Reinventing 4-H: Embracing the Digital Age and Engaging Modern Youth

The Stephenson County Fair in Illinois has been a longstanding tradition, with 4-H playing a crucial role in engaging local youth. However, as the times change, so too must the approach to keeping young people interested and involved. This article explores the evolving landscape of 4-H, as it adapts to the digital age and the shifting interests of today's youth.

Adapting to the Needs of a New Generation

Embracing the Digital Revolution

The world of 4-H has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, as it seeks to remain relevant and appealing to the modern generation of young people. Brenda Heimann, the Stephenson County 4-H program coordinator, explains that Illinois 4-H has made strides in keeping up with the digital age, including the introduction of a new initiative called "4-H Influencers." This program focuses on developing social media skills, recognizing the importance of online engagement in the lives of today's youth.Moreover, 4-H has expanded its offerings to include e-sports, a rapidly growing phenomenon that has captured the attention of high school, elementary school, and even college-level students. Heimann emphasizes the significance of this addition, stating, "In the last couple of years they have added project areas like E-sports which is a rave in the high schools, elementary schools, even at the college level. So, 4-H has an E-sports program now and here in Stephenson County we even added a club."

Addressing Declining Participation

While the 4-H program has made strides in adapting to the changing times, it has also faced challenges in maintaining its membership. Heimann explains that the organization experienced a decline in participation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a few clubs even folding as a result. "When we came out of COVID like '21 into '22, it really became like rebuilding, we lost a couple 4-H clubs during COVID, the interests died down, the volunteers downed a little bit, so some clubs folded. We use to have 13 clubs, we are down to 10 right now," she says.This decline in participation highlights the need for 4-H to continue evolving and finding new ways to engage the youth of today. By addressing the changing interests and needs of young people, the organization can work to rebuild its membership and ensure its continued relevance in the community.

Reviving Niche Interests

Despite the overall decline in participation, some areas of 4-H have seen a resurgence in popularity. Rita Koch, the 4-H poultry superintendent, notes that the recent spike in interest in backyard farming has led to a renewed interest in poultry-related activities. "We use to years ago, have a lot of poultry and then it kind of went through all of the family members, so we kind of had a little time there that there weren't a lot of kids that were involved, now it is kind of building back up," she explains.This revival of niche interests within 4-H highlights the importance of the organization's ability to adapt and cater to the diverse interests of its participants. By recognizing and responding to emerging trends and passions, 4-H can continue to attract and retain the engagement of young people, ensuring its longevity and relevance in the community.