4-H volunteers are known for their creativity and dedication to encourage the growth of young people. As the 4-H year comes to a close, volunteers often look for unique and engaging ways to recognize the hard work and achievements of their members. One tasty and imaginative approach involves using popular candy bars and candies to celebrate member accomplishments. By associating specific candies with individual strengths, successes, and characteristics, these events create a fun and memorable recognition program that resonates with both youth and their families. This recognition program can be used with Cloverbuds and older 4-H members.

Here are some examples of how 4-H volunteers can compare youth achievements to different types of candy during a year-end recognition event. (Be sure to be aware of any food allergies or existing health conditions before presenting candy to club members.)

• Milky Way Award: Shoot for the Stars
  This award is perfect for youth who have set ambitious goals and worked hard to achieve them. Just like the vastness of the Milky Way galaxy, these young achievers have reached for the stars, aiming high and hitting their mark in their 4-H achievements. These members have pushed their limits and soared to new heights.
• PayDay Award: Hard Work Pays Off
  Recognizing youth who may not always be in the spotlight but work tirelessly behind the scenes, the PayDay Award symbolizes that their hard work has truly paid off. Just as PayDay candy bars are packed with peanuts—simple, but satisfying—these members have shown dedication, perseverance, and the understanding that effort yields rewards.
• Starburst Award: Bright and Full of Energy
  This award goes to youth who light up the room and radiate positivity and enthusiasm in everything they do. Like the bright and bold flavors of Starburst candy, these members bring energy and joy to every event or activity. They are often the ones cheering on their peers, volunteering, or coming up with creative ideas to make the 4-H experience even better.
• M&M Award: Team Player
  M&M stands for “Magnificent & Motivated,” and this award goes to members who are always willing to collaborate and support others. Just as M&M candies come in a variety of colors, these youth show diversity in their skills and work well with people of different backgrounds and interests and demonstrate the importance of teamwork and cooperation.
• KitKat Award: Taking Breaks and Bouncing Back
  This award acknowledges youth who have faced challenges throughout the year but have learned the value of perseverance and taking time for self-care. Much like a KitKat bar encourages us to take a break, these youth have shown resilience. They may have stumbled along the way, but they always returned with renewed determination and a fresh perspective.
• Hershey’s Hugs Award: Compassionate Leader
  This award is given to those youth who have gone above and beyond to show kindness, support, and encouragement to their fellow 4-H members. Just as Hershey’s Hugs are wrapped in sweetness, these members have embraced their peers with kindness, often stepping up as leaders who create a positive, welcoming environment for everyone.
  
• Skittles Award: Bringing Color to the Group
  This award celebrates youth who bring creativity and individuality to the 4-H program. Just like the vibrant and diverse colors of Skittles, these young people have unique talents, ideas, and perspectives that make the group more dynamic and fun.
• 3 Musketeers Award: Unwavering Support
  Named after the motto “all for one and one for all,” the 3 Musketeers Award is given to youth who have been reliable, dependable, and always willing to lend a hand. Like the classic candy bar, these members have a soft, supportive core and are there for their fellow 4-H members when they need help, encouragement, or a friend to lean on.

By using candy bars and candies to represent youth achievements, 4-H volunteers create a sweet, fun, and personalized way to recognize the efforts and successes of their members. These awards not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also highlight the qualities that make each member unique and valuable to their 4-H club. From teamwork to leadership, creativity to perseverance, these awards provide a lighthearted yet meaningful way to wrap up a year of growth, learning, and 4-H friendship.

Depending on the size of your club, maybe you want to group members together and present awards or you could have a special award for each member. What additional candies could you relate to your members? Hopefully these examples will get your tastebuds and creativity flowing!

The use of candy brands in this article is solely for the purpose of creative recognition and celebration of youth achievements. No affiliation with or endorsement by the manufacturers of these products is implied or intended.

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