Chapter 7: Experiential Learning

Chapter 7

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I. GENERAL PRINCIPLE

Experiential Learning Model
The California 4-H Youth Development Program (4-H YDP) utilizes the experiential learning model http://www.experientiallearning.ucdavis.edu/ to create opportunities for youth to develop skills, practical knowledge and wisdom through observing, doing, creating and reflecting.
Application of Knowledge
The 4-H YDP emphasis is on the practical application of knowledge or “learning by doing” to develop skills and acquire a sense of responsibility, initiative and self-worth. Youth learn through developing life skills, personalizing experiences, raising questions and seeking answers important to themselves, their families, their peers and their community.
Research-Based Programs
Effective youth development programs are based on basic and applied research. Developing programs for youth that will produce positive outcomes requires appropriate program design and planning, implementation and evaluation.
1. 4-H YD programs must also be attractive to youth, so that they will voluntarily participate. It is important that these experiences are anchored in positive relationships with a caring adult and provide a safe environment where youth can develop mastery (building of knowledge, skills and positive attitudes), and demonstrate their new skills.
2. 4-H YDP members belong to organized 4-H units including clubs, special interest/short-term programs, school enrichment programs, overnight camping programs, individual study/mentoring/family learning programs, and school-age childcare or after-school education programs. Appropriate methods and curricula must be integrated into these deliveries to further the educational objectives of the 4-H YDP. See Chapter 4: Enrollment and Delivery Mode for definitions.

II. EVALUATION

Program Evaluation
4-H YDP advisors and specialists at the county and state level are responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of each delivery method used in the 4-H YDP at their respective level.
Project and Activity Checklist
Programs, activities, and events are evaluated by the Project_and_Activity_Evaluation_Checklist. Delivery methods and curricula that do not meet the evaluation criteria or are not compatible with the 4-H YDP Mission and Direction Program_Criteria_Checklist must be modified or discontinued.

III. STATEWIDE 4-H YDP CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

Curriculum Content
At the center of the 4-H YDP is high quality learning experiences fueled by age appropriate, learner-centered subject-matter content. Content can be in the broad areas of life skills as well as specific subject matter associated with project learning.
Curriculum Development
Any subject matter expert within the UC community may propose statewide curricula. Prospective developers should check with the 4-H YDP curriculum committee for potential funding and support. The proposed curriculum must meet the needs outlined by the curriculum committee or subcommittee in the appropriate project category. Curricula must also be educationally sound and appropriate for the developmental levels of the intended audience. New curricula should be field-tested and follow the UC ANR peer review process. See How ANR Peer Review Works.
National 4-H Curriculum
The National 4-H Directory of Materials is a national database of reviewed and suggested 4-H materials available for use by 4-H YDP staff, members and adult volunteers.

IV. PROJECTS

Purpose
Members participate in projects in which they explore, practice and master a wide variety of subject matter and life skills. Projects and related curriculum materials provide the basic framework for 4-H YDP teaching and learning experiences. Projects provide cooperative learning opportunities, a well-documented context for effective learning.
Requirements for Project Completion
A minimum of six (6) hours of project instruction is required to complete a project. The county 4-H YDP staff must approve all county or club requirements for project completion. If used, proficiency or other tests must be reviewed, evaluated, and approved by the 4-H YDP staff prior to implementation.
Project Enrollment
A member may add or delete project enrollment at any time during the 4-H year. The 4-H YDP council or unit, with county 4-H YDP approval, may establish project enrollment deadlines relative to participation in 4-H demonstration days, exhibit days, play days, fun days, county fair, state fair, and other exhibit opportunities.
Developmental Appropriateness of Project Curriculum
All 4-H YDP curricula must be developmentally appropriate for participants and appropriate for the delivery mode. 4-H YDP staff has the responsibility for approving and evaluating all curricula for local and county use.

