4-H Youth Development

4-H Youth Development

4-H Youth Development

4-H is a youth organization committed to building outstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today’s global society. 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults.

What is 4-H?

4-H Youth Development is part of Kentucky Cooperative Extension.  Extension’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of Kentucky citizens through non-formal education for the entire family.  Extension agents and volunteers take the results of university research and explain it in such a way that different age groups can learn and apply the information to their own lives. Kentucky 4-H believes in providing positive youth development experiences that all youth to experience belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity.  

4-H is a youth organization committed to building outstanding leaders with marketable skills to succeed in today’s global society. 4-H empowers youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults. The four H's represent the idea of HeadHeartHandsand Health. These are the values members work on through fun and engaging programs.

Head   Managing, Thinking

Heart   Relating, Caring

Hands   Giving, Working

Health   Being, Living

How does 4-H benefit youth?

4-H’ers, regardless of their background, socio-economic status, race or gender, benefit from their participation in Kentucky 4-H. Positive youth development studies have affirmed that compared to other youth, young people involved in 4-H are:

  • Four times more likely to contribute to their communities. 
  • Two times more likely to be  civically active.
  • Two times more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices.
  • Two times more likely to participate in Science, Engineering and Computer Technology  programs during out-of-school time.
  • 4-H girls are two times more likely (Grade 10) and nearly three times more likely (Grade 12) to take part in science programs compared to girls in other out-of-school time activities.

Master Chef Club

Master Chef teaches youth ages 9-18 about kitchen safety, food safety, and cooking skills. They will learn how to read recipes and complete a recipe from start to finish. If you have a child that enjoys cooking or would like to learn, contact Annette Buckman, 4-H Youth Development or Union County Extension Office 270-389-1400.

Barrel Burners-Shooting Sports

Barrel Burners teaches any youth ages 9-18 about firearm safety, marksmanship, independence by demonstrating responsible firearm use, and leadership skills. Shooting sports teaches a since of belonging by taking part in a club and community activities. This club is a great place to meet others who enjoy the outdoors and shooting sports. If you have child that would like to participate in shooting sports, contact Annette Buckman, 4-H Youth Development or Union County Extension Office 270-389-1400.

Arts & Crafts Club

Youth ages 9-18 explore their creative side. In this club it's all about expressing yourself and making an impression! If your child would like to learn different avenues of art, make crafts and learn new techniques, contact Annette Buckman, 4-H Youth Development or Union County Extension Office 270-389-1400.

Boots-n-Bridles - Horse Club

Boots-n-Bridles teaches youth ages 9-18 everything they need to know about horses. This club helps develop horsemanship, recreation and having fun with other horse lovers! They will learn skills through educational activities such as hippology. You do not have to own a horse to join Boots-n-Bridles Club! If you have a child that would like to join the Boots-n-Bridles Club, contact Annette Buckman, 4-H Youth Development or Union County Extension Office 270-389-1400.

Cloverbuds Club

Our Cloverbuds club is youth ages 5-8. In this club children will learn life skills to become competent, caring and contributing citizens. They will do fun crafts and easy recipes. If your child would like to join Cloverbuds, contact Annette Buckman, 4-H Youth Development or Union County Extension Office 270-389-1400.

West Kentucky 4-H Summer Camp

WEST KENTUCKY 4-H CAMP is a 465-acre facility serving 38 counties in Western Kentucky. Located in Dawson Springs, KY, this camp is where all the fun takes place! The facility includes a 17-acre fresh-water lake, fishing dock, a high and low ropes challenge course, archery & riflery ranges, a swimming pool and much more. Don't miss out on all the fun. This is where unforgettable memories are made! Contact your local 4-H Agent or Extension Office for information about 4-H Summer Camp.

Homeschool Club

The Homeschool Club focuses on life skills, hands on activities and being a leader in the community. In this club you will do anything from painting an art piece to learning about composting. If you are interested in joining this club, contact Annette Buckman, 4-H Youth Development or Union County Extension Office 270-389-1400.

Union County Ranchers - Livestock

4-H Livestock is back in Union County! This is a program that many have wanted to see come back to our community. Union County Ranchers teaches youth 9-18 about the different species of livestock, such as sheep, swine, dairy, beef and goat. Youth can take part in learning skills such as health, feeding, care, and selection of livestock. If you have a child interested in joining Union County Ranchers, please contact Annette Buckman or the Union County Extension Office, 270-389-1400.


Annette C. Buckman

Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development

(270) 389-1400 annettebuckman@uky.edu Union County Extension Office 1938 US Highway 60 West, Morganfield, Kentucky 42437-6246

Jeana Tapp

Extension Assistant, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Science, 4-H Youth Development

(270) 389-1400 jeana.tapp@uky.edu Union County Extension Office 1938 US Highway 60 West, Morganfield, Kentucky 42437-6246

4-H pledge in colorful letters

Contact Information

1938 US Highway 60 West Morganfield, KY 42437-6246

(270) 389-1400

union.ext@uky.edu