WVU Extension has recently announced a new policy regarding the use of Native American imagery in the 4-H club program.  "WVU Extension Service has decided to change these practices out of respect to Native Americans and others who believe these practices are offensive and disrespectful to their heritage.  The changes will be implemented beginning with the 2002 camping season."  The reasons given for these changes are many, but suffice to say that they ultimately have been implemented in response to allegations that current practices can be viewed as derogatory to those Native Americans whose cherished traditions we 4-Hers have come to view as sacred.

official policy statements from WVU extension are available here

Since this announcement, the West Virginia 4-H Community has been corresponding via e-mail to share this news, grieve the loss of our beloved traditions, and generate new ideas to ensure our unique form of camping is able to endure for another 100 years.  Of primary concern, however, what do we do with this information now?  Many 4-H camps, on both the state and county level, are currently in the planning stages and are in a state of limbo as to what kind of changes need to be implemented this summer.  While a statewide meeting has been scheduled to address these concerns in the coming months, I saw the immediate need for a forum to discuss these fears and concerns now while we are still trying to process this information.  My hope is that this forum will allow the West Virginia 4-H Community to come together, both to grieve our loss and to generate new ideas to preserve as much of our camping structure as possible.

Access to Forum

Please note that this website is not affiliated with WVU Extension.  The purpose of this website is to allow individuals to post questions, comments, and suggestions regarding this policy change. I urge forum participants to maintain the same dignity and decorum on this site that is characteristic of the high ideals embodied by 4-H.  For this reason, heated comments on this debate will be tolerated, but foul language will not.  Please rephrase such sentiments in a decent and respectful manner.

Direct any questions or problems with this website to webmaster@wv4h.com.

Yours In 4-H,
Jeff Takarsh
Former Marion County 4-Her, and
Current Putnam County 4-H Leader