4-H

4-H is America's largest youth development organization, where the "H"s stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, representing a pledge for youth to think clearly, be loyal, serve others, and live healthily for their community and world. It's an educational program, delivered by the Cooperative Extension, that uses hands-on, experiential learning to help young people develop life skills, pursue their interests, and become resilient, responsible, and compassionate adults. 

Being a 4-H camp counselor is a super rewarding experience that teaches you a lot of useful skills while also being a lot of fun. As a counselor, you’re not just guiding kids through activities, you’re also a role model, leader, and friend. You learn how to be patient, how to handle different personalities, and how to solve problems when things don’t go as planned. These skills will help you in almost any job or situation, whether it’s working with people, teaching, or leading a team.

On top of all that, being a camp counselor is just a blast. There’s something special about hanging out with kids, helping them learn new things, and seeing them have a great time. Whether you’re leading a game, teaching a skill like archery, or just chatting around the campfire, the memories you make with your campers and fellow counselors are priceless. The outdoors, the teamwork, and the fun activities make being a 4-H camp counselor an experience you’ll never forget.

Starting 4-H public speaking at the age of eight was definitely intimidating at first. Like many kids, I was nervous about speaking in front of others and struggled to find my confidence. Standing up in front of a group felt overwhelming, and I could barely get the words out without my hands shaking. But what I didn’t realize then was that this experience would help me grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined. With each speech, I slowly built my skills and comfort level. I learned how to organize my thoughts, project my voice, and engage with my audience, all of which helped me grow more confident and less anxious over time.

As I continued in 4-H, public speaking became less about facing a crowd and more about sharing something I was passionate about. The more I practiced, the more I started to enjoy the challenge of delivering a message. By the time I was in my teens, I had evolved from a shy, nervous speaker to someone who could comfortably present in front of a large audience. I could speak with clarity, make eye contact, and even add humor or emotion to connect with people. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how much I’ve transformed. Public speaking, which once seemed so scary, is now something I enjoy and feel confident doing, no matter the size of the audience.

4-H public speaking didn’t just teach me how to talk in front of people, it gave me a sense of control and confidence that I carry into all areas of my life. I’ve learned how to think on my feet, how to handle nerves, and how to communicate clearly and effectively. Whether it’s in school, at work, or in social settings, the skills I developed through 4-H have helped me connect with others and express myself more freely. Now, when I speak in front of a crowd, I no longer feel fear, I feel prepared and excited to share my message.