V. FAIRS, EXPOSITIONS, AND OTHER SPONSORED SHOWS

Purpose
Fairs provide opportunities for members to exhibit the best of their project work from the past year and see how their skills have grown. Fairs also share with the community what 4-H YDP activities are taking place in their area. Each fair is governed by a set of rules that should be carefully reviewed by 4-H YDP staff.
Value of Participation
The 4-H YDP recognizes the value of participation at fairs as a means to showcase, exhibit, and otherwise demonstrate an individual member’s accomplishments and skill development. Fair participation, however, is not a requirement for 4-H involvement, nor should fairs be considered as a validation of the learning experience.
Eligibility to Show
4-H members must be in good standing, as determined by the county 4-H YD program, to be eligible to exhibit at a fair.
Ages to Show
4-H YDP age requirements as set forth in this Handbookare to be used for determining age requirements for fair participation. The levels of membership for 4-H are age and/or grade based. Each level is defined as follows:
1. Primary Level: Must be five (5) years old or in kindergarten as of December 31st of the current program year to exhibit at fair. Primary membership ends when members qualify as junior members. Exhibitors who are under nine (9) years of age as of December 31st of the current program year are not eligible to compete at California fairs. See also Primary_Member-Adult_Volunteer_Guide, Primary_Member-Fact_Sheet and Primary_Member-FAQ.
2. Junior, Intermediate, & Senior: Must be nine (9) years old or in 4th grade by December 31st of the current program year. Exhibitors are eligible to compete/exhibit through December 31st of the year in which they turn 19 years of age.
Animal Ownership
To show or exhibit an animal project at an endorsed fair, exposition, or other sponsored event, it must be owned and supervised for the number of days outlined below.
1. Poultry – must be owned and supervised for no less than 30 consecutive days and be enrolled in the project for no less than 60 consecutive days.
2. Rabbits – must be owned and supervised for no less than 30 consecutive days and be enrolled in the project for no less than 60 consecutive days.
3. Feeder and breeding animals – must be owned and supervised for no less than 30 consecutive days and be enrolled in the project for no less than 60 consecutive days.
4. Market sheep, swine, veal, and goats – must be owned and supervised for no less than 60 consecutive days.
5. Market beef – must be owned and supervised for no less than 120 consecutive days.
6. Horses – must be owned/leased and supervised for no less than 120 consecutive days. Male foals may be shown by 4-H members, but yearling and older stallions are ineligible as 4-H projects. The age of the horse shall be computed on the basis of a calendar year starting on January 1 of the year foaled; it is a weanling during the calendar year in which foaled, and a yearling during the first calendar year following its foaling date, regardless of year foaled.
4-H Project Transfers
4-H, FFA and Grange members may transfer projects between organizations once in a calendar year. Transfers must take place not less than sixty (60) days (or the number of days required for the ownership and supervision of respective species - whichever is greater), prior to the exhibit or award recognition of the project. Transfers between organizations should be documented using Livestock_Project_Transfer_Form. See also 4-H_FFA_Grange_CDFA_Agreement
4-H Sponsored Fairs
1. Local exhibit, display, and experiential opportunities may be organized, managed, and offered by the 4-H YDP at the local, area, or county level with the approval of county 4-H YDP staff.
2. Adult volunteers secure a location, determine rules for entries, exhibits, and awards, handle finances, and actively manage all aspects of the event. See Chapter 6, VI. C. Limitation of the Authority of Volunteers.
Fairs Sponsored by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
1. State, district, and county fairs that receive financial support from the State of California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Division of Fairs and Expositions provide exhibit opportunities for members. The Division of Fairs and Expositions State Rules Committee annually reviews statewide rules for entries, exhibits, and awards for competitive exhibits (see State Rules for California Fairs for more information). 4-H YDP staff representatives on this committee have input regarding rules, and advise the committee about current statewide 4-H YDP policies and program activities.
2. Additionally, individual fairs may create local rules. They may be stricter than state rules, but not conflict with them. Fairs determine exhibit opportunities, including 4-H classes. If members choose to participate in a fair, they must follow the fair rules.
Fairs Sponsored by Other Organizations
1. Members on a local, area, or county level may be invited to participate in fairs sponsored by organizations other than the CDFA Division of Fairs and Expositions. Participants must follow rules established by the sponsoring organization.
2. Fairs may be jointly organized, involving one or more collaborators. Participation and involvement should be guided by the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the collaborating partners. See Chapter 12, Collaborations and Relationships for programmatic questions, and/or refer to ANR Administrative Policies and Business Contracts for procedural questions.
Primary Members and Fairs and Shows
1. The significant difference between a primary member activity and a 4-H project is that a primary member engages in varied activities which focus on developing a specific skill or concept utilized in completing the activity rather than focusing on a long-term planned course of study in a specific project (subject) area.
2. Primary age members benefit from a variety of short-term exploratory project experiences. Primary members should not have ongoing projects of any kind (including animal projects), nor should they participate as competitive exhibitors with animals (large or small) because within the 4-H program, exhibits are intended to showcase the culmination of a long-term project.
3. In general, the handling of animals (large or small) requires discipline and motor skills that have yet to be fully developed in most children in the K-3 age range and when coupled with the unpredictable behavior of animals, does not provide the optimal safe educational environment.
4. Primary members that have engaged in a group activity may exhibit or showcase in a noncompetitive event, or can feature other items from their group activities. However, primary members are not eligible to receive premium funds as a result of exhibition.
5. 4-H primary members may only receive participation ribbons.
Primary Member Showmanship Classes
1. Primary members may not participate in any competitive showmanship classes. This includes classes also identified as “pee wee” showmanship or “junior buckaroo” events. Additionally, primary members may not participate in any type of round-robin showmanship activity which includes the handling of another youth’s animal.
2. Should a fair offer any of these activities, primary members cannot participate as 4-H YDP members, cannot wear a 4-H uniform or other representation of 4-H, nor will their participation be recognized as a 4-H experience. See Primary_Member-Fact_Sheet and Primary_Member-FAQ.
3. Coverage under the 4-H accident/illness insurance program and protection under UC’s liability program will not be extended to include pre-junior showmanship classes.

