Cristy Mosley, a 4-H agent serving Culpeper County, first discovered 4-H as a teenager through a summer performing arts camp and has remained involved ever since.  For Mosley, 4-H is about meaningful relationships, personal growth, and creating a safe space for youth to develop life skills. She is especially passionate about the 4-H Food Challenge, which teaches teamwork, problem-solving, public speaking, and confidence. 

Mosley credits dedicated volunteers and mentors, particularly Carol Nansel, for helping shape her 4-H journey and emphasizes that 4-H offers opportunities for all youth—not just those who live on farms.

This story is part of Get to Know Extension, a Q&A series highlighting the people who make Virginia Cooperative Extension’s mission possible.

When and how did you get into 4-H?  What was your 1st project? 

“I got involved in 4-H as a young teenager when my best friend invited me to go to a summer performing arts camp at the NOVA 4-H Center.  I was hooked on 4-H camp from my first experience.   My first 4-H project was leadership through camp counseling.  Then I joined the Teen Honor Club, and, along with my best friend from camp, became a volunteer Cloverbud Club leader for Culpeper County 4-H. That club still exists today.”

 

Group of teens in an old photograph pose on a snack bar.
Mosley, pictured center, with 1997 NOVA 4-H summer camp staff. Photo courtesy of Cristy Mosley.

What does 4-H mean to you both personally and professionally?

“To me 4-H is about creating meaningful relationships and having a safe space to explore new things and build life skills. I built lasting friendships in my teens that are still important to me today.

About 12 years ago, I was tapped into 4-H All Stars. Becoming an All Star is the highest honor in Virginia 4-H.  You have to qualify by participating in various categories such as leadership, community service, and project work.  When you are “tapped” you are inducted into the service organization and are considered a lifelong member of 4-H. Adults who are tapped are either 4-H staff members or volunteers with a minimum number of years of service to Virginia 4-H. I was “tapped” by a fellow 4-H agent.”

What do you enjoy most about your role in 4-H and Extension?

“Definitely all three, the people, the variety and the impact.  We have some of the best volunteers and 4-H parents around and they make the programs successful.  I also love that no two days are the same.  As far as the impact is concerned, we don’t always realize the impact we’re making in the moment, and it might take years until someone comes back and tells you that 4-H and you played a positive role in their lives. 

I’ve been here long enough that some of my first 4-Hers are now parents who have chosen to come back and enroll their kids in the program, which makes me very proud.”

 

Teens and an adult stand in a venue smiling and dressed in business casual clothes.
Mosley (pictured far right) with Culpeper Madison Rappahannock Farm Show scholarship recipients. Photo courtesy of Cristy Mosley.

What’s one misconception you’d like to clear up about 4-H?

“That you have to live on a farm to be in 4-H.  There are so many projects to choose from including shooting sports, cooking, gardening, and camp.  And if you’re interested in animals, you can join without owning one.  There are so many possibilities.” 

What is a project that made you proud?

“Over the past 10 years, I've coached teams 4-H Food challenge teams made up of both 4-H members and youth new to the program, competing at the district, state, and national levels. 

Food Challenge teaches much more than cooking and nutrition. Youth build teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking skills while gaining confidence in their abilities. It's one of the programs I'm most passionate about. In Virginia, teams compete at the district level before advancing to the state contest at Virginia 4-H Congress at Virginia Tech. The top two teams then qualify for the National 4-H Food Challenge at the State Fair of Texas. I had the opportunity to accompany a Virginia team to nationals in 2017, where they performed exceptionally well. 

The program's success has also led to Virginia's Beef Challenge and Pork Challenge competitions, giving even more youth opportunities to explore agriculture, nutrition, and leadership through hands-on learning.”

Group of people stand around a man holding a plaque recognizing 50 years of service to Cupeper 4-H.
Culpeper Board of Supervisors recognized Oliver Brown (pictured center left), a 4-H volunteer working with Mosley (pictured center right), for 50 years of service. Photo courtesy of Cristy Mosley.

How do you find new 4-H volunteers?

“Most of the time our volunteers are parents of 4-H members, 4-H alumni, or community partners who work alongside us.  We work with club volunteers, camp volunteers, and school personnel who support our in-school enrichment programs.  

The volunteers in Culpeper County are top notch.  4-H offers too many options for one person to be good at everything.  We rely on the help of others – their knowledge, their passion, and their time, to make a difference in the lives of young people.”

Who has been your greatest mentor?

“That one is easy, Carol Nansel.  Carol retired earlier this year after 42 years serving Shenandoah County.  I first met Carol when I was a camp counselor and Culpeper camped with Shenandoah County.  I think I was 14 years old at the time, but she gave me encouragement then and continues to do so to this day.  She has been a true champion to Virginia 4-H.”

- Written by Camden Littleton, field marketing & communications coordinator