Life Skills Focus Team Samples

LIFE SKILLS FOCUS TEAM SAMPLES

Situation for Life Skills Program

Based on most recent census data, there are approximately ______youth ages 5-18 living in ______County. Currently, ______County 4-H uses a variety of program delivery modes to teach life skills to youth, including community clubs, project clubs, workshops, clinics, camps, and competitive events. These delivery modes reach an average of ______youth each year (______% of the county’s youth population), with a minimum of 6-hours of face-to-face teaching (either by the 4-H agent, program assistant or trained 4-H volunteers). Life skills specifically targeted for this program, identified by the 4-H advisory committees, are in: 1) Healthy Lifestyles, 2) Science, Engineering, and Technology, and 3) Citizenship, Communication and Leadership.

Research findings found that compared to other youth, 4-H members are more likely to be involved as leaders in their school and community, be looked up to as role models by other kids, and to help others in their communities. The study also found that 4-H members are less likely to shoplift or steal, use illegal drugs, vandalize public or private property, or skip school without permission (Astroth, K. and Haynes, G. The Montana Impact Study, Montana State University, 2001). When compared to children who participate in non-4-H related out-of-school activities (sports, Scouting, etc), 6th graders currently participating in 4-H clubs and after-school programs are 1.6 times more likely to enroll in college. Children who had participated in 4-H for at least one year by 8th grade are about 3.5 more likely to contribute to their families, self, and communities. They are also 1.3 times more likely to be on the lowest trajectories for both depressive symptoms and or risk/delinquent behaviors. (Source: Tufts University Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development).

Objectives for Life Skills:

__ percent of ____ youth will report adopting at least three best practices for attaining healthy life skills as a result of workshops, day camps, and project curricula measured through pre/post tests, project reports, and skill-a-thon scores.

__ percent of ____ youth will demonstrate an increase in knowledge or skills related to science, engineering, and technology as a result of field days, workshops, day camps, or project curricula measured through pre/post tests, project reports, and skill-a- thon scores.

__ percent of ___ youth will demonstrate an increase in knowledge or skills related to citizenship, leadership, and communication as a result of workshops, competitive events, and project curricula and measured through pre/post tests, teacher and parent surveys, and project reports.

Educational Activities and Methods:

In ______County, there is _____full-time 4-H agent, and ____ other Extension agents that contribute ___% of their time teaching 4-H life skills. In addition, there are _____full time volunteers that lead 4-H clubs, and ____ project leaders and ____ teen volunteers that offer guidance for 4-H projects and activities. Life skills are taught through 4-H club meetings, competitive events, school enrichment, day and residential camps, and other educational programs.

4-H club meetings are led by 4-H volunteers, and each club is required to have planned educational programs at each meeting. 4-H clubs are also the vehicle through which youth learn leadership skills and how to run a business meeting. Clubs are also required to complete at least one service project each year which teaches good citizenship and compassion for others.

Competitive events allow 4-Hers to demonstrate the skills and knowledge they have learned through their 4-H projects. Competition also allows youth to learn decision making skills, public presentation skills, and good sportsmanship. Competition is available for youth 8-18 at the club, county, district, state, and national levels.

School enrichment includes programs that are delivered through the public and private school system. This delivery method allows youth with limited resources access to 4-H. Currently, ______County offers _____ educational activities through this delivery mode: 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Program, 4-H Ag Awareness, and ______.

Camping is another delivery mode that teaches life skills. Camps are usually held on non-school days and cover a variety of project areas. Camps include a cumulative of 6-hours or more of educational activities in specific subject matter curricula.

Other educational programs may include field trips, tours, workshops, and clinics. Support materials for this Extension Program include:

____ fact sheets
____ project guides
___ web site, U-Tube, Facebook
___ newsletter (___ issues/year)
Officer handbooks
Member enrollment guide (updated annually)
School enrichment enrollment guides
Camp marketing materials (brochures, posters, website)
___ marketing materials

Sample Healthy Lifestyles Program Objective

Sample Outcome or Impact Statement

In ______County, _____% of adults are overweight and ____% are obese (2002 County Behavioral Risk Factor Survey). In 2003, almost ____% of ______County youth screened were at risk of being overweight and _____% were overweight (______ County Health Department). This data exceeds state averages for overweight youth. A quality, hands-on educational program was needed to combat this issue in order to prevent future chronic health problems related to overweight and obesity such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Based on input from the 4-H Advisory Committee, and in partnership with the ______County Health Department, a healthy lifestyles program was implemented in _____ and in the last four years, has reached over _____ youth. As a result of the program, ____% of youth demonstrated knowledge gained about the USDA MyPyramid Food Guide and correct portion size. When asked what they thought they could do to be healthier, ____% of ____ youth responded with comments such as: drink less soda, drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, get more sleep, watch less TV/video games, read the food label. One parent reported that as a result of this program, their child decided to limit herself to only one sweet snack per day. On average, program participants reported increasing their daily activity by 32.6 minutes per day.

