4-H Youth Development

As 2025 draws to a close, Oklahoma 4-H’ers and their families are gathering to reflect on the year, cherish the moments they shared and focus on one of the most important life skills – gratitude.

 

Gratitude is a mindset that encompasses more than saying “thank you.” Gratitude enables club members to not only be grateful for what they have, but also inspires them to give back to their communities, said Cathleen Taylor, state leadership and civic engagement specialist with the state 4-H office at Oklahoma State University.

 

“Gratitude fits right in with the philosophy of head, heart, hands and health,” she said. “When they recite the 4-H pledge, they aren’t just saying the words – they live the words through everything they do in 4-H. Gratitude is woven into the fabric that is 4-H. Showing gratitude and giving back is something we do well in Oklahoma.”

 

By practicing gratitude, research shows youth build resilience, lower stress levels and develop positive coping skills. Gratitude also shows others that you’re loyal and understanding. Club members express gratitude to their club and project leaders for sharing their time and helping them develop into productive and caring leaders themselves.

 

“Project work encourages youth to be involved in their communities,” Taylor said. “As they work alongside other 4-H’ers, caring adult mentors and members of the community, they get a sense of belonging and appreciation for everyone’s involvement. They also get a sense of pride in seeing how their efforts benefit the community.”

 

Gratitude also shows up in small ways, such as writing a thank-you note to a scholarship donor or a contest judge, older 4-H’ers mentoring younger ones or stepping up to help at the last minute. There are many ways in which gratitude is expressed in 4-H.

 

The Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development program relies on caring adults to mentor and share their knowledge with club members. Taylor said club members are grateful to these leaders, along with county Extension educators, for the things they learn and the knowledge they gain.

 

“In turn, club members carry this forward by sharing what they’ve learned through their project work and community involvement,” she said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

 

Gratitude is something people tend to think about more during the holiday season. But, Oklahoma 4-H’ers know the importance of showing gratitude every day of the year.

 

“The 4-H program will continue to nurture thankful and thoughtful young people as they share their time and talents within their communities and beyond,” Taylor said. “As we are on the brink of a new year, look back at all there is to be grateful for and look forward to the things we will be grateful for in 2026.”