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Support Increased Economic Opportunities and Improved Quality
of Life in Rural America
Project LEAP: A 4-H Leadership Education Adventure
for Pre-Teens
Nugget Statement
A 4-H program for pre-teens aged 11-13 involved more than 40 youth in
activities designed to give them a sense of belonging and build their
leadership and decision making skills: more than 84 percent showed gains
in these areas according to pre-program and post-program surveys.
Issue
Because adolescents are often testing boundaries and their role in the
adult world, they may leave behind the groups in which they were previously
involved. If they don’t find a suitable replacement niche, they
may succumb to the temptations of gangs and drug and alcohol abuse.
Arizona 4-H camping activities have typically been limited to teens
over the age of 14. Providing alternative opportunities not only give
pre-teens a sense of belonging (thus promoting 4-H youth development
and helping to ensure membership as an older teen) but also offers valuable
life skills development.
What has been done?
Project LEAP (Leadership Education Adventure for Pre-teens) was created
for southern Arizona youth aged 11-13 to give them the chance to take
part in activities that enhance leadership skills, boost self-esteem
and improve their decision-making skills. Workshops, activities and
demonstrations that were held for this age group in 2004 under the name
“Tweeners Camp” included horse care, GPS training, archery,
hiking, and arts and crafts. Outside demonstrations included experiences
with Army dogs, challenge games, and an Army simulated “boot camp.”
In addition, more than 40 4-H youth performed community service projects,
including preparing holiday baskets for needy families; rebuilding an
archery site and refurbishing trash cans at a local facility rented
for LEAP activities.
Overall, youth participants were taught numerous physical activities
to encourage productive, healthy lifestyles, and were trained to identify
current activities and skills needed to avoid risky behaviors. They
had opportunities to interact with people of diverse cultures, to make
new friends, and to learn safe camping practices in preparation for
the time when they are old enough to attend 4-H teen and leadership
camps.
Impact
The first LEAP Camp utilized the new Arizona Life Skills Evaluation
tool available online. Forty-four (44) participants were surveyed with
100 percent responding; 14 questions were asked and were scored on a
4 point scale (1=no, 2=sometimes, 3=usually, 4=yes). Life skills that
were tested included wise use of resources, communication, accepting
differences, useful/marketable skills, and self-responsibility. Average
for all indicators showed a pre-test total of 3.28 and a post-test total
of 3.75. Overall, the percent of participants who made gains from pre-program
to post-program was more than 84 percent.
As a result, middle schooler (pre-teen) involvement in 4-H activities
has expanded to include nearly 50 percent of all Cochise County Teen/Pre-Teen
Council events within the past 6 months of implementation. Previously,
these youth were not allowed to become a part of this group. During
this past year, some events would have been cancelled because of a lack
of interest had it not been for the involvement of this population of
young pre-teens. Teen Council typically presents all of the Achievement
Night awards, but this year two pre-teens also spoke to the nearly 200
attendees. The addition of a dessert auction allowed more than 30 pre-teens
and younger youth to participate in the program.
“We've never had anything for us [pre-teens] before. You have
always had to be 13 to do anything fun in 4-H. Tweeners Camp was the
greatest weekend of my life. Now I get to do all the stuff the teens
get to!” –pre-teen participant
“The best part of LEAP Camp was that I made friends with younger
kids. I'm a better role model, now!" –11-year-old participant
“This program is very [much] needed for this age of children.
The kids were willing to help, participate and enjoy each other. There
were no cliques, no ‘problem children’, and great enthusiasm.
Counselors were educated in every way. LEAP was planned out great. Hope
to see you next year and many years to come!” –adult chaperone
for LEAP program
Funding
Arizona Cooperative Extension
Contact
Darcy Tessman
Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development
Cooperative Extension
The University of Arizona
1140 N. Colombo, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
(520) 458-8278 ext. 2140 office
(520) 458-5823 fax
Email:
dtessman@ag.arizona.edu
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