In March, a 4-H event took place that was a twist on the well established Wash. Co. 4-H Teen Connect events that have taken place since 2025. Family Connect: Open Mic Night! was inspired by last year’s 4-H Teen Connect. It unfolded when parents picking up their youth at a4-H Teen Connect: Karaoke Night last year caught the last few minutes of the youth singing, laughing and encouraging each other and someone said, “this looks like fun, we’d love to be a part of something like this!”...and that is all it took to create aFamily Connect Night! The evening inspired fostering a sense of belonging, inspiring sparks, building connections and positive relationships between 4-H adults, parents, and youth.
Youth performances included Karaoke singing, instrumental solos (piano, guitar, violin, saxophone, and flute) as well as stand-up jokes, camp skits, taekwondo demonstration and board breaking! The parents were surprised by the 4-H Educator and challenged come up to the stage and perform the Muppet’s classic Man-amo-nah! Song. They nailed it!
The 4-H Teen, Tween and now, the Parent Connect events give 4-H youth and their families a chance to meet others from other Washington County clubs; break down club silos; and have some time for everyone to experience that they belong to a greater 4-H presence in Washington County.
Many thanks go out to the Washington County Leaders Association for funding the pizza and venue for the night! The Leaders Association continues to be enthusiastic and supportive of countywide programming that brings 4-H and the community together.
