An examination of 4-H youths' needs and interests, and implications for state conference

The purpose of this study was to determine the needs and interests of teens in 4-H and whether State Conference is meeting those needs and interests, then develop recommendations that incorporate this information. The findings indicate that 4-Hers are very interested in issues of male/female relationships, drugs and alcohol, teen/parent relations, child abuse, nuclear war and crime. Respondents were asked to rank 3 activities in order of their interest and involvement: 1) 4-H projects, 2) county and state fairs, 3) conferences. The majority rated projects first, fairs second and conferences third. However, those who had attended Conference before tended to rank it higher. Of those who had attended Conference, 90% said it was a good experiment although a number said the cost of conference was a problem. Twenty-four percent of those respondents who had never attended Conference but were aware of it said that the cost of Conference was a deterrent to their attendance. Recommendations are made regarding State Conference (cost, marketing, and programming), 4-H in general (record books and educational programming), and needs further study.