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From Projects to Leadership: Broadwater County 4-H is Beyond Ready

Author: Allison Kosto, MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent

Allison Kosto

MSU Broadwater County Extension Agent

Each October, communities across the country join together to celebrate National 4-H Week. This is a time to recognize the young people who are learning, leading and serving to make their communities stronger. This year’s theme, “Beyond Ready,” captures what 4-H has always done best: prepare youth not just for the next project or the next fair season, but for life, leadership and the future they’re building.

In Broadwater County, that readiness shows up in countless ways. Over the past year, local 4-H members have stepped into new projects, taken on leadership roles, and strengthened the community through hands on service. From early morning livestock care to late night book work, from mentoring younger members to representing 4-H at county events, our youth continue to demonstrate responsibility, resilience, and a willingness to grow.

This past year, 137 Broadwater County youth participated in organized clubs. This steady enrollment reflects strong community support and continued interest in hands on learning. Our program continues to expand. Last fall, we welcomed the Canyon Ferry Coyotes, our eighth 4-H club in the county, giving even more youth a place to belong and build skills.

We also celebrated the return of the County 4-H Ambassador program after a 20 year hiatus. Ambassadors, Kaitlyn Noyes and MaKenzie Truesdell, were selected through an application and interview process and served as official envoys of the Montana 4 H Program, wrapping up a yearlong term. Their leadership, enthusiasm, and service embody what it means to be “Beyond Ready” by stepping forward to represent 4-H and inspire others.

Broadwater County also hosted a statewide 4-H/FFA Meat Science Education Day in April, offering youth the chance to explore the journey of meat from farm to fork. Events like this help young people become informed consumers, thoughtful livestock producers, and perhaps even future food industry professionals. These experiences build readiness not only for careers, but for confident decision making in everyday life.

While animal projects remain a beloved part of 4-H, they are only one piece of a larger picture. Only 37 percent of Broadwater County 4-H members live on farms or ranches, and this year we saw a 14.3 percent increase in 4-H indoor exhibits at the Broadwater County Fair. This is a testament to the diverse opportunities available in 4-H. From woodworking and photography to robotics, cooking, and creative arts, youth discover new interests and build practical skills that prepare them for whatever comes next.

Enrollment for the new 4-H year opened on October 1, and we are excited to continue expanding opportunities for youth to learn and grow. Supporting this effort is Kasen Gregg, our newly hired 4-H Assistant. Kasen is a Sweet Grass County 4-H alum whose equine background and professional experience as a case manager bring valuable perspective to our program. This new county funded position with MSU Extension in Broadwater County strengthens our ability to provide both administrative support and educational outreach for 4-H and youth development programs.

Support for 4-H, locally and statewide, is essential. Montana 4-H continues to be one of the state’s largest youth development programs, reaching thousands of young people each year through clubs, camps, school enrichment and afterschool programs. National research shows that 4-H members are more likely to contribute to their communities, pursue STEM careers, and develop strong communication and decision making skills. Those outcomes are exactly what “Beyond Ready” is all about.

As we celebrate National 4-H Week, we honor the youth who show up, try new things, work hard, and support one another. We also recognize the volunteers, families, and community partners who make this program possible. Broadwater County is supported by 59 certified adult volunteers who lead clubs, organize project work, assist with events, and so much more. Together, we are helping Broadwater County youth become “Beyond Ready.” They are ready to lead, ready to serve, and ready to shape the future of our community.

If you’d like to learn more about joining 4-H, volunteering, or supporting local programs, please contact MSU Extension in Broadwater County at 406-266-9242 or 4hassistant@broadwatercountymt.gov

or stop by the Flynn Building at 416 Broadway in Townsend. 4-H is the youth development program of Montana State University Extension.

Article Images

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PhotoCredit: Allison Kosto
Image 1 Caption: Broadwater County 4-H members at the 2026 Multi-County 4-H Camp near Monarch. Photo Credit: Allison Kosto
Image 2 Caption: Tucker Volkman enjoys the costume contest at the 4-H Horse Show at the 2025 Broadwater County Fair. Photo Credit: Allison Kosto