Impact from Russian 4-H Camp Programs
The 4-H TRAIL team emphasized using their head to solve problems, their hands to work to make their community and country a better place, their heart to resolve differences and the importance of their overall health in a long and fruitful life for fulfilling their goals using the experiential learning model.
The program was evaluated using the Rutgers Cooperative Extension's Older Youth Evaluation forms translated into Russian.
This tool has been used since 2003 in Russia. Results from past 4-H Camps in Russia:
81% of teens and younger youth are more interested in learning about American culture.
91% of teens and 75% of younger youth stated that they would change their eating habits after learning about healthy eating using the food pyramid.
82% of all teens and younger youth planned to share what they learned from the Resolving Differences Democratically Session.
75% of younger youth stated they would change the way they think, act or feel after participating in the cooperative trust session.
89% of teens participating in the Goal Setting workshop stated they planned to use or share what they learned.
92% of teens stated that the information given at the Resisting Negative Peer Pressure Session was useful and 75% said they planned to use or share what they learned.
A 19-year-old Russian counselor after the camp shared “the main changes concern my head; I’ve really improved my English and I want to notice that the aim of 4-H’s programme is very good. All man’s sides (head, heart, hands, [and] health) should be developed and your programme helps children to do it.”
A 20-year-old Russian stated, “I like everything very much. I’m very glad to be here and it is great to talk to American people. It is a very good experience in my life. I will use it for sure in other camps, with my future children and this camp is the best.”
