Hello, everyone, I'm Misty Smith, the new Okaloosa County 4-H Youth Development Extension agent. I am very excited about my new position and being given this great opportunity!
4-H has been a big part of my life. I joined 4-H when I was 10 years old, and competed in horse judging in the rural area of Kearney, Neb. As a young adult, I moved to Woodland Park, Co., and continued to support 4-H by helping at events where 4-H was present.
Later, I became a parent of two active 4-H’ers: my children are ages 8 and 10. I then furthered my role by becoming a 4-H volunteer and club leader for the Emerald Coast Explorers in the Crestview area.
I hope I can help impact young people’s lives in the same way 4-H has impacted my life and my children’s lives.
'ENGAGE YOUTH'
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, empowering 6 million young people throughout the United States. It reaches every corner — from urban neighborhoods to suburban schoolyards to rural farming communities.
4-H's mission is to “engage youth to reach their fullest potential.” Its motto is "to make the best better"; the slogan is "Learn by doing."
With a network of more than 540,000 volunteers, 3,500 professionals and more than 60 million alumni, 4-H helps shape youths to move our country and the world forward in ways that no other youth organization can.
CHART YOUR COURSE
All young people and even adults can benefit greatly from 4-H, because there is something for everyone to enjoy. It includes many program areas and gives all youths a chance to be a part of many activities that they never realized they enjoyed so much.
4-H’ers chart their own course, explore important issues and define their place in the world. 4-H’ers stand up for themselves and their communities.
Adult volunteers and mentors' caring support inspires young people in 4-H to work collaboratively, take the lead on their own projects and set and achieve goals with confidence.
Every child needs to experience what 4-H has to offer.
Please do not hesitate to call the Okaloosa County Extension office, 689-5850, if you have questions about our camps and programs.
Misty Smith is the 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Say hi to your new 4-H agent