Trouble joining 4-H (South West WA)

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Yes, I agree. Some areas are worse than others. There will always be some politics and that type stuff, but we just try to remember why we are doing it and keep it fun. 4-H was an important part of my childhood and I wanted it to be an important part of my kids' too. So I became involved in it too. I think that is the best way to have some say in how things run and make things go the way you want.

We found a small club where almost all the parents are involved, instead of the first one they seemed to just drop the kids off and use it as a babysitting service. It was always the same few adults doing everything for the entire club, that got old fast. This club is great, we have made wonderful friends with the other families that will last well past 4-H years. The kids have become good friends and often do things outside of 4-H. We are talking teens by now, as the last 6 years in this club, my daughter has grown up and is now 18.

I am the small animal leader for the club and just love the great rapport I have with all the kids. Most call me or text me quite frequently, sometimes just to ask a random question or tell me something they did.

Every year they all volunteer at cloverbud camp and at the cloverbud show, along with many other events, without any prodding. I am so proud of them. That is what 4-H is all about!
 
I really wanted to get into 4-H but i cant find how going to the fair and inquiring sounds like a good idea i think i am a victim of search overload i cant find anything on the internet all my cousins were in it with horses i wanna show off a chicken... i dont even know if i can...
 
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chicken :

I really wanted to get into 4-H but i cant find how going to the fair and inquiring sounds like a good idea i think i am a victim of search overload i cant find anything on the internet all my cousins were in it with horses i wanna show off a chicken... i dont even know if i can...

you and me both!!​
 
We r in the same boat my friend i am adding u to my buddy list i will let u know if i have any luck!
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I offered to start a "poultry" 4-H club here in Jax - they seem to just have rabbit clubs - what good are rabbits - they don't lay eggs.....lol

I have started many a cub packs, boy scout troops, girl scout troops, KD Alumnae groups - I know how to start a group and make it function well.

I got a note from the Extention office - that is very disturbing - They are losing funding. All the states seem to be pulling funding - funding comes from Dept of Agriculture -

Which funds Food Stamps - I worked for Florida Dept of Children and Families - So this new increase in funding for Food stamps is shifting monies from other areas of Dept of AG.

Like FARM AID monies for farmers to control planting and not sell off farms land.

4-H funding is partly considered with the Dept of AG Extension programs -

That also trickles down to schools not getting free meat, milk, butter and cheese for the lunch programs - They are not saying so now but guess how the gov't got all that free food for their programs! The left hand has no clue what the right is doing and these decisions look good on paper but no one seems to be looking at what it effects.
It is all very very frightning.
Caroline Jax FLA
 
Yes, our state cut all premiums this year. Our numbers were down some, but not much, the kids still showed up, campers are actually up in numbers, animals come in tomorrow. The fair still goes on!
 
I'm so sorry to come across this thread.
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4-H has been so great for my girls who have been in the Poultry Program up here in Snohomish County for the last 4 yrs. I'm so sorry you are struggling to get the info you want/need.

Up here, we usually have a Taste of 4-H type of open house in early October where all the area clubs meet, and each club has a table with information on the different projects that club may offer. It is kind of an Open House night for new members thinking of joining and trying to get information. Perhaps they have something down there? Centralia is Lewis County? Perhaps if you are not having luck in your county, try a nearby county that may be more active in 4-H? I also think going to the fair and chatting with the kid/parents there about their 4-H club would help. I don't know about the fairs down there, but up here in Monroe at the Evergreen State Fair, the Poultry Barn has an information desk that the 4-H kids take turns manning, and they answer all kinds of questions from the general public!

I will also check with your Poultry County leader and see if she has any contacts for you. Please don't give up! 4-H truly is a wonderful thing for kids and teaches them so many important life skills!
 
You probably already have this but thought I'd post it for you just in case.

http://4h.wsu.edu/EM2778CD/pdf/people.pdf

If you are not having luck with your Lewis County contact, I highly suggest calling the numbers for Snohomish County in hopes they can give you some more information or direct you to the right person about starting your own club. Try and get the info for your Poultry Program Leader or Poultry Superintendent for your county or even in the next county. They would know which existing clubs in your area offer a poultry project or would be able to provide you with information on how to start a project and what fair requirements would be involved for your kids to participate in fair in the Poultry Program. The Snohomish County Extension office is always very helpful and we are a VERY active 4-H county so there is always someone there to answer the phone! Good luck!

Tamara
 

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