Junior High Leadership Program

In Loudon County, Junior High 4-H'ers wanted to show younger 4-H'ers that it's fun to stay active in 4-H as you get older. They came up with the STARs program, in which 7th and 8th grade 4-H'ers led club meetings for 5th and 6th graders. The teens taught a nutrition-based lesson each month at an elementary school. They learned leadership, citizenship, public speaking/communication, confidence, responsibility, and commitment, as well as the nutrition material. At the end of the program in May, the STARs had a "reflection celebration" party, during which the members were recognized for their service. The celebration ended with each STAR telling something he/she felt about the program.