
Among the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects has been making children even more attached to their phones, often at the expense of real-world relationships and activities.
As an Epic student for five years, I thrive in online instruction. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t difficulties that students have faced since the pandemic forced everyone to embrace the virtual world.
The Atlantic in February 2024 reported that face-to-face communication among teenagers dropped by nearly half from 2003-22. Turning during the pandemic from brick-and-mortar schools to homeschooling only accelerated the transition.
These virtually educated teens haven’t had the same afterschool activities they had down the hall before. Social outlets again are readily available. But it’s on students to take the first step.
Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development is there to help. The organization welcomes all kids from the ages 5 to 19, across all 77 counties. 4-H clubs have many hands on opportunities to make friends, learn life skills and discover things that may have been off your radar.
These are all part of the draw of the venerable 4-H clubs for many families. Discovering a new passion and making friends along the way is a win-win.
“I mean it’s such a wonderful program for kids to learn life skills and to make friends,” said Julie Jones, a member of Rogers County 4-H for nine years. “It has made me more of an outgoing person,” she said.
As we continue to absorb the pandemic’s lessons, loneliness has grown as a public health crisis. Improving teens’ social lives and making a real, personal connection can go a long way toward improving their mental health.
4-H involvement has impacted Missy Quintero’s life, and she has seen it work wonders on her students.
“A lot of people believe 4-H is just for country kids, you know the kids that show animals or that sew, or cook, and that’s so far from what 4-H actually is,” said Quintero, who oversees Epic’s virtual 4-H chapter.
A personal perspective
My experience was similar to that of many other kids. When I started as an Epic student, my mental health wasn’t all that good. I had no way to socialize with kids my age and I would spend most of my time on social media, which made things worse. My dad’s friend, who is a shooting coach for 4-H, came to our house one day and introduced me to the club. I discovered activities I enjoyed such as archery, .22 rifle, shooting competitions and learning hunting skills.
I am so grateful for the kids I met who I can now call my friends. I absolutely love that I at least tried 4-H, because if I hadn’t I don’t know where I would be today.
4-H has helped me and my family in many ways. I love going to the shooting competitions even if I don’t place because the most important part about this all is having fun and making friends along the way.
If you’re interested in joining or just learning more about 4-H, visit 4h.okstate.edu.
To learn more about the Comet Clovers, email Missy Quintero at missy.quintero@epiccharterschools.org.