University of Minnesota Extension educators and 4-H’ers focus on programs for all youth
In a clearing surrounded by pinewood camp cabins, a group of children made bird feeders before snack time.
It was like any other 4-H camp, except for the smaller group — and the parents painting in a cabin at the edge of the clearing.
This camp was a pilot project: All Abilities 4-H Family Camp. The parents, while painting colorful posies, discussed their children who live with the challenges of cognitive, mental health, and physical disabilities.
“Khamrin cried when he couldn’t go to church camp with his siblings,” Lori Steen-Bowleg of Benton County told the others. “Kids with sensory differences get left out.”
“Here, I don’t have to stress that Sophie will do something out of the norm and get weird looks,” added Dawn Larson of Wright County. “She can sense that I’m calm, which makes her calm too.”
One of many efforts
As diagnoses of neurocognitive disabilities such as autism rise, 4-H educators are making more accommodations in mainstream programming and sometimes taking a targeted approach like the camp.
Project judging, for example, is usually all together, traditionally at county fairs and the Minnesota State Fair. And that works well most of the time.
“All youth are different,” says Darcy Cole, a 4-H youth development educator based in Willmar. “Sometimes we might provide a quieter environment and training so judges can make it a better experience.”
An Opportunity for All 4-H livestock show in June 2025, for example, will allow youth with disabilities to get hands-on experience with sheep and goats, without the crowds and noise of a fair.
Education for educators
Cole is no stranger to the need. “As a parent of two children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, I know the challenges and joys autism can bring,” she says.
Eager to do something for her family and others, Cole completed the Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (MNLEND) leadership training program at the University of Minnesota.
More 4-H educators followed suit. Betsy Olson Minneart, leader of the 4-H for All Abilities camp, as well as Anna Gilbertson in Anoka County, completed the MNLEND fellowship. Several have learned from peers at Camp Friendship, the University’s Disability Resource Center and with organizations across Minnesota.
Recent training for all 4-H volunteers focused on creating inclusive environments for youth with disabilities.
“We want club leaders and other volunteers to feel comfortable doing this work,” says Cole. “It can be intimidating if they don’t have a background or regular experience with people who have a disability.”
Riding into leadership
Alena Skinner, age 17, the youth president of Olmsted County’s 4-H horse project, has learned a lot about leadership and perseverance. Cerebral palsy hasn’t stopped her from riding her horses, Prince and Mason.
She also participates in 4-H Global Connections and writing projects and leads "Let’s talk about disability” conversations that get young people talking openly.
On a national level, Alena became a 4-H Roth Scholar in the Leadership Academy. For one Roth Scholar project, she launched a podcast called “I can totally do that,” exploring careers from the perspective of guests who have disabilities.
Alena was asked by 4-H staff to play a role in exploring options for project judging.
“I was happy because more needs to be discussed when it comes to making 4-H more accessible to people,” she says. “Being in leadership positions as a person with a disability is important not only to prove to others that you can be a passionate leader but also to prove to yourself that you are capable of doing amazing things.”
Disability etiquette 101
Specific disabilities may call for additional etiquette. Find more information, accommodation requests, resources and more on the 4-H Accessible for All Abilities website.
Speak directly to the person
Speak to the person rather than to their companion, aide, caregiver or interpreter as if they weren’t there.
Ask before you help
Don’t assume that someone with a disability needs help. Offer assistance when someone asks, and ask how you can help before acting.
Be sensitive about physical contact
People with a disability may depend on their arms for balance. They may also consider their equipment part of their personal space, so don’t touch it.
Don’t make assumptions
People are the best judge of what they can or cannot do, so let them decide.
A quiet corner at the fair
“I know of people with epilepsy, autism and anxiety that want to be at the fair, but there wasn’t a place for them to get away,” says Hailey Lindula, a 13-year-old who received a 4-H Helping Hands grant to create a “Calming Corner” at the St. Louis County Fair in 2024.
The St. Louis County Fair donated space for the Calming Corner. A mental health provider agreed to have a table nearby with resources, and other groups publicized the space. Items brought in — bean bag chairs, puzzles, coloring supplies and more — will return each year.
During slow times at the fair three to four families per hour were using the corner and it was constantly in use during the busy times. A message left on the dry erase board read, “Thank you to whoever came up with this Calming Corner. Keep this booth up! It’s really helpful.”
“It was definitely appreciated, so we’ll do it again,” says Hailey. “Now people who get overwhelmed with the commotion can be less stressed.”
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