Florida 4-H News Room: 4-H News from Around the State

  More than 220,000 youth participate in the IFAS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program in counties throughout the state.   Here are some notable, positive trends during the most recent reporting year for Florida 4-H (2012-13 data): ·         There were increases in 4-H club membership, camping, school enrichment, and after school programs: 4-H club enrollment increased 15 percent to 22,088 (from 19,158 last year) and the number of 4-H clubs increased by three percent. Participation in 4-H camps increased 32 percent to 12,045 (from 9,141 last year). Youth participated in 9,162 more 4-H projects than last year, an increase of three percent. ·         Number of 4-H volunteers (both youth and adults) increased 25 percent to 19,096 this year (from 15,244 last year). ·         Total 4-H enrollment remained fairly steady (222,942 youth participated; 229,723 including duplicates due to youth participating in multiple delivery modes such as clubs and camps).

  4-H teens take on health solutions for a healthier America “Given today’s health challenges, it is vital that we empower America’s youth to step up and take on real life challenges like obesity, teen pregnancy, underage drinking and local food deserts,” said Donald T. Floyd, Jr., president and CEO, National 4-H Council. “We are grateful to Molina Healthcare for partnering with 4-H to give young people a platform to engage other youth and adults to create real-life solutions that improve health for themselves, their family, community and ultimately, the nation,” added Floyd. The video challenge is one component of a multi-faceted campaign co-created by National 4-H Council and Molina Healthcare to empower American teens to step forward and raise their voices, posing solutions to today’s leading health issues. In the coming months, 4-H programs across the nation will be hosting Teens Take on Health town hall meetings, bringing young people together to discuss the top h

  State 4-H Events Coordinator to Start November 4   We are pleased to announce that Travis Shepard has been hired as the new State 4-H Events Coordinator. Travis is a recent UF graduate with specializations in Recreation & Event Management and Tourism & Hospitality Management. He has experience working at J. Wayne Reitz Union Audio Visual Services as the Student Special Events Manager. As a University of Florida student, Travis was very involved in putting on on-campus productions for a variety of student organizations and has been a director of several that have had up to 2,000 attendees.  In addition, he has outside experience with RED Companies and has spear headed multiple projects, branded and promoted events, and worked with behind-the-scenes management and large budgets. Travis’ first day of work is Monday, November 4 th  and we are all very excited!  

We are extremely proud to announce that Caleb Cheng from Palm Beach County 4-H has been selected to serve on the National 4-H Council’s Board of Trustees! [Click here to download the media release...] Caleb has been an active participant in 4-H for 14 years. He is currently a candidate to receive his International Baccalaureate Diploma in the spring, and then plans to major in finance when he enters the university. Caleb is a competitive state champion swimmer and national USA champion water polo player. He is actively involved in Student Government Association, Future Business Leaders of America, and Economic Leaders of America. Recently we spoke with Caleb about this honor: Tell us a little about the 4-H National Council Board of Trustees Caleb: National 4-H Council supports national and state 4-H programs with a focus on fundraising, brand management, communications, and legal and fiduciary services. Council also oversees National 4-H Youth Conference Center, and the Nat