Fred Smith, Field Specialist in 4-H Youth Development, joined the MU Extension team this June and serves Carroll, Chariton, and Saline counties. Fred brings a background in public school education and youth development, having been a school administrator and baseball coach for many years. He also enjoys being involved with cattle and forage crop development, noting that many of his experiences growing up on the west side of Columbia relate to the stories he hears form 4-H youth and volunteers today.
Fred jumped into 4-H during an exceptionally busy time of year with camp, fairs, and summer partnership opportunities. This included YMCA Summer programming in Saline County, reaching a wide range of youth often not enrolled in 4-H as community club members. As the 4-H Specialist, Fred not only helps create these types of partnerships, but also helps facilitate community clubs, short special interest events, regional and state contests, afterschool education, and in-school enrichment including an embryology program about egg and chicken development.
As a 4-H youth development specialist, Fred plans to work with youth from a variety of backgrounds to become valued, contributing members of their communities. In his counties, this includes continuing the robust community club model while increasing in-school and afterschool opportunities in school districts that may other be resource limited. These options consist of STEM kits, college and career readiness programs, and nutrition advocacy lessons that help youth learn how to grow healthy food in a garden and prepare nutritious meals and snacks.
As Fred continues to settle into this new position, he will use the four H’s of Head, Heart, Hands, and Health to guide the learning behind America’s largest youth development organization. Fred’s work with 4-H gives youth the ability to explore their passions, find new interests, belong to a group, and meet new friends all while building their confidence in themselves through skills such as leadership and public speaking.
To contact Fred regarding how 4-H and MU Extension can assist you, collaborate with your organization, or if you are interested in volunteering, please email him at Fsmith@missouri.edu or call your county MU Extension Office.
Photo courtesy of MU Extension