Kids today have so many options for extracurricular activities, believe me I know! It seems like every week I find another flier in a backpack offering a lesson, club, or sport’s team sign-up opportunity.
As parents we have to draw a line somewhere, for our own sanity, but let me tell you why I make sure my family prioritizes membership in a 4-H program even with jobs, a farm, and other after-school activities.
My 4-H Story
I was 8 years old when I joined the Almena Happy Helpers 4-H club and started showing goats. In the 11 years that I was enrolled I gained experience showing 7 different species of animals, making over 30 different still exhibits, going on an exchange program to Hawaii, serving as a club officer, and so much more.
When I aged-out of being a 4-H member, I remained a part of the program as a project leader. Now with children of my own, I have come full circle assuming the role of “4-H mom” in addition to my leader duties.
The invaluable lessons I learned and cherished memories I made while in 4-H have helped make me who I am today.
What is 4-H?
You may be wondering, what is 4-H and why is it called that?
According to 4-H.org, it is a nationally recognized organization with origins dating back to 1912. What started as a way to get farm kids together and prepare them for taking over the family business expanded to today’s diverse and inclusive programming encompassing not only agricultural topics, but technology and citizenship as well.
The four H’s in 4-H stand for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. These are core values of the organization which are outlined in the 4-H motto. In reciting the motto, youth vow to pursue active learning and leadership opportunities.
Sounds great, right? If you’re not convinced yet, below are 10 specific reasons to enroll your kids in your local 4-H club today!
1. 4-H is free to join
If you’re used to paying an arm and a leg for an hour lesson this one is a no-brainer! There is no fee to enroll in a 4-H program. However, local clubs may collect membership dues (ours are minimal at ten dollars per child each year). Not to be misleading, depending on what projects your child is involved in, costs can range dramatically. While craft or educational exhibits are free or inexpensive, livestock projects may incur a significant financial investment.
2. 4-H is fun
If your kids are like mine, they love animals, making crafts, and hanging out with other kids— and that’s what they will be doing in 4-H. Sure, there are competitions, but comradery and fun dominate. And I can’t forget to mention the County Fair. It is the culminating event for all of their hard work, but also the most fun they will have all year! The rides, food, and shows will have them all smiles, all week long.
3. 4-H offers something for everyone
There are so many options for getting involved in 4-H! If you want to show animals you can use your family dog or cat. There are “pocket pet” classes for hamsters, rats, or mice and if you want to sell livestock for meat for your family or community, choose from swine, cattle, sheep, or goats. You don’t even have to own animals to be in 4-H, you can join a club and learn about a species and decide if it’s right for you. There are plenty of non-animal-based projects as well. Examples range from painting to gardening, and from wood working to collections!
4. 4-H involvement pays
Believe it or not, your kids can earn some substantial cash from their 4-H projects. I bought my first (used) car and paid for two years of college with money I earned from selling livestock at the county fair. Selling animals isn’t the only way your kids can put money in the bank though, each class that they enter, including still exhibits like crafts, earns a premium. My daughter earns around $75.00 each year in premiums alone. Kids can also earn income from special events like costume contests, rate of gain, pedal tractor pulls, and Fair Royalty. Just remember, whatever earnings they do have legally need to be reported via a W-9.
5. 4-H is a great way to make friends
Our 4-H club meets between two small towns. At meetings my kids get to see people they know from school, but also their 4-H friends. At county, regional, or state events they get to broaden their circle even more and swap stories and tips with other people their age. 4-H is a place to develop relationships, find support, ask questions, and try new things!
6. 4-H promotes responsibility
Every 4-H kid knows what chores are. My kids each have specific jobs that they have to do every single day. They have come to realize that it doesn’t matter if it’s raining or snowing, they’re tired, or they don’t feel like it—the chores have to be done regardless. Understanding that their animals depend on them for food and water helps them look beyond themselves. Working hard and doing for others gives kids a sense of pride and accomplishment that they don’t get from a lot of other activities.
7. 4-H can help build confidence
Youth are expected to have performed a majority of the work for every 4-H project they enter. Family members can provide support, encouragement, and intervention when necessary, but 4-H involvement requires some degree of independence. Judges will ask specific questions about the feeding, care, and training of any animal a child exhibits. Similarly, an oral interview is usually a part of the judging of any art or craft submission. Having to answer questions and present oneself in a professional manner can be a valuable confidence building activity.
8. 4-H provides opportunities for community service
Kids can learn the value of giving back to their community or to those in need through their involvement with 4-H. Our club routinely collects donations for food pantries, sends cards to soldiers, and makes toys for animal shelters. Community service is an expectation and requirement for club members and kids are encouraged to think about ways that they can help out wherever they are.
9. 4-H provides opportunities for developing leadership skills
In our club, kids help run the monthly business meetings. The elected youth officers give information to the members, make motions, vote, and answer questions. At project meetings and workshops, more experienced kids demonstrate skills for others to watch. In addition, many volunteer adult leaders have a “teen leader” who is still in 4-H that lends a hand when needed.
10. 4-H teaches youth how to deal with difficult situations
Goodbyes are never easy, but they are a part of life. My kids have learned how to cope with loss and grief when animals get sick and pass away. When it’s time for an animal to go to market, they work through the range emotions that come with. When things don’t turn out like they want, they deal with disappointment. With adults coaching them and helping them find the positives in what may seem like a negative situation, kids become more resilient and thus more prepared for the future.
The bottom line
4-H has so much to offer your family. You won’t regret helping your kids develop skills, interests, and character traits that will make them well-rounded, productive, and caring members of society.
I would love for you to add to my list. What is another reason to join 4-H? Drop your answer in the comments below!
Mother, farmer, author, and teacher by trade… She loves tending to things and watching them grow!