In this episode of Volunteer Vibe, Steven and Caydance sit down with Katie Hogan, Northeast Region Youth Development Specialist, and explore the vital role of reflection in the 4‑H experiential learning model (do, reflect, apply) and why intentional reflection accelerates youth development.

Through her wealth of experience, Katie offers easy, low-prep strategies that volunteers can use—such as project records, group project reports, dice/card games, notebooks, and recognition forms—to make reflection routine, fun, and age-appropriate.

The conversation highlights how reflection connects project skills to life and career readiness, builds confidence, and helps youth and volunteers make thoughtful decisions about growth and goals.

Volunteer leader Heather Gooch and her two daughters, Lilly and Hannah, join the show to share their expertise on how to make 4-H project meetings an exciting and engaging platform for nurturing teen leaders.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Clay Hurdle, Missouri 4-H’s State Specialist in Leadership and Civic Engagement. From his own 4-H beginnings to his research and statewide leadership, Dr. Hurdle shares how his scholarship is strengthening and expanding 4-H programming that helps young people grow into confident, community-minded leaders.

Drawing on both his personal 4-H journey and current research, he discusses what the data reveal about how youth develop as leaders and active citizens—and how these insights are shaping new opportunities across Missouri. We also explore the vital role volunteers play in nurturing leadership and civic engagement in today’s 4-H youth.