Discover Ocala - Episode 17 | The 4-H Youth Development Program

A young boy with his calf at the County Fair

Episode 17 of the Discover Ocala Podcast takes us into the heart of the 4-H Youth Development Program – celebrating a century-old institution dedicated to empowering young people through active and practical training and education. Our guests are Marion County 4-H Education Agents Crystal McCazzio and Katie Davis.

“4-H is about developing critical life skills in youth that they will use to become responsible and productive citizens throughout their lives,” explains McCazzio. “That could be problem solving, record keeping, public speaking, financial management, robotics, animals – whatever the project or passion is that they’re involved in.”

A vibrant and evolving organization, 4-H helps instill essential life skills that prepare kids for the future and working with mentors and their communities. It offers practical education, scholarships, and opportunities to travel for regional and national competitions across the country. For some kids, it’s their first trip out of Florida.

“It’s very wide-ranging; so many people think of 4-H with livestock, because we have the southeastern youth fair and we do the cattle,” observes host Valerie Dailey – a 4-H alumna herself. “There’s dog agility, there’s graphics, they can cook and bake cakes, draw artwork, robotics, photography – there are so many different things they can do.”

There are multiple programs across the county available for kids starting out as young as 5 including in Micanopy, Dunnellon, Ocala, Fort McCoy, and Bellevue – and “sprinkled everywhere in between,” says McCazzio. There’s a modest membership fee of $20, and there are also sponsorships and assistance available to help with financing through the 4-H Foundation.

“4-H is about developing critical life skills in youth that they will use to become responsible and productive citizens throughout their lives. That could be problem solving, record keeping, public speaking, financial management, robotics, animals – whatever the project or passion is that they’re involved in.”

Crystal McCazzio, Marion County 4-H Educational Agent

McCazzio and Davis underscore the importance of community involvement and the volunteers playing a crucial role in mentoring and guiding young people.

“We are volunteer based, and we have these amazing volunteers that are helping in our clubs. We want our kids leading our programs, but it takes those adults facilitating and having those positive youth/adult partnerships to make that happen.” McCazzio stresses.

It’s an inspiring episode with stories of personal growth and achievement, showcasing how 4H empowers youth to explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and become confident leaders. The program, beloved by countless now-grown adults who fondly remember their experiences, continues to make a profound difference in the lives of young people across the nation.

In Marion County, that impact was celebrated in early November at a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners, who issued a special proclamation with McCazzio, Davis, and 40 youth members in attendance.

“Marion County opens their doors and their hearts, and welcomes our kids, and I appreciate everything they do,” McCazzio says. “They know the importance of our future – which is our youth.”

For more details about how to volunteer or join 4-H, visit

https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/marion/marion-county-4-h/

Check out some of our previous podcast features!