New Year, New Goals
Most young people start the year with a spark of motivation: 
- Trying a new hobby
- Making a difference in their community
- Building confidence
- Finding a space where they belong
4-H is one of the few youth programs designed to turn those ideas into real opportunities. It gives youth hands-on experiences, everything from cooking to robotics to animals to leadership while helping them set goals they can be proud of. Even if a young person isn’t sure what they’re interested in yet, 4-H helps them explore until they find their spark.
A Place to Belong and Be Yourself
A lot of youth are looking for spaces where they feel accepted, supported, and encouraged. Johnson County 4-H clubs are known for being welcoming, youth-led, and community focused. Young people don’t have to be experts, outgoing, or already confident, they can show up exactly as they are.
What makes 4-H special is that youth have the freedom to:
- Choose projects that match their interests
- Take on leadership roles at their own pace
- Work with caring adult mentors
- Build friendships with people who share their passions
Learning Life Skills Without Feeling Like “School”
When teens and kids think about developing skills, they often picture worksheets, lectures, or tests. But 4-H takes learning in a completely different direction. Youth learn by doing through real projects, hands-on activities, and experiences that actually matter to them.
In Johnson County 4-H, youth practice skills they’ll use in their future careers and for the rest of their lives without even realizing it, like:
- problem-solving
- teamwork
- public speaking
- responsibility
- communication
- leadership
Making an Impact, One Project at a Time
Many young people say they want to help others or make a difference but aren’t always sure how. 4-H 
makes community impact accessible and meaningful. Whether it’s leading a donation drive, helping at a local event, launching a service project, or advocating for a cause, youth get the tools and encouragement to show they can create real change.
Why This Year Is the Time to Try Something New
The new year is a blank slate for youth everywhere; not just those already wearing green. If a young person is looking for challenges, friendships, leadership opportunities, creativity, or just something to be excited about, Johnson County 4-H is a great way to start the year!
Written by Lexi Ray, 4-H Youth Development Agent January 2026