4-H Youth Development News
4-H Youth Development News
Charles Comer, Montgomery County 4-H Agent
March 26, 2025
4-H Youth Development Program News
Nutrition Tips for Kids
There is a lot of advice for kids' eating habits. The USDA recommends following these simple tips:
Eat more fruit and vegetables. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables every day.
Try whole grains. Add things like oatmeal and whole-wheat bread and pasta to your dishes.
Think about your drink. Choose water and low-fat or fat-free dairy milk (or lactose-free or fortified soy versions) when you’re thirsty.
Mix up your protein foods. Include different foods like seafood, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, soy products, eggs, meats, or poultry.
Involve kids in the kitchen. Let them help by putting away groceries, stirring ingredients, peeling fruits, or setting the table.
Be active. Find ways for your kids to be active and move their body for at least 1 hour a day. Try walking to school, bike riding, or playing a sport with friends.
This article was adapted from Healthy Choices for Healthy Families Newsletter of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/kids
Limit These Three
Foods high in added sugar, saturated fat and salt are not necessary for a healthy diet.
The aim is to limit the calories you eat from these three:
Added sugars like sugary drinks, candy, and processed foods can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Saturated fats come from animal sources of food and some tropical oils such as coconut or palm oil. Saturated fats can raise your cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease
Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is necessary for bodily functions but too much can lead to high blood pressure increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease.
Cooking and eating healthy can lead to overall well-being and a healthier life.
4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Science Academy
The 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy is currently accepting applications for program year 2025-2026. The Academy is a three-year commitment which meets quarterly each year. Applicants must be in the 5th grade at the time of applying. For more information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu. You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
March 19, 2025
4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest
The 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest will take place on Thursday, March 27 at 6:30pm at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center. To help you prepare for the contest there are two video resources available-one is focused on the 4-H Speech Contest and the other is about the 4-H Demonstration Contest. In addition to these two resources, there are 4-H publications focused on both contests. Contact me for copies of the publications or a link to the videos. Also call the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 to pre-register your presentation for the contest by Friday, March 21.
National Ag Week: March 17-21
National Ag Week is taking place this week March 17-21. It is an opportunity to recognize agriculture’s vital role in our everyday lives. For 4-Hers, it is a learning opportunity to focus on the food and farming community. The theme for the celebration is “Agriculture: Together, We Grow.” For more information on Agriculture Education Week, including the history, learning resources and to learn how you can get involved, visit kyagr.com/marketing/ag-education-week.html.
4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Science Academy
The 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy is currently accepting applications for program year 2025-2026. The “NRESci Academy” as it is known is a three-year program designed to teach youth about the natural environment. In the program, scholars participate in hands-on investigations to learn about Kentucky’s water, forest, entomology, and wildlife resources. The Academy is a three-year commitment which meets quarterly each year. Applicants must be in the 5th grade at the time of applying. If selected, youth/families must agree to the three-year commitment to the program. For more information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu. You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
March 5, 2025
Now Accepting Applications for the 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Science Academy
The 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy is now accepting applications for program year 2025-2026.
The 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences Academy is also known as the 4-H NRESci Academy.
The NRESci Academy is a three-year program designed to teach youth about the natural environment. In the program, scholars participate in hands-on investigations to learn about Kentucky’s water, forest, entomology, and wildlife resources.
The Academy is a three-year commitment which meets quarterly each year. Delegates attend a two-day residential retreat at Feltner 4-H Camp in September and participate in three 1-day events held in winter, spring, and summer.
The locations of the 1-day events which take place on weekdays, generally in October/November, March, and July. Locations vary across the state but include Salato Wildlife Education Center, Pine Mountain Settlement School, Robinson Forest, Lost River Cave, and UK Campus. These events allow the participant to experience a variety of natural areas and natural resource professionals during the participants’ three years in the program.
Applicants must be in the 5th grade at the time of the application. If selected, youth/families must agree to make a three-year commitment to the program. Each county may register two delegates to represent the county.
The cost of the program is $175 per year that covers lodging and meals for the Fall Retreat, and programming costs of the one-day events.
Each year of the 3-year program, delegates concentrate on a different core area of the environment including water, entomology, forestry, and wildlife. They interact with experts in each of these disciplines. Participants are involved in a variety of field exercises, including stream sampling, forest measurement data collection, wildlife observation and trapping, insect collection and identification, and much more.
