“Growing Through Decades and Generations The Legacy of 4-H”

Welcome back to Extension Connection! In this special episode, co-host Jessica Jackson takes a heartfelt look at the lasting impact of 4-H in celebration of National 4-H Week. From flipping through old Polk County archives to sharing touching stories from local events, Jessica reflects on how 4-H has grown through nearly a century of service, learning, and connection.

Tune in to hear how Science Day Camp began back in 1984, why sewing skills matter more than you think, and how one visit to a local care home sparked a powerful reminder of 4-H’s generational bond. Plus, Jessica issues a simple but meaningful challenge to keep the 4-H spirit alive in your community.

Whether you're a lifelong clover, a proud alum, or brand new to the 4-H family—this episode will remind you why in 4-H, we don’t just grow projects—we grow people.

Transcript

0:01

Greetings, everyone. Welcome back to another episode of the Extension Connection Podcast. I'm your co-host Jessica Jackson, and I'm so glad y'all are tuning in today. Now, October is a special time in the four H world. That's right, because we hold National four H Week celebrated every year during the first full week of October, it's when four Hs alumni, volunteers, and supporters from coast to coast come together. Throw on their green and proudly show what it means to be beyond ready. Green hats, green shirts, green face paint, even green boots if you've got'em. Last week we painted the nation green, y'all, and it was a beautiful site. One of my favorite parts of four H is a special day set aside to spotlight four ars, who were out there doing good, giving back, helping others, making their mark in their schools communities. It's more than just a service. It's heart, hands and a whole lot of helping and it always gets me thinking. Have you ever looked back at a childhood memory that just stuck with you? Maybe it was your first blue ribbon at the fair, or staying up late with friends around the project table. You know the kind of memories that don't just pass by, they stick like fair ground cotton candy to your fingertips. Let me share one of mine. A recent memory with our Polk County four H Teen Council. Back in the spring, our teen council took a trip over to White Oak Manor to visit with the residents. We brought fresh flowers and spent the afternoon making little bouquets, just something to brighten their day. And y'all, when I tell you the room lit up, it was something special. You could feel the kindness, the connection, but what really tugged up my heart was that we learned that one of the residents had once been a four H or two A four H alum, right? Then it clicked. We are connected across time, across generations. The same clover that shaped their youth is still shaping ours today. And it's not just stories like that. I've been digging through the, for Polk County four H archives lately, and let me tell you, it's like stepping into a time capsule. Old black and white photos, yellowed, newspaper clippings, written notes, and faded ink. It's living history and tucked in there a real gym. Turns out. Last week's Science Day camp for Polk County sixth graders has been around for a lot longer than I thought. It goes way back to October 29th, 1984. That's 41 years ago y'all, and who knows? It could have started even earlier. In 1984, they held science camp at Green River Cove. Later it moved on to what we now call the Iron Key in Columbus, and today it lives on at the Polk County Extension Office on Carmel Lane in Columbus. How amazing is that to see four eight traditions evolve? But still carry the same heart and purpose in the community. And what really gives me chills is thinking that someone who was a shy, wide-eyed four HR back in the 1980s or the 1990s could now be a teacher, a four H volunteer, a business over, or maybe even a parent bringing their child to a four H Club meeting. It is full circle. Moments like this that remind me, four H isn't just a program, it's a legacy as something that sticks with you, shapes you, and inspires you to pass it on. Polk County four H goes back all the way back to 1926. That's nearly a hundred years of youth development, of teaching, agriculture, livestock, cooking, sewing, leadership, and more. And even now in 2025, we're still growing. Now let me tell you a little bit about myself real quick. I'm 33 years old and in the last three years working with four H at the extension office, I've learned more about sewing than I ever thought I would. And would you believe me if I said I didn't want to learn it at all growing up? My mama tried, bless her heart, but I was like, no, thanks. Well, fast forward to my college days and calling home and asking Mama, how do I hem these pants? Or even better, can I just bring'em home this weekend? And can you do it for me? That's what four H does. It pushes all of us, not just kids and challenges, volunteer staff, and even agents like me, to step out of our comfort zone to grow, to learn. So whether you're nine or 90, there's always something new to discover in four H. And the best part, there's always someone right there beside you learning with you. That's the magic of four H. That's the four H way. Before I let y'all go today, let me throw out a little challenge, just something to think about this week. What if you took a moment and set a four H inspired goal? Nothing too big or fancy, just something meaningful. Maybe it's organizing a small community project, cleaning up a park, collecting donations to a local shelter. We're helping a neighbor in need. It doesn't have to be a grand production, just a little kindness in action. That's the four H way. Or maybe reach out to a former four H, or could be a parent, a neighbor, a teacher, or even someone you follow on social media. Ask them, Hey, what is your favorite four H memory? You'll be surprised what folks remember. Some will talk about their first animal show, others light up telling you about friends they made at camp. Or the time they burn cookies in a cooking project, it happens, but more often they're not. Their eyes get the little sparkle and they'll say something like, made me who I am today. And just like that, you've made a connection, one generation to another. One, clover leaf to the nexts, because that what four H does best. It connects us across time, across towns, across backgrounds. So this week I challenge you. Do one small thing that reflects the heart of A four H because when we each do a little together, we do a lot. So as we wrap up this episode in celebration of National four H Week, I want to leave you with this. Four H isn't just about projects, it's about people. It's about creating opportunities, building confidence, and making a difference, one helping hand at a time. It's a place where kids grow into leaders. Where friendships grow into lifelines and where families grow stronger generation after generation. If you've ever been a part of four H, thank you. If you're raising a four H or volunteering your time or just cheering from the sidelines, you're part of the family too. Because in four H, we don't just grow tomato steers or sewing skills. We're growing character. We grow leaders, we grow community, and most of all, we grow people. Thanks for joining me today on the Extension Connection Podcast. I'm Jessica Jackson, stay green, stay proud, and tune in next week to listen to our Livestock aging Cassie LA Masters. Have a good day y'all.