VI. JUNIOR LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS

Junior livestock auctions sponsored by 4-H councils or units are not permissible under ANR's financial and risk management policies.

VII. JACKPOT/ PROSPECTOR SHOWS

Introduction
4-H YDP recognizes that there are many animal exhibition opportunities in which young people can show their project animals. Jackpot and prospector shows are one such opportunity. However, the ownership and project participation entry requirements of jackpot/prospector shows and the handling of premium funds are not consistent with UC and 4-H YDP policies and practices. The 4-H YDP places an emphasis on learning and practicing animal project lessons and this emphasis forms the basis for 4-H YDP projects and educational goals.
Definition
A jackpot/prospector show is defined as one in which entry fees are charged and cash prizes or premiums are awarded from the accumulated entry fees or other matching funds.
Participation
1. Members cannot participate in jackpot/prospector shows as 4-H YDP members, although they may participate as individuals. Members cannot wear a 4-H uniform or other representation of 4-H, nor will their participation be recognized as a 4-H experience.
2. Coverage under the 4-H accident/illness insurance program and protection under UC’s liability program will not be extended to include jackpot/prospector shows.
Promotion
1. Any 4-H YDP announcements regarding a jackpot/prospector show must clearly state that 4-H YDP is not sponsoring the event and is not responsible for any of the activities or outcomes associated with the show. 4-H YDP newsletter articles should not contain references to entrance fees or monetary prizes.
2. The following disclaimer should be included with the article:
  “This article is provided for informational purposes only. No endorsement of the named jackpot/prospector show is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar shows not mentioned.”

VIII. RODEO AND GYMKHANA EVENTS

Determination
4-H YDP staff should use the Project_and_Activity_Evaluation_Checklist to determine if rodeo and gymkhana events and activities meet the 4-H YDP educational criteria.
Competition Between a Person and Animal
Any activity that constitutes competition between a person and an animal is prohibited in the 4-H YDP.

