4-H Service: Something to Keep the Kids Out of Trouble

I was a 4-H Leader for over 25 years. Volunteering as parent, project leader, Main Leader, volunteering at the County Level as a Secretary to the 4-H Leaders Board, member of the Camp Operations Committee, newsletter, record books, Arts and Recreation Committee. Dances, camping and more.

When I was a kid I was unable to join 4-H because I lived in the city. So when we had our Children we decided that they were going to be a part of 4-H.

4-H is not only for the Country Kids anymore. It is open to all kids in the city as well as different ethnic groups. There are so many advantages to being a 4-H member. Each club has it's own Project Leaders, helpers, and Main leaders. The officers are the kids themselves. They run the meetings with a Leader close by in case they need help. Roberts Rules Of Order are used, as well as the US Flag Pledge, and the 4-H Pledge. The 4 H's; I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to better service, and my health to better living.

4-H is open to boys and girls and the clubs are no longer separate. All you need to open a Club is 2 families and 5 children. The 4-H program is affiliated with your County Extension Program which is affiliated by your university as ours is with UW Madison. All of the project programs been put together by the University. They are guidelines to follow. We have County workshops where we have adults and teens that volunteer teach our youth how to do woodworking, sewing, arts and crafts such as stencil painting, beaded wire ornaments and jewelry, canning, baking, cooking, how to put on a demonstration properly, dogs, rabbits, horses, and more animals. 4-H is no longer just for Dairy or farming kids.

You can take your projects to the local County Fair in some of the following areas: Aerospace, Nature Space, Foods and Nutrition, Knitting, Crocheting, Home Environment, Arts and Crafts, canning, Gardening, Flowers and Plants, Wood Working, Horses, Dairy, Small Animals, Cats, Dogs, Sheep, Pigs, Beef, Dairy, Glass etching, Stenciling, Embroidery, Mechanics, Reports, Clothing and Style Review, Photography, and so much more.

Each Club holds there club meetings once a month, on the day or evening that is best for there members. During the meeting the officers handle the pledges, the old business, new business, secretaries report, treasurers report, activities, and snacks. Usually one or two families are on the lunch committee for each month. The members participate in fund raisers such as Cystic Fibrosis, Bike-a-thons, Fry-outs, Bake sales, etc. The money raised for Bike-a-thons go to Cystic Fibrosis to help find a cure. Other fund raisers help the club with being able to get supplies for the members for projects, family get together's or fry-outs for the Club, donating money to the County 4-H Program, for a Club Trip or a Stay Out at the County Camp. Other monies also go to pay each members yearly membership. Each club does what is best for their club.

Our Club even gave some of there funds to the Leaders so they could attend the North Central Leaders Forum. I was fortunate to attend one in Milwaukee, WI; Columbus, Ohio; Omaha, Nebraska; Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Fargo, North Dakota. Meeting leaders from 13 other states. Learning to things to bring back to our own County Program.

Not only can 4-H keep your kids out of trouble, but it can teach them how to be responsible, outgoing, confident individuals. I have worked with many very shy youth, and am proud to say that I have one young lady that has been in New Orleans helping rebuild, and now is teaching. This young lady was so shy when I met her, she over came that shyness to attend State and National 4-H Functions.

There are so many levels that your child can grow through 4-H. Both of my children graduated from 4-H Years ago, and now I am looking forward to my Grandson getting old enough to become a 4-H Clover bud. Which is age 5.

4-H is open to anyone and everyone city, country, ethnic, and more. It is a well diversified affiliation.

To learn more about 4-H, contact your local Extension Office, or contact the National 4-H Council http://www.fourhcouncil.edu/

4-H has so much to offer a child, parent, volunteer and more Please Check it out