The Power of 4-H Judging, Skillathon, and Bowl Events to Support Youth Thriving
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 18, Issue 2 - December 2025
Editor: Bindu Poudel-Ward
Abstract
4-H Judging Teams, Skillathons, and Quiz Bowls are longstanding, competitive educational programs that form a cornerstone of many 4-H initiatives nationwide. This study examines the developmental impact of participation in these programs, with a particular focus on assessing the developmental context of these programs along with their impact on life skills development. Using quantitative and qualitative data collected from current 4-H participants in Maryland, findings indicate that competitive team experiences foster the essential elements of the developmental context, while also cultivating critical life skills such as communication, decision-making, and confidence. These experiences not only promote individual growth but also prepare youth for future leadership and workforce roles within the agricultural sector. By equipping participants with both technical knowledge and transferable skills, 4-H competitive teams strengthen the pipeline of informed, capable, and engaged contributors to the agriculture industry. Implications for 4-H programming and youth development volunteers are discussed, emphasizing the continued need for training and the relevance of these experiential learning models in today’s agricultural education landscape.
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