More Than a Meeting: The Value of 4-H Community Clubs
As September brings another 4-H year to a close, we have an opportunity to reflect on everything our members have experienced since the year began on October 1. The projects completed, ribbons earned, events attended, and goals achieved are important parts of 4-H but the lasting value of the program extends far beyond those accomplishments.
Community Clubs are at the heart of the 4-H experience. Clubs provide a consistent place where young people can belong, build relationships, try new things, and develop skills alongside their peers and supportive adults. One of the greatest benefits of club involvement is the opportunity for youth to find and use their voices. Members gain confidence as they give project talks, participate in discussions, report on committee work, and share their ideas. They practice leadership by serving as club officers, leading activities, helping younger members, and contributing to group decisions.
We see these skills grow as members move into countywide leadership roles. This year, Johnson County 4-H Council representatives elected officers, established goals, reviewed funding requests, discussed service projects, and helped plan countywide activities. Our 4-H Ambassadors also practiced outreach and engagement skills while preparing to represent Johnson County 4-H at events. These larger leadership opportunities begin with the confidence and experience youth first develop within their community clubs.
Club involvement also gives young people meaningful opportunities to communicate and share what they have learned. At Johnson County 4-H Club Day, members participated in public speaking, performing arts, project talks, and judging activities. Members then represented Johnson County at Regional Club Day, earning several judges’ choice awards. Eleven Johnson County project report forms advanced to regional judging, with eight members moving on to the state level. These accomplishments reflect more than project knowledge they demonstrate the goal setting, preparation, perseverance, and communication skills members build throughout the year. Four members won the 4-H state’s highest award in their respective project: Joshua E. (computer science), Carolin B. (health & wellness), George D. (leadership), and Iris S. (sewing & textile design).
Community clubs also teach cooperation and responsibility. Members learn how to listen to different perspectives, work toward shared goals, follow through on commitments, and contribute as part of a team. Youth committees helped plan Club Day, Achievement Celebration, countywide projects, scholarship support, and other activities. At Food Fare: Around the World, nearly 300 participants gathered to learn about different countries, explore foods and nutrition, participate in judging, and connect with other members. Experiences like these only happen when youth, families, volunteers, and clubs work together.
Not every activity will go exactly as planned, and that is also part of learning. 4-H’s slogan of “Learn By Doing” is at the core of when plans change, ideas do not work the first time, or a group must reach a compromise, youth develop patience, flexibility, problem-solving skills, and resilience. In a community club, young people have a supportive environment in which they can take appropriate risks, learn from mistakes, and try again.
Service is another important part of the club experience. During the holiday season, Johnson County clubs and project groups completed service activities for their communities. By identifying needs and working together to address them, youth learn empathy and begin to understand that their time and talents can make a meaningful difference.
Community club involvement can also open the door to experiences beyond Johnson County. This year, 13 members attended Citizenship in Action in Topeka, where they learned about government and advocacy while touring the State Capitol. Eight members traveled to Washington, D.C., for Citizenship Washington Focus at National 4-H Ignite conference, participating in sessions on advocacy, civil discourse, civic responsibility, and active listening. Five Johnson County members attended the Kansas Youth Leadership Forum, and one was elected to the Kansas 4-H Youth Council. While these experiences may take place at the county, state, or national level, the foundation is built through regular participation in a local club.
Perhaps most importantly, community clubs create a sense of belonging. They connect youth with friends, caring adult volunteers, and families who encourage their growth. Older members become role models for younger members, while younger members bring new energy and ideas. These relationships create a supportive environment where every member has something to learn and something valuable to contribute.
As we close the 2025–2026 4-H year on September 30, we celebrate not only what our members have completed, but also who they are becoming. We are grateful to the club leaders, volunteers, parents, families, and members who make these experiences possible.
The new 4-H year begins October 1. We encourage every family to continue participating or become more involved in a community club. The more youth engage in their club's life, the more they gain from the 4-H experience. In Johnson County 4-H, young people do more than complete projects. They find their voices, discover their strengths, build lasting relationships, serve their communities, and develop the skills they need for whatever comes next. The 4-H motto of “To Make the Best Better” is at the heart of the 16 community clubs in Johnson County.