In collaboration with the ______County Health Department, 4-H implemented a tobacco prevention program in 2007. This program reached ____ youth. As a result of the program, ___% reported that they planned on encouraging others (friends or family) to quit smoking or chewing tobacco. _____% reported that they felt more prepared to deflect peer pressure to smoke or chew tobacco, and ____ youth signed SWAT Pledge cards, pledging to abstain from using tobacco products. Abstaining from the use of tobacco products will help these youth prevent many forms of cancer and respiratory illnesses.

Compared to a bike crash, an ATV crash is 12 times more likely to kill a child. ATVs are involved in 38,000 injuries and 100 deaths to children each year. The lack of knowledge of safety requirements is an issue. In 2005, a community ATV safety program was implemented utilizing youth~adult partnerships and in collaboration with local government and business organizations. Since then, this program has reached ____ youth. ______youth have completed a six hour class on ATV safety, and ____ of them received ATV helmets. Six weeks after an ATV safety program, one of the teen leaders reported that as a result of the program, she was able to deflect peer pressure to ride double on an ATV with a friend.

Because ______County is rich in natural resources, hunting is a favorite recreational activity for many youth and families. In 2004, a shooting sports program was implemented to help youth learn shooting sports safety for rifle and archery. Over the last five years, this program has reached ____ youth. Pre and post tests indicate that as a result of the program, ____% of youth now know the parts of the gun/bow and arrow, and how to properly shoot. ______percent of youth reported that they now have a new respect for shooting sports equipment and the natural environment, and ____% stated that as a result of the program, they plan to use proper range safety when shooting a gun or bow and arrow.

_____percent of _____ youth will demonstrate an increase in knowledge or skills related to science, engineering, and technology as a result of field days, workshops, day camps, or project curricula measured through pre/post tests, project reports, and skill-a- thon scores.

One of the ways that citizens in Florida pollute our ecosystem is through over-use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer. As a result of entomology programs, ___% of ____ participants were able to correctly key insects to the order, and ___% were able to name at least three types of integrated pest management tools. ______percent were able to correctly distinguish beneficial insects from pests, and ____% of ___ participants were able to successfully identify the five parts of an insect.

As a result of gardening programs, ___ youth were able to demonstrate how to select the appropriate site for both ornamental and vegetable crops; ___% of the youth demonstrated proper techniques for watering, fertilizing, and monitoring pests by planning, planting, and maintaining a 100-square foot garden as part of their 4-H gardening project.

Because of Florida’s rich aquatic resources, a sports fishing education program was implemented in 2006 to teach youth basic angling skills and ethics. This year, this program reached ____ youth. As a result, ___% of youth learned that they need a fishing license if over the age of 16. ______percent learned how to identify the parts of a rod and reel and ____% learned how to identify various types of lures and their specific use. ______percent learned how to correctly identify at least 10 species of local fish, and ___% reported that they will check to make sure that the fish they are catching is “legal” or “in season.”

As a result of agriculture awareness programs, __% of ____ youth reported an increase in knowledge about what agriculture is, and the role it plays in their daily lives. In pre/post tests, ___% of the students indicated that their knowledge had increased for three or more of the targeted agricultural commodities. Six months after the field trip, ___% of the students remembered the definition of agriculture and could cite 5 ways that agriculture improves their quality of life.

4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology skills (SET) are necessary for productive work in the 21st century economy (Kane, Berryman, Golsen, & Meltzer, 1993) because it represents a broad field of careers; however most young people do not have the SET skills needed for careers in the 21st century. Nationwide, only 18% of high school seniors are considered proficient in science (NAEP, 2000), while a mere 5% of today’s college undergraduates earn degrees in science and engineering (Rising above the Gathering Storm, 2006). 4-H rocketry, robotics, energy, and mechanical science programs were implemented to help increase youth’s science literacy and interest in science-related fields of study. This year, these programs reached ___ youth. ____ percent were able to demonstrate knowledge gained about the three laws of motion either by building a rocket, solar-powered car, or motorized car. _____ percent of ___ youth were able to effectively design, build, and launch at least 2 types of rockets and use an inclinometer and basic mathematical formulas to calculate the distance their rockets traveled. As a result of these programs, a robotics club was formed to teach ___ youth how to design a computer program for a simple robot to complete an obstacle course. An end-of the year survey revealed that ____% of ___ youth felt that learning about science was fun.