IX. CITIZENSHIP PROGRAMS

Purpose
4-H YDP places an emphasis on the importance of young people being engaged, well-informed citizens. By connecting to their communities and leaders, youth understand their role in civic affairs and are able to expand their role in decision-making processes. It is clear that civic engagement provides the foundation that helps youth understand the big picture of life and learn the skill sets that will allow them to become wise leaders for the 21st century. The 4-H YDP provides a variety of projects, events, conferences, and study programs to further young people’s learning and involvement.
Citizenship Study/Travel Programs
Study/travel programs provide a hands-on experience that promotes teen members appreciation and understanding of civic responsibility and civic engagement. Full participation requires the following:
1. Attendance at an orientation program.
2. Participation in all of the workshops and sessions.
3. Participation in a plan of action to address an issue in the local community and submission of a report to the statewide 4-H office.
4. Chaperones must be an adult volunteer at least 21 years of age with authorization from the county 4-H YDP staff.
5. Washington Focus member delegates must have completed 10th grade by the departure date of the trip.
6. California Focus member delegates must have completed 8th grade by the first day of the conference.
7. 4-H YDP staff must ensure that the study/travel opportunities are widely advertised and made available to all eligible 4-H members across all delivery modes. Only members and adult leaders in good standing, as determined by county 4-H YDP, may be selected to participate in these programs.
8. Programs should be developed with the idea of keeping costs within an affordable range so that as many members as possible can participate. Where feasible, scholarships should be made available to broaden participation.
Citizenship California Focus
The California Focus is a state conference that provides participants the opportunity to study the historic, economic, cultural and political aspects of California. County delegations are required to carryout a service project to address a local issue in their community the year after the conference. Youth are also expected to report on their trips to local groups and to promote citizenship within county programs.
Citizenship Washington Focus
The three Washington Focus study/travel programs provide an opportunity for members and adult volunteers to attend the Citizenship Washington Focus Program at the National 4-H Center in the Washington, D.C. area. Participants attend workshops, field trips, and working sessions that offer an introduction to the nation’s Capitol and the federal government. County 4-H YDP delegations are required to carryout a service project to address a local issue in their own community and file a report with their county office and the statewide 4-H YDP office by September of the year that they travel. Members are also expected to report on their trips to local groups and to promote citizenship within county programs.
Service Learning
1. Service learning is a method through which citizenship, knowledge, skills, and values are taught. It involves active learning – drawing lessons from the experience of performing service work. There are three basic components to effective service-learning:
  1. Planning – this includes researching the issue, setting objectives for learning and service, and creating a plan for action that contributes to learning and service.
  2. Performing service – this includes doing what was planned that includes both learning and service.
  3. Analyzing results – this includes reviewing the experience and drawing lessons, through such means as discussion with others and reflection on the work
2. 4-H YDP supports a variety of Service Learning opportunities for members and adult volunteers. 4-H YDP offers grants to 4-H units and groups who propose service learning projects that address significant environmental, economic and/or social issues.
3. All applicants must submit a Service Learning with a proposed budget. A final report with a record of expenditures is due at the completion of the project. All grant monies will be returned to the statewide 4-H YDP office if a final report is not submitted.

X. 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM EXCHANGES

Purpose
4-H YDP exchanges promote understanding of diverse people and help members and adult volunteers learn to live in a global society. Exchanges may involve other counties, states, or nations and can exist in many forms.
Domestic Exchanges
1. For domestic exchanges going into or out of California, the California 4-H YDP Code of Conduct is in effect at all times throughout the exchange.
2. All domestic exchanges into or out of California must be approved by the county director and/or designee.
3. For all domestic exchanges, members must be at least 12 years of age by the time of travel to participate in exchanges.
4. For all domestic exchanges out of California to another state, all adults in the hosting household must undergo a background check as prescribed by the 4-H YDP policy of that state. Exchanges into and out of states with inadequate background check processes (as determined by the statewide 4-H YDP office) are prohibited.
5. For domestic exchanges into California, or for exchanges between California counties, all individuals in the hosting household 18 years of age or older must be fingerprint screened. The host sibling (at least one if there are multiple siblings) must be a member in good standing.
International Exchanges
1. For international exchanges going into or out of California, the California 4-H YDP Code of Conduct is in effect at all times throughout the exchange.
2. All international exchanges into or out of the US must be approved by the county director and/or designee, as well as the statewide 4-H YDP director.
3. Members must be at least 14 years of age by the time of travel to participate in international exchanges. See International Education.
4. For international exchanges out of California to another country, all adults in the hosting household must undergo a background check as prescribed by the California 4-H YDP. Exchanges into and out of countries with inadequate background check processes (as determined by the California 4-H YDP Statewide office) are prohibited.
5. For international exchanges into California, all individuals in the hosting household 18 years of age or older must be fingerprint screened. The host sibling (at least one if there are multiple siblings) must be a 4-H member in good standing.
6. A variety of exchange opportunities are offered to members and adult volunteers in good standing. See International Education.

