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UW Extension staff outline 4‑H and positive youth development activities in Sawyer County
Summary
UW Extension educators described Sawyer County 4‑H programming, outreach and early-stage positive youth development initiatives including after‑school work, camps, volunteer leadership and a planned youth advocacy for community health program.
Laurie, a UW Extension educator, and Donna, a 4‑H educator who also works with the Winter Public Library, updated the board on Sawyer County 4‑H activity and related positive youth development programs.
The presenters said 4‑H in Sawyer County focuses on leadership, communication and life‑skills development while also supporting traditional animal projects and community service. Donna described the program as membership‑based but noted many activities are open to youth who are not formal 4‑H members: "4‑H is a membership enrollment type program. You enroll as a member, but it also has evolved into including all community youth," she said.
The presentation outlined program goals and recent participation data. Donna said enrollment dipped during COVID but that local outreach and a new club partnership with LCO are driving growth: "Just in the last week, we've added a new club at LCO… My idea or my thought as to where that trend will be is by the end of the year, we will be probably close to 70 enrolled in 4‑H." She added that the county’s 4‑H volunteers logged more than 716 community service hours last year.
Speakers described a range of activities: monthly club meetings, project days, school and library outreach, day and overnight camps, scholarship support for regional and national trips, and volunteer leader boards that raise funds locally. Donna also discussed positive youth development projects under way or planned, including: training youth in civic processes through Heart of the North, a youth–adult partnership training (YAP), and a proposed Youth Advocates for Community Health (YAC) program to survey community health needs and carry out local projects. Donna said FoodWIse educator Kim Clark is partnering on the health work and that the program has applied for grant funding but will proceed with implementation whether or not the grant is awarded.
The presenters emphasized long‑term outcomes the program aims for, such as civic engagement, academic and vocational success, and employability. Donna highlighted mentoring of former 4‑H members who are training for careers in agricultural and extension education and said those alumni are returning to contribute to local programs.
Board members thanked the presenters and briefly discussed the idea of placing youth representatives on the county board; Laurie said she has helped organize similar programs in other counties.
The presenters asked for questions and for help building connections in the community.
Ending: The presenters did not request formal county action during the meeting; they asked the board to consider ways to support recruitment and community partnerships that expand program reach.