______participated in the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Program this year. ___ percent of ___ youth surveyed reported that the program helped them improve their ability to make a public presentation, and ___% reported that their ability to clearly state their thoughts, feelings, and ideas improved. When asked what was the most important thing they felt they learned from the experience, ___% replied: I learned to be more confident, and less nervous in front of a group. _____ percent of ___parents reported that the program helped their child improve his/her ability to make a public presentation, and ___% reported that the program helped their child to be more confident. When asked what was the most important thing they felt their child had learned as a result of the program, ___% of parents responded: More self-confidence.

_____ percent of ______youth will demonstrate an increase in knowledge or skills related to citizenship, leadership, and communication as a result of workshops, competitive events, and project curricula and measured through pre/post tests, teacher and parent surveys, and project reports.

In a year end survey of club members, ____% of ___ youth who participated in one or more competitive event, reported a moderate to high level of skills in preparing and presenting public presentations. ____ percent of youth also reported an improved level of self confidence in speaking, writing, or listening as a result of 4-H experiences.

Based on advisory committee input, etiquette and grooming programs were implemented in 2007. This year, these programs reached __ youth and as a result, ___% of ___ youth surveyed demonstrated knowledge gained about how to set and use formal table settings, and __% demonstrated the correct way to make formal introductions and shake hands. _____ percent demonstrated the proper procedure for displaying and folding the American flag, and ___% demonstrated knowledge gained in good sportsmanship behavior. ____ percent of ___ parents surveyed reported that as a result of 4H etiquette programs, their child demonstrated increased awareness of proper etiquette when dining at a restaurant.

In an effort to increase diversity awareness within the _____ County 4-H program, the Expansion and Review Committee implemented a diversity program that reached ___ youth. As a result, __% were able to describe and explain significant characteristics of Latino/Hispanic, African American, and Asian/Pacific Islander ethnic groups and ___% were able to observe and identify some cultural aspects of Latino/Hispanic, African American, and Asian/Pacific Islander ethnic groups. _____ percent were able to analyze and evaluate similarities and differences of ethnic groups (food, clothing, language, celebrations, art, etc) against their own culture, and __% were able to recognize common stereotypes at school and in the media (print, TV, and internet). ____ percent were able to demonstrate at least one new skill for discouraging stereotypes and ___% were able to demonstrate at least 2 new conflict resolution techniques.

Studies show that one of the most critical times for people to learn financial literacy skills is when they are in middle school. To date, financial literacy programs offered through the ______County 4-H program have reached _____ youth. As a result:

____% demonstrated knowledge gained about the difference between gross income and net income
____% demonstrated knowledge gained about how to write and record a check.
____% demonstrated knowledge gained about how to reconcile a bank statement.
____% were able to correctly distinguish between needs and wants and develop a budget to fit their current allowance/income.

Sample 4-H Objectives

Sample Life Skills Objectives- National Mission Mandates

Life Skills Objective- Health Rocks/Up for the Challenge

___ percent of ___youth will demonstrate healthy food choices and increased levels of positive activities promoting physical exercise to develop improved practices for personal safety and health as a result of the 4-H Health Rocks/Up for the Challenge program as indicated by pre/post evaluation surveys.

Life Skills Objective- Club Members

____ percent of ___ 4-H club members will report learning valuable life skills such as positive decision making, self-motivation and responsibility as a direct result of 4-H club programming, competitive and noncompetitive events.

Life Skills Objective ---Beyond Club Experiences

_____ percent of _____ club members will participate in one or more beyond club experiential learning events in order to increase their skill development in one of the following areas: service to others, confidence to speak in public, decision making skills, or leadership skills, as reported in the ______County annual 4-H impact report.

Life Skills Objective- Interpersonal skills-- Tolerance, Diversity and Respect for Others

____ percent of ____ youth will learn valuable interpersonal skills such as getting along with others, practicing an appreciation for diversity, and respecting others’ opinions as a result of 4-H club programming, camping experiences or workshops over the course of the 4-H year as measured by a post-satisfaction survey.

School Enrichment- General

_____ percent of ______5th grade students will participate in at least one classroom based 4-H School Enrichment program as evidenced by group enrollment forms and as reported on the ES237 annual report.

___percentof ___ youth ages 5-18 will acquire and demonstrate improved life skills in order to determine basic needs, use given information to solve problems, and establish responsible behaviors as a result of engaging in at least one 4-H in the Classroom program during the 2009 program year as indicated by pre/post evaluation surveys.

School Enrichment- Tropicana

_____ percent of_____ 3rd-6th grade youth will increase their oral and written communication skills as a result of participation in the 4-H/Tropicana Public Speaking Program and as reported through post-reflective surveys by students, parents, and teachers.