XI. 4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CONFERENCES

Purpose
Conferences, symposia, and workshops are held for 4-H members and adult volunteers to discuss and review programs, and issues of current and critical importance. They provide a means to disseminate research information and allow members and adult volunteers to discuss decisions of importance to statewide, regional, and county programs.
Sectional Youth Leadership Conferences
California 4-H YDP sectional councils may hold youth or volunteer Sectional 4-H Conferences. These conferences provide members and adult volunteers the opportunity to attend workshops on topics such as leadership, public speaking, citizenship, character building and more.
State Leadership Conference
The California 4-H YDP 4-H State Leadership Conference is an issue-based conference for youth leaders from across California. At the conference, participants learn how to plan and carry out community programs and projects designed to address local youth issues. This conference is available to youth who have graduated 8th grade.
National 4-H Conference
Selected senior members and two adult coordinators generally attend National 4-H Conference. Held at the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Maryland, the conference provides delegations from across the country the opportunity to assist with addressing future 4-H YD programming in the US. California 4-H YDP conducts an annual selection process for this conference.

XII. STATE 4-H TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP TEAM

The 4-H 4-H Technology Leadership Team increases the use and awareness of computer technology in the California 4-H Youth Development Program by acting as an advisory committee to the state 4-H YDP office in analyzing and recommending computer technology use in the 4-H YDP. The Technology Leadership Team also maintains the California 4-H YDP Website, provides assistance for 4-H units in hosting and developing their own 4-H websites and train members and adult volunteers in computer technology. Members are selected annually for these positions.

XIII. STATE 4-H FIELD DAYS

California 4-H YDP annually hosts a statewide 4-H Field Day at the UC Davis campus. This event provides 4-H youth statewide the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitive events and learning opportunities.

XIV. STATEWIDE, REGIONAL, SECTIONAL, AND MULTI-COUNTY EVENTS AND COMPETITIONS

Proposal of New Events
Any 4-H unit or group or 4-H YDP staff member may propose to have California 4-H YDP participate in a national competition or host a statewide, regional, sectional, or multi-county event using the Events-Proposal_for_CA_Participation_in_New_National_Event/Activity/Competition or the Events-Proposal_for_New_State_4-H_YDP_Event/Activity/Competition.
Sanctioning Process
All proposed new events, activities, or competitions will follow the Events-Process_for_Sanctioning_State/National_4-H_ Activities_Flow_Chart and be reviewed using the Events-Proposal_for_CA_Participation_in_New_National_Event/Activity/Competition or the Events-Proposal_for_New_State_4-H_YDP_Event/Activity/Competition.
Approval
1. In statewide events, the statewide 4-H YDP director gives approval, based on a recommendation from the statewide 4-H YDP Program Advisory Committee, and sends a copy to the county and regional directors of the county where the event is being held.
2. In regional, sectional, multi-county events, the county director where the event is being held gives approval and communicates their decision to the statewide 4-H YDP director and regional director. See Events-Definition_of_Proposed_Statewide,_Regional,_Sectional,_and_Multi-County_Events_for_Consideration_by_State_4-H_Policy_Committee for additional information.

