In the fall 2020, the City of Hays Water Resources Department embarked in a partnership with the Cottonwood Extension District to launch the 4-H Water Ambassador program. In it's first year, four teens were selected and trained to be 4-H Water Ambassadors. In turn, they provided education to others regarding water conservation and water quality at various community events.
What is a 4-H Water Ambassador?
The 4-H Water Ambassador program is a leadership opportunity for teens 13 and older, focusing on the importance of water quality, water conservation and water careers. It is a project for teens in the Cottonwood Extension District (Barton & Ellis counties.)
Teens must submit an application to the program, and then go through an interview process.
If selected, the teens must attend two (2) training sessions. This team of trained teens will then be expected to return to their communities and lead other young people in water educational activities at one or more of the following:
- World Water Day Fun Fest at Sternberg Museum (tentatively, March 2023)
- Kansas Wetlands Education Center – Earth Day Celebration
- Classroom presentations
- After school programs
- 4-H Club meetings
- County Fair displays at the Barton and Ellis County Fairs
- Other activities where youth or adults are willing to learn!
Youth involved with the 2023 4-H Water Ambassador Team will:
- Learn about the water cycle
- Learn about ways to conserve water
- Learn about using technology to monitor water resources
- Learn how everyone can contribute to caring for our shared water resource
- Learn about potential careers in water
- Learn ways to use social media, videos and other technology platforms to spread the word about the importance of our water resource.
