When you think about your childhood, you probably remember an adult who had a profound impact on who you became. For many, that person was a teacher, coach, or family member. For me, it was my 4-H agent. We spent many weekends traveling from Blairsville to Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, and in a time before everyone had an iPhone in hand to stream videos, we had to fill the silence somehow. Those car rides became conversations, and those conversations built trust. My 4-H agent quickly became a trusted adult; someone I confided in when I was facing challenges or difficult decisions. At the time, I did not fully recognize the significance of that relationship, but looking back now, I am incredibly grateful to have had an adult who helped guide me through important moments in my life.
That kind of relationship is not unique. It is exactly what Forsyth County 4-H strives to create for young people across our community. Research reinforces just how important these connections can be. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, having a trusted adult who believes in a teenager is a critical protective factor that can lower the risk of engaging in harmful behaviors by more than 50 percent. These mentors help build self-esteem, increase motivation, and support positive mental health outcomes. During the often stressful years of adolescence, a consistent, supportive adult can make a lasting difference.
Today, as someone who serves in a 4-H Agent role, I now have the opportunity to build those connections. I teach my staff, volunteer leaders, and the new agents that I mentor to be intentional with their time. Whether they are supervising youth who are attending monthly school meetings, practicing with judging team members, participating in leadership meetings, or traveling to an event out of town, they have a chance to be a caring adult who shows an investment in a young person’s growth. These interactions happen in classrooms, at archery practices, during Junior Naturalist meetings, and on bus rides to events like District Project Achievement and summer camp. Over time, these moments add up. A volunteer becomes a mentor. An educator becomes a trusted adult. A local 4-H program becomes a support system.
Youth voice is another important part of the Forsyth County 4-H experience. Members are not just participants; they are leaders. The County Council Board gives elementary, middle, and high school students the opportunity to plan service projects, lead meetings, and help shape county programming. Officers take on real responsibilities, from organizing events to representing their peers at local and district events. These leadership opportunities help youth build confidence while learning practical skills such as communication, teamwork, and decision making. They also learn that their ideas matter and that they can make a difference in their community.
Hands-on learning is at the heart of everything 4-H does. Forsyth County youth are learning by doing, whether they are preparing public speaking presentations, evaluating poultry in judging contests, practicing archery, exploring environmental science, or planning community service initiatives. This experiential approach keeps young people engaged and encourages them to take ownership of their learning. It also allows them to try new things in a supportive environment where growth is valued more than perfection.
Recognition plays a role as well. If you did 4-H as a student, you are probably envisioning a ribbon or plaque that you earned. However, success is not only measured by ribbons or trophies (but I do enjoy being part of the celebration when they happen). Youth are recognized for leadership, effort, improvement, and participation. Whether it is celebrating a first-time public speaker, acknowledging a judging team’s hard work, or recognizing students who step into leadership roles, these moments reinforce confidence and encourage youth to keep pushing themselves.
Another strength of Forsyth County 4-H is the variety of opportunities available. Students can explore interests in agriculture, STEM, environmental education, leadership, healthy living, and the performing arts. Some youth discover a passion for public speaking. Others find their place on judging teams or in outdoor education programs. Still others develop leadership skills through service projects and officer roles. By offering a wide range of experiences, 4-H allows young people to find where they belong.
At its core, Forsyth County 4-H is about relationships. It is about creating spaces where youth feel supported, challenged, and encouraged. It is about connecting them with adults who care. And sometimes, it is about those simple moments, like a long car ride filled with conversation, that turn into something much bigger.
If you would like to learn more about Forsyth County 4-H or get involved as a volunteer, supporter, or participant, visit https://tinyurl.com/foco4hevents, call 770-887-2418, or email forsythcounty4h@uga.edu. Forsyth County 4-H is supported by the University of Georgia, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners, the Forsyth County Board of Education, and generous community partners who help make these opportunities possible for local youth.