Illinois 4-H

Exploring 4-H Journalism

Spark Activity: Discover & Explore

WHAT topics are interesting you? Do you enjoy entertainment, the environment, science, everyday news? WHERE would you like to go? Do you want to cover local events or would you rather travel across the world? What communication MEDIUM do you want to focus on? Would you rather take photos, create videos, write stories, or be in front of a news camera? If you could cover three events/news stories or topics in the next three years, what would they be and what medium would you use?

Make a list of your interests – everything you love to learn about, tell others about, and with what medium. Do you like to write, talk, or create photos or videos? Reach for the stars and include EVERYTHING! From covering your local 4-H club events to international 4-H events and more! The sky is the limit.

Create your Wish List. Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? What is your ultimate goal? Do you want to tell the story of hikers crossing the Appalachian Trail, the decline of fishing in Alaska, the volcanic activity in Yellowstone National Park?

Create your road map to get there. Determine what knowledge, skills, and equipment you need. What do you already have or know how to do? What do you still need to learn? How can you earn the money to buy the equipment?

Look for events you want to cover! If you can’t find events, find a topic. Do research and create a news story about it. Find a local 4-H event that’s of interest to you. Contact the host and ask if you can cover the event, write about it, take photos or videos. After, share the story online! Don’t forget to make sure you have permission to post the media.