A Unique Partnership Between Polk County 4-H and Florida Flywheelers
by SHREEMOYEE GHOSH, 4-H Youth Development Agent
When many people hear 4-H, they often think of livestock, gardening, or agriculture. While those are certainly important parts of our program, they are only one layer of the 4-H experience. Like peeling back the layers of an onion, each layer reveals another opportunity for young people to discover a passion they may have never imagined.
One of those opportunities is the Polk County 4-H Makers and Machines Club. Now entering its fourth year, this special interest club is a unique partnership between Polk County 4-H and Florida Flywheelers, Inc. It demonstrates how community partnerships can create meaningful learning experiences that simply would not exist otherwise.
The strongest community partnerships are those where each partner contributes something unique toward a shared purpose. Florida Flywheelers brings decades of mechanical expertise, dedicated volunteers, facilities, and a passion for preserving our agricultural heritage. Polk County 4-H provides the youth development framework that transforms those resources into meaningful learning experiences. Together, we are preserving more than machines; we are preserving knowledge, craftsmanship, and a tradition of mentorship while preparing youth to become Beyond Ready.
Hands-on Learning
Through a year-long tractor and machine restoration project, members don’t simply learn about engines from a textbook. They take machines apart, diagnose problems, repair components, restore equipment, and work alongside experienced mentors to bring historic tractors and equipment back to life. In the process, they build technical knowledge while learning to think critically, solve problems, communicate effectively, work as a team, and persevere through challenges. These hands-on experiences reflect 4-H’s Beyond Ready framework, preparing youth for both life and work. Whether members pursue careers in agricultural mechanics, diesel technology, engineering, welding and fabrication, equipment maintenance, or another skilled trade, they leave with skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
The impact of the project extends well beyond the restoration shop. Each completed restoration becomes part of Florida Flywheelers’ fundraising efforts supporting Polk County 4-H. Over the past three years, these projects have consistently generated between $2,000 and $4,000 annually for our 4-H program. This year, the youth’s restoration project reached an extraordinary milestone, helping generate a remarkable $10,000 donation to Polk County 4-H.
More importantly, the project teaches an enduring lesson in stewardship. Members see firsthand that their time, effort, and teamwork create opportunities not only for future generations of 4-H youth, but also for themselves as they continue their own 4-H journey. Their work strengthens scholarships, programs, and hands-on learning experiences that they, and those who follow them, will continue to benefit from. It is a powerful reminder that when young people invest in their community, they also invest in their own future.
As the club enters its fourth year, members will have even more opportunities to extend their learning beyond restoration. New experiences include career exploration with industry professionals, educational demonstrations, community service, educational exhibits, and representing the club at community events. These experiences allow members to apply what they learn in real-world settings while growing as leaders, communicators, and active contributors to their communities.
Kickoff Event: Can You Start It?
As we begin another exciting 4-H year, the Makers and Machines Club is welcoming new members through its kickoff event, Can You Start It?
Families interested in exploring the club are encouraged to attend this free event on Saturday, August 8, from 1–3 p.m. Youth ages 8–18 will have the opportunity to test their skills through hands-on mechanical challenge stations, meet experienced mentors, explore the Florida Flywheelers Village, and learn more about the club’s year-long restoration project. Families do not need to be current 4-H members to attend. The event is designed to give youth and their families a chance to experience the program, ask questions, and discover whether the 4-H club is the right fit before enrolling. Registration is now open through 4-H Online and is required.
The new 4-H program year officially begins September 1 and continues through August 31 each year. Enrollment for the 2026–2027 4-H Makers and Machines Club will open following the interest event. Families attending Can You Start It? will receive complete information about club expectations, annual enrollment, meeting schedules, scholarship opportunities, and how to become part of this one-of-a-kind 4-H experience. If you cannot make it to the event and are interested in joining the club, please contact the 4-H office at [email protected].
At its heart, 4-H has always been about helping young people spark their interests through learning by doing. Sometimes that happens in a garden. Sometimes it happens with an animal. And sometimes it happens with a wrench in hand, restoring a piece of history while building the confidence, skills, and character needed for the future.
That’s another side of 4-H and another way we’re helping youth become Beyond Ready.
Shreemoyee Ghosh is a 4-H Youth Development Agent. She can be reached at [email protected] or 863-519-1073.
