In Their Own Words--Understanding the Communication Styles of Teens

Technology has become synonymous with communication for teens. Eighty-seven percent of teens ages 12-17 use the Internet, and 75% of on-line teens prefer instant messaging to regular e-mail. One of the more popular ways for teens to communicate is social networking Web sites. Although there are a number of these Web sites, MySpace is currently one of the top ten Internet sites, used by teens to share interests and hobbies, post bulletins, and share messages and comments. Educators should become aware of these current methods of teen communication as well as opportunities for education of teens and their parents

Connecting and Communicating Effectively with Teens – An Online Survey of Teen Communication Styles

The lives of most teens are rapidly changing and involve methods of communication that are unfamiliar to many adults. An online teen communication survey was developed to assess how and why teens communicate in order to assist adult educators in developing more effective methods of communication with this audience. The survey was completed by 148 teens ranging in age from 13 to 19. The results of the survey provide insight into teen viewpoints on their preferred methods of communication and provides valuable lessons for adults who work with this age group

Best Practices for Establishing Positive 4-H Youth Development Programming in Urban At-Risk Communities

Urban, and primarily Latino, youths have traditionally been an underserved audience for the 4-H program due to language barriers, transportation issues, and lack of history with, knowledge of, and trust in the program. By developing strategies to assess community needs, develop community partnerships and collaborations, and address issues of trust and cultural barriers, Extension can establish programs in these communities that not only are successful but also become sustainable. We share lessons learned and best practices that can serve as tools in developing and maintaining such programs

Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Across Multiple States: the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC)

The impact of residential camp participation is needed for camps focused on a variety of outcomes including education, summer fun, prevention, and youth development. One system, the Cooperative Extension Service, conducts 4-H residential camps in most states nationwide every year. These camps, though offering educational enhancement and fun activities, are focused on youth development, incorporating a framework called the essential elements of positive youth development. The National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC), a group of Extension specialists and county-level educators, designed and piloted assessment tools for 4-H camps that can be used at any camp that focuses on youth development. The camp context questionnaire measures three essential elements of youth development: relationship with a caring adult, self-determination and mastery, and safe and inclusive environments. The life skill questionnaire measures three life skills: accepting self and others, accomplishing goals, and taking responsibility. Logic models and evaluation guidelines help camp directors plan camps that work for youth

Using True Colors® to Match Individual’s Personality Traits with the Appropriate Volunteer Role for Success

Just as there are different reasons that people volunteer in the community, each volunteer has specific values, different needs to be fulfilled, and different strengths to offer to Extension programs. Understanding these characteristics and utilizing them in assigning the appropriate volunteer role will result in more success in their volunteer experience. Utilizing True Colors® when assigning volunteer roles and developing working groups and committees has proven effective in our county 4-H programs. Conflicts between volunteers who do not work well together have been lessened due to reassigning them to roles that best fit their personality types

Using True Colors® to Match Individual’s Personality Traits with the Appropriate Volunteer Role for Success

Just as there are different reasons that people volunteer in the community, each volunteer has specific values, different needs to be fulfilled, and different strengths to offer to Extension programs. Understanding these characteristics and utilizing them in assigning the appropriate volunteer role will result in more success in their volunteer experience. Utilizing True Colors® when assigning volunteer roles and developing working groups and committees has proven effective in our county 4-H programs. Conflicts between volunteers who do not work well together have been lessened due to reassigning them to roles that best fit their personality types

Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Across Multiple States: the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC)

The impact of residential camp participation is needed for camps focused on a variety of outcomes including education, summer fun, prevention, and youth development. One system, the Cooperative Extension Service, conducts 4-H residential camps in most states nationwide every year. These camps, though offering educational enhancement and fun activities, are focused on youth development, incorporating a framework called the essential elements of positive youth development. The National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC), a group of Extension specialists and county-level educators, designed and piloted assessment tools for 4-H camps that can be used at any camp that focuses on youth development. The camp context questionnaire measures three essential elements of youth development: relationship with a caring adult, self-determination and mastery, and safe and inclusive environments. The life skill questionnaire measures three life skills: accepting self and others, accomplishing goals, and taking responsibility. Logic models and evaluation guidelines help camp directors plan camps that work for youth

Examining Youth Camping Outcomes Across Multiple States: the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC)

The impact of residential camp participation is needed for camps focused on a variety of outcomes including education, summer fun, prevention, and youth development. One system, the Cooperative Extension Service, conducts 4-H residential camps in most states nationwide every year. These camps, though offering educational enhancement and fun activities, are focused on youth development, incorporating a framework called the essential elements of positive youth development. The National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (NCRC), a group of Extension specialists and county-level educators, designed and piloted assessment tools for 4-H camps that can be used at any camp that focuses on youth development. The camp context questionnaire measures three essential elements of youth development: relationship with a caring adult, self-determination and mastery, and safe and inclusive environments. The life skill questionnaire measures three life skills: accepting self and others, accomplishing goals, and taking responsibility. Logic models and evaluation guidelines help camp directors plan camps that work for youth