Yup, I got into guinea pigs through 4-H as a kid. Was a good experience all around, and I think the showing and exhibition side of things only helped me appreciate them more and grow in confidence even as a painfully shy kid. My first guinea pig was a tri-roan teddy. He slept under my chin, and I loved him dearly. Guinea pigs tame down well for pets, but their skittish nature helps teach kids how to handle animals gently. The males are a bit more work because you have to make sure their pouches don't get impacted. I used vitamin-C powder in the water, but now they have lots of pellets with it included. But, the food usually isn't as stable and will have to be used or thrown out faster. They play with their water and food, so buying guinea pig designed feeders and waterers will help avoid a huge mess. Kept mine in clear tupperware with a screen lid and paper based pellets (ie. yesterday's news), which worked great. Kept him in my room, so low smell in that sort of set up if kept clean. Males do put out a must when sexually aroused, and both genders need a scraper or descalent because their urine has lots of minerals in it and will build up otherwise. I don't like drop pans with guinea pigs. Largely because of the way they play with water, you'll usually end up with what looks and smells and is a sewer situation. Nasty.
Love their little squeaks and noises. They can be trained very easily to stand up and beg for treats. Mine tended not to use the bathroom outside of their cage, which was nice. They can be really cuddly and loving, but some breeds are a bit more standoffish in general than others. Rats are a more interactive and intelligent pet in general, but pigs are nice for something that can be used in projects (4-H) and is a gentle animal.
