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For each branch of service in the U.S. military, readiness is a top priority. For more than 20 years, 4-H has partnered with military youth and families to provide positive programming to support military readiness.
Family readiness is a critical issue for the Department of Defense, as a military family’s ability to maintain a stable homefront is imperative for troops to keep their eyes on the mission. Both 4-H and the Department of Defense are committed to supporting our military kids and families. Each year Louisiana 4-H, Louisiana National Guard and active duty members across the state come together to help our military-connected kids enjoy life.
Military youth can experience lots of changes, such as moving to new states or countries or their parents leaving home for long periods because of deployment. While there are many challenges, here are also opportunities to experience many new things.“The best advice I can offer is to find your people,” said Ryan W., a 4-H’er who is part of a military family. “Find other youth and adults who can understand your experiences and relate to what you have gone through because their guidance could get you through the toughest of times.”
4-H focuses on positive youth development and provides a caring adult, predictable programming and a safe and nurturing environment for military-connected youth to excel. 4-H Summer Camp, 4-H science camp, 4-H Louisiana Outdoor Science and Technology Camp, and year-round club programs are supported by LSU AgCenter 4-H agents and volunteers across the state. During the annual 4-H Science Engineering Technology Camp, military kids ages 5 to 15 are given the opportunity to learn about various science phenomena, including circuits, DNA, and storm protection and constellations.
4-H youth development professionals work with military Child and Youth Services on Barksdale Air Force Base, Fort Polk and Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. The Louisiana 4-H program provides experiential learning while facilitating co-curricular lessons, projects, workshops, contests, field experiences and educational trips. These 4-H opportunities serve as a portal to help students develop transferable skills, such as leadership, communication skills, critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, time management and self-reliance, that will help them succeed in their future. While the Louisiana 4-H Military Partnerships Program serves parishes with military installations, LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Development has offices in all 64 parishes to help serve our geographically dispersed military kids.
