Montana State University Extension in Lake County brings university resources directly to the community through its office in Ronan. A central focus of MSU Extension is 4-H and youth development, where more than 200 local youth are actively enrolled in programs that foster personal growth, leadership, and real-world skills. Through hands-on learning, service opportunities, and youth-led projects, participants gain the tools they need to become confident, capable, and contributing members of their communities. From local clubs and leadership roles to regional camps and public presentations, 4-H offers a wide variety of experiences that emphasize responsibility, teamwork, and communication.

MSU Extension also delivers a broad range of educational programs in agriculture, natural resource management, economic and community development, and family and consumer sciences. These efforts are grounded in local needs and aim to strengthen the health, sustainability, and prosperity of Lake County residents and communities. By connecting university research and knowledge with everyday life, MSU Extension plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for individuals and families throughout the region.

 

Contact

300 3rd Avenue NW
Ronan, MT
406-676-4271
https://www.montana.edu/extension/lake/

 

4-H & Youth Development

 

Leadership Skills Gained at Multi-County Camp

Twenty Lake County 4-H members discovered strengths, learned more about communication and teamwork, and put leadership into practice by attending multi-county 4-H Camp. The Journal of Leadership and Organizational studies reports that self-identifying as a leader as a teen is a key component in remaining a leader throughout adult life. Along with the largest number of kids enrolled in multi-county camp, Lake County also sent eight teen leader counselors, including both the Senior and Junior Camp Directors. Junior Camp Director Hayley Bergh said, “One impact of multi-county 4-H Camp that I see is a positive change in the kids. They come on the first day and are super shy, but by the end of the week they are doing new things, interacting with others, and making new friends.”

 

Multi-County 4-H Camp Counselors line up with the Junior and Senior Directors.

Caption: Multi-County 4-H Camp Counselors line up with the Junior and Senior Directors.

Credit: Campbell Barrett

 

4-H & Youth Development

 

Celebrating 4-H Youth Achievements

The largest turnout that Lake County has ever seen came to support the achievements of Lake County 4-H Youth at the Achievement Day program in October. 'Learn by doing' is the 4-H slogan utilized by the youth development program for over one hundred years, and more than 230 people came together to celebrate youth and many volunteers who make learn-by-doing happen. One hundred ninety-two youth completed the 4-H year, and nine club leaders from Polson, Ronan, Charlo, and St. Ignatius recognized members in their clubs. Volunteer leaders and teen Ambassador leaders educated the crowd about progressive learning opportunities while presenting awards to hard-working members. The momentum from the event creates traction into the new 4-H year, and clubs are increasing membership. Ambassador project leader Diana Luke reported, “It was fun to hear reports from the kids about participation in our clubs, state, and even at the national level from Lake County.”

 

Ambassador Vesper Krantz speaks at Achievement Day.

Caption: Ambassador Vesper Krantz speaks at Achievement Day.

Credit: Adele Vincent

 

4-H & Youth Development

 

Interview Judging for Life

“The best thing that my kid ever did in 4-H was the 'dreaded' interview judging at the fair.” Retired Extension Agent Jack Stivers has reported hearing this comment many times over the 32 years he worked at Lake County MSU Extension. With more than 65 volunteers donating over 200 hours of their time, interview judging is a large undertaking.

Pistols and Ponytails volunteer club leader and interview judging coordinator Kim Kendall explains that “interview judging allows youth members to showcase their projects by speaking with a community member. They can speak about their successes and possible failures in their project. This teaches great communication skills, growth within their projects, and allows the members to receive feedback on their projects.”

Skills learned at interview judging carry over directly into communication skills for job interviews, presentations, and real-life experiences — and the 4-H youth of Lake County are well prepared.

 

Animal Project judge listens to a Lake County 4-H member tell about his project.

Caption: Animal Project judge listens to a Lake County 4-H member tell about his project.

Credit: Claudia Andrade

 

 

 

 

Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA Veteran’s Preference Employer and provider of educational outreach.