4-H leaders attend training

Eighteen volunteers participated in training on Saturday, Oct. 13, at the Henry County Extension Office to become club leaders with the Iowa 4-H Program. There were volunteers from Henry, Des Moines, Jefferson, Van Buren, Keokuk, Washington and Johnson Counties.

The training was a six-hour program that focused on positive youth development. Participants learned characteristics of the 4-H eight essential elements of a caring adult, safe environment, inclusive setting, and providing opportunities for mastery, service, self-determination, planning for the future and engaged learning.

The training was split to focus on fourth through twelfth grade 4-H clubs and kindergarten through third grade Clover Kids groups.

Leaders of 4-H clubs also learned about planning club meetings, helping youth set goals and best practices through a panel with current volunteers. Clover Kids leaders also learned about planning age-appropriate lessons, curricula available and behavioral management.

The training was led by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Youth Program Specialists Kati Peiffer and Darbee Wellman, Henry County Youth Coordinator Ali Jones and Des Moines County Youth Coordinator Sara Evans.

For more information on volunteer opportunities with the Iowa 4-H program, please contact the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Office.