Building youth recognition into 4-H club programming

Christine Heverly<sisungch@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

4-H volunteers can build a variety of important life skills through the usage of recognition.

A road winding down a black screen, with a red and white bulls eye at the end with an arrow in the center.
Photo credit: Pixabay

Recognition is a key aspect of youth and volunteer development and should be an integral part of 4-H club programming. It reinforces youth goals, encourages self-appraisal skills, and fosters a strong foundation for self-reflection and self-praise without reliance on external rewards. When used effectively, recognition encourages youth to find their spark and supports learning in all aspects of life. Recognition can take place in many forms beyond competition.

Recognition serves as a way to say "thank you" while providing a tangible acknowledgment for a job well done. When individuals go above and beyond, it makes sense to recognize and reward their efforts. This reinforcement not only encourages improvement but also fosters continued participation. A well-structured recognition program invites youth to remain engaged and strive for personal growth. Within the 4-H club setting, Michigan State University Extension recommends that youth recognition be:

  • Inclusive and balanced to ensure all youth feel valued. Not all youth want to be recognized in the same way — some may enjoy public acknowledgment, while others prefer a more personal form of appreciation. Understanding what is meaningful to each young person is essential. For some youth, they want recognition for achieving standards of excellence, which is commonly seen in competitive events, where youth are recognized based on predetermined criteria. Competition can be motivating for some youth, while others may find fulfillment in cooperative learning experiences, community service or leadership opportunities.
  • Visible, achievable and meaningful. Simple, heartfelt gestures can have a lasting impact. Writing a letter of recognition, having a one-on-one conversation, nominating a youth for an award, or offering to write a reference letter are powerful ways to validate their contributions and growth. It can also be as simple as letting a parent or guardian also know about the growth and accomplishments of the young person.
  • Progress-focused. Giving youth opportunities to set realistic targets, periodically reviewing their work, and providing feedback can help youth make progress towards self-set goals. Goal setting is a vital skill for young people and adults alike. The feedback and encouragement can be a solid form of recognition for that young person.

A thoughtful and well-balanced recognition program fosters motivation, skill development and a sense of accomplishment, and it plays a crucial role in 4-H club development. By incorporating various types of recognition into club programming, leaders can create a positive, inclusive environment where all youth feel valued and encouraged to continue their 4-H journey. For more information on building youth recognition into your 4-H club, watch the video from the Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar series, “Building a Culture of Appreciation: Recognizing 4-H Volunteers and Youth.”

For more information about helpful volunteer training content, check out the MSU Extension Michigan 4-H Volunteer Webinar Series webpage. 

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

Find your spark with image of 4-H clover.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • 4-h,
  • 4-h club,
  • 4-h spin clubs,
  • 4-h youth mentoring,
  • becoming a 4-h volunteer,
  • creating safe environments for youth,
  • msu extension,
  • volunteering & mentoring,
  • youth-adult partnerships
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).