Kane County youth shadow local officials for the 24th annual 4-H Government Day
Twenty-four Kane County 4-H members gained firsthand knowledge of the important roles local government officials play during the 24th annual 4-H Government Day April 12.
The 4-H youth, ages 13 to 18, shadowed more than 30 county officials who volunteered to share their time and experience. Youth joined them for a Kane County Board meeting, to view courtroom proceedings, at the sheriff's office, or to be part of other government departments and offices.
"This program is a wonderful educational opportunity for our 4-H youth," said Doris Braddock, 4-H program coordinator in Kane County. "We thank our officials for supporting this annual event and for taking the time to work and talk with our 4-H members. They leave this day with a better understanding of local government and exposure to new career possibilities."
At the Kane County Board meeting, Chairman Chris Lauzen opened the meeting with a welcome to the 4-H youth shadows. He stressed how 4-H is still important to the future of agriculture, but also that today's 4-H provides many additional project opportunities for members.
"They also build rockets and robots. They are equestrians and clothes designers," said Lauzen. "The 4-H program is all about life skills, how governing works and how to make public presentations that win over your audience. We are pleased you chose to spend your morning with us and we are delighted to welcome our young leaders."
After the county board meeting, the 4-H members were invited to take the seats of the board members and debate a recycling fee for television sets.
"It was a lot of fun and very interesting," said Thomas Antonson, an eighth-grader at Geneva Middle School, who served as the youth group's chairman for the mock meeting. "We learned about what the county board does and about the important issue of recycling and the environment."
"This is a group of sharp kids," said county board member Mike Kenyon, who has supported the program for more than a decade. "I think it is important that everybody take an interest in government and be a part of the process. We encourage people to get involved and get exposed early."
The longtime program will celebrate its silver anniversary next year and continues to be popular, Braddock said.
"Each year we have new 4-H members participate, and many 4-H'ers go on to sign up for the program for multiple years," she said. "The same goes for the many officials who share their time year after year.
"It is a fantastic partnership, as 4-H Youth Development programs strive to help youth develop critical skills, such as decision-making, communicating, and goal-setting, all of which are critical to local government. We want our youth to lead a productive life, contribute to society, and function effectively in an ever-changing world. This Government Day program is a prime example of that experience."
A long-term Tufts University study found that 4-Hers are five times more likely to graduate from college, and they are three times more likely to actively contribute to their community when compared with non-4-H youth.
In a 2015 local Youth Impact Survey, 4-H members from DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties reported that through 4-H, they have learned to make positive choices, communicate ideas and serve their communities:
• 95 percent feel comfortable making their own decisions;
• 85 percent say they are confident speaking in front of others;
• 84 percent feel comfortable sharing thoughts and opinions with others;
• 88 percent say they learned how to make a difference in their community.
4-H Youth Development programs include 4-H Clubs, Learning Enrichment, and other Youth Outreach activities. These positive youth development programs provide opportunities for youth to feel a sense of belonging, develop independence, practice generosity, and experience mastery.
For more information on the 4-H program in Kane County, contact Doris Braddock at dbraddoc@illinois.edu or visit web.extension.illinois.edu/dkk/.