Strategic Directions
2023-2028

Priorities for 2023-2028

The board identified two critical areas to focus on and generated a set of potential strategies to explore further over the next few years. The two main areas of focus are:

• 4-H Center Facilities and Property
• 4-H Programming at the 4-H Center

The 2022 recommendations are consistent with the 2016 general directions of:

• supporting 4-H Center infrastructure improvements,
• enriching programming for youth and adults,
• operating the 4-H Center at full-capacity,
• generating revenue to support 4-H staff, leadership trips, scholarships, and capital loan payoff.
• continued effective partnerships between ACES, 4-H and the 4-H Foundation remains a critical component to advancing the mission and vision of Alabama 4-H.

Top Ten Recommendations for Alabama 4-H Center (Facilities and Property)

Questions: What ideas do you have for how the 4-H Foundation can augment and enhance the youth development programs of the 4-H Center? What are specific ideas you have for programs, activities, or infrastructure at the 4-H Center?

• 24 individuals participating
• includes 4-H county staff for each SET

Recommendations for Alabama 4-H Center Investments

Facilities and Property

Six of the ten recommendations relate to 4-H Center Facilities and Property (i.e., bathrooms, beds, Aviary, covered recreation area, Mayfield Building, and basketball court).

The Phase 2 major infrastructure needs are Bathrooms and Beds. These most supported recommendations are consistent with the 2017 Master Plan and board planning. The board will seek a proposal for updates from GMC, the firm who created initial the Master Plan.

Next steps include building the case for support, estimating costs for bathrooms and bed, and developing the funding approach. Three scenarios were suggested for moving ahead with these recommendations. More deliberation and the Master Plan will inform the best direction.

Five of the mid-level recommendations relate to the 4-H Center

• Move the Aviary
• Develop a covered recreation area
• Update the Mayfield building
• Repair the basketball court area (related to covered recreation area)
• Create more teen opportunities

Mid-level prioritized investments include moving the Aviary, building (or renovating) a covered recreation area, updating the Mayfield Building, repairing the basketball courts (or incorporating into a Covered recreation area), and creating more on campus activities/ opportunities (e.g., walking trails, climbing wall, recreation equipment, etc.) for guests to enjoy (Youth & Adults).

Moving ahead with these recommendations will likely include a mixed approach of gifts, targeted annual or event giving, or packaging into a capital campaign. For example,

• Aviary – Annual Giving and/or Gift
• Rec Center Upgrades – Annual Giving
• Basketball Area – Annual Giving

Recommendations for Alabama 4-H Programming

4-H State Programming at the 4-H Center

Reducing barriers for transportation to 4-H camp and other programs at the 4-H Center is highly supported recommendation.

This intent is to keep registration costs affordable. For some youth, the added expense of a bus ride can make the overall registration costs too high for some potential campers. This recommendation is consistent with a survey of 4-H staff by Seth Tuttle.

Four of the most supported recommendations relate to 4-H State Programming.

• reduced transportation barriers
• develop staffing/volunteer plan for camps
• offer project specific camps
• expand teen opportunities (e.g., camps, classes, use of age-appropriate recreation equipment)

Launching two new types of opportunities at the 4-H Center were recommended.

• Project Specific Camps by 4-H
• Expanded Teen Opportunities

These new ideas differ in who is the lead and what is required to be done to move forward. The type of investment was recommended at the retreat. Further detailing is required to understand the scope of investment and work required (Example, staffing and staff hiring).

Next steps include building the case for support, estimating costs for transportation assistance, and developing the funding approach. For staffing at Camp, Project Specific Camps, and to Expand Teen Opportunities, next steps might be done by management/staff or a task force for each recommendation may be designated to brainstorm ideas and implementation strategies.

• Transportation – Annual Giving
• Staffing for 4-H Camp at 4-H Center (Paid, Volunteer, Interns) – Annual Giving
• Project Specific Camps sponsored by 4-H – Gift; or may be able to offer without financial assistance
• Expand Teen Opportunities – Gift; or may be able to offer without financial assistance

For more information:

Alabama 4-H Club Foundation, Inc.
244 Duncan Hall
Auburn University, AL 36849-5612