Online & virtual skills

During 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many 4-H programs, projects, and clubs moved from in-person to online delivery. While Minnesota 4-H is currently offering programming in-person, skill development for online program delivery remains relevant. Resources from two, 4-part series offered online for volunteers in 2020 can be found below, as well as tips and tricks for leading groups online.

2020 Annual Volunteer Training: Engaging youth online (a 4-part series)

During the fall and early winter of 2020, four 60-minute virtual gatherings were offered for volunteers to receive tools, resources, and ideas to connect with the youth in their club or program. These informational and conversational webinars took the place of the regularly scheduled 2020 Annual Volunteer Training. Participants were given time to network with other volunteers in breakout rooms to share thoughts, ideas, and challenges. Below are the resources shared with participants. While these webinars were recorded, they were not widely shared as much of the time was spent in small group discussion. If you would like to view recordings of these webinars, please contact your local 4-H Extension Educator.   

Webinar #1: Connect your group to kick off the 4-H year

This gathering shared ways to connect with youth in fun, interactive ways whether meeting virtually or in person. It also discussed multiple ways to select a youth leadership/club officer team. 

Resources shared

• Training to resume in-person 4-H programming - Required volunteer training to be completed prior to gathering in person, includes safety protocol checklist

• Activity resources during social distancing - Includes meeting outlines and activities to use in virtual meetings or while socially distancing

• Minnesota 4-H @ Home - Learning opportunities for youth/families. For volunteer resources, follow the link on the right side of the screen.

• Pivot, but build community, too - Youth Development Insight blog

• Search Institute’s Building developmental relationships from a distance - checklist 

Webinar #2: Support youth wellbeing

This gathering shared activities and resources for supporting the wellbeing of youth whether meeting virtually or in person.  Shared during the gathering were quick and easy mindfulness exercises and guided meditations to help youth recognize and cope with their feelings; and simple ideas for creating art to practice mindfulness, self-expression and stress relief.
 

Resources shared

• Art and stress reduction

• Mindfulness exercises

• Wellbeing openers

• 4-H pledge yoga (University of Arkansas)

• Building our own resilience during tough times - blog or podcast

• Five tips to keep kids talking during stressful times - blog or podcast

• How to foster social and emotional learning while we're social distancing - blog or podcast

Webinar #3: Engage in project learning   

This gathering shared activities and resources for youth to engage in project learning with their club peers, ensuring that all parts of the experiential learning model (Do, Reflect, Apply) are happening when holding in-person or virtual activities for youth.  

Resources shared

• Experiential learning guide - for 4-H judges, volunteers, mentors and coaches.  This guide can be purchased in a pocket flip-book version.  

• 4H@Home website 

• 4-H project web pages

• Agenda items for club meetings with an agriculture or STEM focus

• Engineering a waterproof toy - lesson plan

• 4-H problem solving during club meetings - activity guide 

• Discover 4-H curriculum (Utah State University)

Webinar #4: Community involvement

Community involvement is part of the 4-H pledge: “I pledge my hands to larger service.” Hear how staff and volunteers are involved in their community through service and community engagement activities. 

Resources shared

• Engaging in the community

• Creating space for dialogue on difficult and important topics with youth

• Planning a community service project

• WeConnect: A global youth citizenship curriculum - blog article

• Experiential learning guide - for 4-H judges, volunteers, mentors and coaches. This guide can be purchased in a pocket flip-book version.  

• 4H@Home website 

4-H at home

Learning activities and events that families can do from home

Contacts

Kari Robideau, Extension educator, robideau@umn.edu, 218-236-2013

Carrie Olson, Extension educator, olson166@umn.edu, 320-589-1711

Becky Harrington, director of operations and systems, willi107@umn.edu, 612-624-7974