XV. 4-H YDP SHOOTING SPORTS

Purpose
The Shooting Sports provides instruction in the safe handling of firearms and archery equipment, develops self-confidence and leadership abilities in 4-H participants and instills an appreciation for conservation and wildlife. See also Shooting_Sports-Programs_Policies_and_Procedures.
Objectives
The Shooting Sports uses the skills and disciplines of shooting to assist young people and their leaders in attaining knowledge and developing essential life skills. The program follows a standardized format, lists program components and identifies clearly intended learning outcomes.
Volunteer Certification Requirements
1. All instructors, trainers and project leaders in the shooting sports program must be currently enrolled as shooting sports resource leaders in their respective counties, and must be certified by the California 4-H YDP Shooting Sports Committee in each discipline they teach.
2. No person may be certified as an instructor, trainer or project leader until all of the following requirements are met:
  1. Must be currently enrolled in the 4-H program and have completed the volunteer orientation and screening process at the local level.
  2. Must be at least 21 years of age.
  3. Must have satisfactorily completed a discipline-specific national or state training session, or possess a current certification from an approved organization (See chart in Shooting_Sports-Programs_Policies_and_Procedures) in the discipline being certified and have completed the 4-H YDP Shooting Sports Program Orientation.
  4. Must have no felony convictions.
  5. Must have no convictions for hunting, fishing or firearm related violations in the past five (5) years.
  6. Must demonstrate competency in instructing youth in shooting sports.
  7. Must have submitted a completed 4-H Shooting Sports - Application for Certification (PDF) and have received approval.
Member Participation Eligibility
Members can participate in the shooting sports program based on the following:
1. The shooting sports program is open to all members nine (9) years of age or older, or in the 4th grade. Participation in the muzzle loading discipline requires a minimum of one (1) year of prior participation in another discipline.
2. Eligibility to use firearms, air guns, or archery equipment in the shooting sports program is subject to approval of the adult volunteer. Approval is based on the member’s ability to follow all instructions and safety rules.
3. Junior Leaders – Grades 6-8 are trained and certified in specific disciplines to assist in the training of other members. Junior leaders may be utilized in the classroom, but not on shooting ranges.
4. Teen Leaders – Grades 9 and above are trained and certified in specific disciplines to assist in the training of other youth members. Teen leaders may be utilized in the classroom as well as on the range.
Acquisition of Firearms, Air Guns/BB Guns, and Paint Ball Guns
1. Air guns and BB guns used for a 4-H YDP shooting sports activity may be purchased or acquired with the permission of the county director. 4-H certified shooting sports adult volunteers should direct their requests to the county director. See 4-H Shooting Sports - Air Gun Purchase Request Authorization form.
2. The purchase or acquisition of all other firearms, including paint ball guns by the 4-H YDP, councils or units is prohibited.
3. Archery equipment and supplies may be purchased.
Firearms
1. A “firearm” means any device from which is expelled through a barrel a projectile by the force of any explosion or other form of combustion.
2. The term BB gun (or air rifle/pistol) means any instrument that expels a metallic projectile, such as a BB or a pellet, through the force of air pressure, CO2 pressure or spring action.
Paintball Guns
Paintball guns and paintball gun activities are prohibited in the 4-H YDP program.
Purchase of Ammunition
1. Ammunition used for a 4-H YDP shooting sports activity may be purchased or acquired by the county director. When additional ammunition is needed, 4-H certified shooting sports adult volunteers should direct their request to the county director. See 4-H Shooting Sports - Ammunition Purchase Request Authorization form.
2. However, if individual participants wish to provide their own ammunition, they must present the ammunition for inspection prior to the start of the event. The ammunition must stay under the supervision of the shooting sports leader during the course of the event.
Firearms and Ammunition Storage
1. It is the policy of the shooting sports program that, when not in use, all firearms owned (purchased prior to 2002) by 4-H units must be unloaded and stored either in a locked gun safe that meets the standards for gun safes adopted pursuant to section 12088.2 of the California Penal Code, or stored with a properly utilized firearm safety device (FSD) that is on the Department of Justice (DOJ) Roster of Firearm Safety Devices Certified for Sale. See Shooting_Sports-Programs_Policies_and_Procedures.
2. 4-H units that are storing firearms as discussed in the paragraph above must maintain an accurate inventory of all 4-H (or University) owned firearms and report this inventory annually to the County Director.

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