What are/were your expeiences with 4-H? Kids asking about joining

[wyliefarms]

Ditto! Grew up in 4-H and am now a leader and superintendent for the 5-8 year old (Cloverbud) division.

4-H is so much more than animals. The possiblities are endless. Computers, conservation, arts and crafts, community service, etc. My kids are 4th generation 4-Her's. The kids learn life skills and it helps them into adulthood.

To the OP who had their horse die during the season. Sorry about your loss. The same policey is set in Michigan too. You have your May 1st animal and that is the one you show. No switching during the season. A rule is a rule. Kinda like the kid this year whose pig died a week before the fair. He couldn't just go out and pick another one off the family farm and bring it. That wasn't the animal that got tagged in May. It is a good learning experience for both of you. Life isn't always fair and you have to play by the rules.

Also, people are mentioning a specific species for a club. Those are around, but there are lots of clubs that offer a variety of project areas and not just one.

Get passed your shyness and give them a call. Now is the time of year to enroll in clubs.

 

[newchickenfamily]

My DD's just joined 4-H, so we are new at this! It has been very interesting reading about everyone else's experiences! My girls are doing Poultry (what else?).

 

[dixiechick]

This is our 2nd year in 4H. My kids are 8 and 10. We only raise chickens...BUT my kids are and have been involved in the state fair with horticulture judging, local fairs with poultry and cattle judging, photography, record keeping, horse riding, baking, poultry showmanship, clinics....you name it, we do it!

WE LOVE IT!!! Even my too shy DH gets involved with helping. There are leadership skills and community service projects....

I swear, my kids' education has truly been broadened by becoming involved. They study for their Skill-A-Thons, have deep thoughtful discussions with poultry judges on standards and breeding....

I promise, this is one organization that you will not regret becoming involved with (plus, you can work as little or as much as you want....)

Good luck!!

 

[Momma_Cluck]

It all depends on where you live, the person running program in that area, the funding AND the individual who is the "leader" for the particular club (Chickens -vs-horses-vs cows etc) for your child.

We live in a small area that has a LOT of 4-H chapters as it is mostly agricultural in both counties--- so there are many leaders for many separate clubs...
I've heard different things from different parents... and that helped me make the choice of where to enroll my daughter.

You need to hurry-- enrollment for the coming year is almost over I believe (at least here) for poultry....

Contact your local Extension office or Agricultural co-op-- they are usually the ones who know how to contact 4-H !!

Good Luck!

 

[Jessika]

Thank you all for every response. These are the things I was looking to know. I appreciate that you all took the time to post! I will call my local office.....I feel a lot better about calling....not so nervous.

Thank You~!!!!

Jessica

 

[Fudgie]

Quote:
Can't she be in clover kids?

 

[Fudgie]

Quote:
Just as a note for all you 4-H ers! Make sure you write down EVERY animal you are responsible for, you don't have to show them all but if something happens like the one above that his/her horse died and they were not allowed to go on with another. If they would have had that horse on their show list they COULD have continued on. We learned that the hard way when my daughter's steer died and she only wrote down exactly what she wanted to show. Our area rep said to write EVERYTHING down. That way you can always back out but you cannot add.

Don't forget that not just educational opportunitites exist in 4-H but personal growth opportunities exist. The community service projects, taking animals to the old folks home, having petting zoos, face painting, broadens the kids horizions.

 

[dixiechick]

Quote:
Can't she be in clover kids?

Yes!! Both my nieces are involved and both Cloverbuds. One is 5 the other is 7...

 

[rjv_piper]

Quote:
Just as a note for all you 4-H ers! Make sure you write down EVERY animal you are responsible for, you don't have to show them all but if something happens like the one above that his/her horse died and they were not allowed to go on with another. If they would have had that horse on their show list they COULD have continued on. We learned that the hard way when my daughter's steer died and she only wrote down exactly what she wanted to show. Our area rep said to write EVERYTHING down. That way you can always back out but you cannot add.

Don't forget that not just educational opportunitites exist in 4-H but personal growth opportunities exist. The community service projects, taking animals to the old folks home, having petting zoos, face painting, broadens the kids horizions.

I don't know how it works in your area, but that wasn't the case here. Other people in our county has had their animals pass away, and they weren't allowed to continue for the rest of the year.

 

[ParkerVA]

I was a 4H kid!

It taught me so much and definately pulled me out of my shell. I was a state and national champ in several things and it really boosted my confidence.

I also learned a lot of things that help me in my professional job these days including public speaking, analyzing, working in a team and being creative just to name a few.

Don't forget that there are many things besides showing animals... for example, I was involved in the horse judging program and the hippology program. Both horse related, but there were many kids who did those things who did not have horses of their own.

I'd say go for it! But with anything, stay involved with the program your kids get into and that way you will know what is going on.