To apply, prospective participants must apply by March 28.
For more information about the 4-H Natural Resources and Environmental Science Academy, contact me at your Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.
4-H Speech and Demonstration
The 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest takes place Thursday, March 27 at 6:00pm at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center.
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu. You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
February 26, 2025
National Ag Week Promotes the Importance of Ag in Our Lives
National Ag Week is the week of March 17-21. The weeklong celebration is an opportunity to recognize and support agriculture’s vital role in fueling our everyday lives. For 4-Hers, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the food and farming community—showing their pride and appreciation for Kentucky’s hard-working agricultural industry. The official theme for this year’s celebration is “Agriculture: Together, We Grow.”
Here are several ways to help spread the word and help youth share in the celebration:
- Take a virtual field trip. Bring the farm and farmers to you through the “Kentucky Farms Feed Me” virtual field trip series at teachkyag.org/kyfarmsfeedme, a program of the Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom.
- Learn more about what’s growing in your county. Check out the Kentucky Food and Farm website at kyfoodandfarm.info info to learn what farmers are growing where you live.
- Prepare a farm-to-table feast. Serve your family a meal that highlights the quality and abundance of locally grown and raised agriculture products in Kentucky.
- Share what you know through youth group discussions. At your next 4-H club meeting, talk with your peers about what agriculture means to you and how it affects your community.
- Explore agricultural career opportunities. Careers in agriculture include a myriad of jobs in food production, agricultural engineering, environmental science, animal nutrition and more. Learning about these career possibilities is a great way to support the industry's future. Visit kyagworks.org for career profiles and job quizzes.
- Thank a farmer and anyone that contributes to agriculture. Reach out to farmers and anyone you know in your community who impacts this vibrant industry. Express your gratitude for their work and contributions.
- Spread the word on social media. Your county extension office’s social media pages are an excellent place to find posts you want to share/reshare. With adult guidance, 4-Hers can remind their family and friends online of agriculture's impact on their lives.
- Participate in the Kentucky Agriculture Poster and Essay Contest. Share what Kentucky agriculture means to them through the written word or colorful artwork. The 2025 theme is “Kentucky Agriculture Makes Me Proud.” Find entry information at kyagr.com/marketing/poster-essay-contest.html.
For more information on Agriculture Education Week, including the history, learning resources and to learn how you can get involved, visit kyagr.com/marketing/ag-education-week.html.
If you are looking for ways to celebrate National Ag Week with the young people in your life, it is easy for everyone to participate. Your County Extension Service office can connect you with agriculture-related learning activities and resources to educate others about agriculture in your community.
For Campers ages 9-14—Camp registration begins March 3…
For young people ages 9-14, 4-H camp registration window opens on-line Monday, March 3, 2025. If you want to be on our email list to receive the 4-H Camp Registration link to register your child for camp, you can contact us at 859-498-8741 to register your email address to receive the link.
4-H Speech and Demonstration
The 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest takes place Thursday, March 27 at 6:00pm at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center.
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu. You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
February 19, 2025
February focus on Heart Health
February is known as Heart Health Month. It is a perfect time to consider how important your heart matters when you consider heart disease is the leading cause of death in United States.
Your body’s cardiovascular system is the heart and its entire network vessels running through your body. This system delivers life-sustaining blood to every part of the body.
Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term for diseases associated with a variety of heart conditions. These include heart disease, high blood pressure, and artery diseases.
A narrowing of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart causes coronary heart disease.
Coronary heart disease includes myocardial infarction or by its common name “heart attack.” When a person has a heart attack, there is a blockage of a coronary artery, usually caused by a blood clot. Chest pain occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygen.
A stroke occurs when the blood vessels, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the brain, become clogged or ruptured. When this happens, the brain is deprived of the blood flow it needs. Without the blood flow, cells will die, and the part of the body controlled by these cells cannot function either.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for American women aged 35 and older and the leading cause of death in Kentucky. In fact, CVD will kill more people in Kentucky this year than all forms of cancer, pneumonia, influenza, and traffic accidents combined.
It’s important to understand, reduce, and control the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It matters to you and your loved ones.
