth and their families were devastated by the news.

The State 4-H Office and other counties offered virtual activities to all 4-H members throughout the state at no charge. This provided opportunities to continue engagement via virtual meetings and events.

Our focus needed to shift to ways we could provide virtual opportunities to support our 4-H Leaders and youth.

Through this difficult time in history, our 4-H youth persevered and successfully won many awards. As difficult and challenging as it was to adapt to the changes, they participated with a positive attitude and willingness to learn. Members, leaders, and staff have grown by learning new skills through the process.

Additionally, virtual doors have opened the possibilities in which youth can participate in their committee and club workshops at the state and national level.

Change is not always enjoyable or easy. Strength comes from creating new ways to overcome obstacles and challenges. Through perseverance, our 4-H leaders, members, and staff pressed through difficult circumstances and found new ways to engage together and ended up building character, confidence and compassion as they shared their talents with one another and their communities.