Winnebago County 4‑H reports above‑average 'thrive' survey scores and expanding outreach

Dana Nielsen presented the results of the county 4‑H "thrive" survey, telling members that Winnebago County scored "overall a 6 in our, program quality," above the state average of 5.7. The survey breaks that score into several program areas: challenging growth (6.0), youth–adult partnerships (6.0), caring adults (5.8) and belonging (6.2).

Nielsen said the survey covers youth ages 12 and up and is used to measure whether participants feel they belong and are learning new skills. "Anything that is a 5 or higher is considered, good programming," she said, calling the county’s results "pretty good" and noting the role that roughly 150 adult volunteers play in supporting clubs and projects.

The presentation included concrete examples of local programming: clubs that assemble birthday cake kits donated to the food pantry, ukulele camps whose members play at nursing homes, and record books that give nearly every youth a written record and recognition. Nielsen also reviewed officer training and empathy exercises held in January and described a community service project that packed lunches for a local assistance program.

Nielsen said scholarship interviews will be held in April and encouraged leaders to promote Government Day to area high schools. She also listed other state and national opportunities (space camp, photography contests) and said she will circulate a monthly update to leaders so they can better communicate Extension activities to the community.

The leaders association will next meet on April 15 at 09:30. The meeting record showed members expressed appreciation for the program and asked for continued outreach and reporting to sustain volunteer engagement and youth participation.