Eat More Fruits and Vegetables and Exercise each Day
Want a healthy heart? Start by eating more fruit and vegetables…and getting more exercise. It matters when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight. Plus, it may even reduce your family’s risk of many diseases. Every step towards getting more physical activity also matters in weight management and overall health. You can help your family be at their best by encouraging a balance of diet and exercise!
4-H Speech and Demonstration
The 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest takes place Thursday, March 27 at 6:00pm at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center. Call the County Extension Office, 859-498-8741 to pre-register your presentation for the contest by Friday, March 7.
Summer 4-H Camp 2025—Registration for Volunteer Camp Counselors ends soon
The registration window closes for volunteer adults and teen counselors on Friday, February 28. For more information about serving as a volunteer counselor at camp contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741.
For Campers ages 9-14—Camp registration begins March 3…
For young people ages 9-14, 4-H camp registration window opens on-line Monday, March 3, 2025. If you want to be on our email list to receive the 4-H Camp Registration link to register your child for camp, you can contact us at 859-498-8741 to register your email address to receive the link.
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu. You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
February 5 , 2025
4-H Speech and Demonstration
Presenting a speech to an audience is one of the most frightening, nerve-wracking experiences one can experience. And it’s also one of the best things you can do to make a positive difference in your life. When you have stood and delivered a speech, you receive the biggest dose of confidence and the knowledge that you can do it!
The 4-H Speech and Demonstration contest is the event that helps you gain the confidence and knowledge to stand and deliver. A long-standing communication skill-building tradition in 4-H, participation in speech and demonstration helps young people master communications skills of summarizing information; organizing thoughts; and delivering information in a logical order or persuasive manner.
Communications expertise is a vital skill for today’s youth and tomorrow’s adults. 4-H Youth Development helps youth gain communication skills and improve their quality of speech along with their association with others whether one-on-one conversation or through a job interview or delivering a key address before an assembly.
The 4-H Speech and Demonstration Contest will take place Thursday, March 27 at 6:00pm at the Montgomery County Extension Education Center. Call the County Extension Office, 859-498-8741 to pre-register your presentation for the contest by Friday, March 7. Why not give it a try?
Summer 4-H Camp 2025—Registration for Volunteer Camp Counselors Now
Montgomery County attends summer 4-H Camp in the week of June 2-6, 2025. Volunteer opportunities are available for teenagers ages 14-17 and adults ages 18 and older. Teens and adults serve as volunteer camp counselors to provide leadership and direction to a cabin of campers ages 9-14. The registration window is open to volunteer adults and teen counselors until February 28. Contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741. The office is located at 106 East Locust Street in Mount Sterling.
For Campers ages 9-14—Camp registration begins March 3…
For young people ages 9-14, 4-H camp registration window opens on-line Monday, March 3, 2025. If you want to be on our email list to receive the 4-H Camp Registration link to register your child for camp, you can contact us at 859-498-8741 to register your email address to receive the link.
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu. You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
January 29, 2025
Summer 4-H Camp 2025—Registration for Volunteer Camp Counselors Begins February 3…
One of the best summer service opportunities is to serve as a volunteer 4-H camp counselor! It is a fun, leadership-building experience, for a few days each summer, that involves being responsible for the care and development of young people attending 4-H Camp.
This year Montgomery County attends summer 4-H Camp the week of June 2-6, 2025. Volunteer opportunities are available for two age cohorts--teenagers ages 14-17 and adults ages 18 and older. Each year the counties across Kentucky promote the opportunity to recruit teens and adults to serve as volunteer camp counselors to provide leadership and direction to a cabin of campers ages 9-14.
What does it take to be a volunteer 4-H camp counselor? A mature, responsible individual who cares about young people and provides a positive camp experience for campers.
Are you interested in serving as a volunteer 4-H camp counselor? The registration window is open February 3-28, 2025. Contact or visit your Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741. The office is located at 106 East Locust Street in Mount Sterling.
For Campers ages 9-14—Camp registration begins March 3…
For young people ages 9-14, 4-H camp registration window opens on-line Monday, March 3, 2025. If you want to be on our email list to receive the 4-H Camp Registration link to register your child for camp, you can contact us at 859-498-8741 to register your email address to receive the link.
4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. For information, contact me at the Montgomery County Extension Service office at 859-498-8741 or via electronic mail ccomer@uky.edu. You can also visit our website at www.ca.uky.edu/montgomery/.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
