Anyone here involved in 4-H Clubs?

[ajrsmom]

Just wondering if anyone here is involved in a 4-H group or if you have kids involved in it?

I know that they have a lot of different areas to get involved in but other than that, I don't know much about it.

I'd like to hear from others who are/have been involved.

Thanks!
Tami

[pjw1]

Hi Tami-

I can not say enough good things about the 4-H program. My sons participated and could not wait til they turned 9 to join. There is something for every interest from the animals, pumpkin projects, speaking, debate, community service, meat judging, gardening, flowers, photography, crafts you name they have it. Now my kids are grown but they can buy a good piece of meat, are not petrified about speaking in front of people, know what hard work and success is.
Hope that helps.
Pat

[daisylady]

My 14 year old daughter is going on her 3rd year in 4H. She LOVES the Dog program. We have met so many great people.

[ajrsmom]

Thanks, ladies, for all of the info. My son turns 10 next month and we think that he needs to find something to get involved in that would provide a positive experience for him.

I'm going to look into further to see if there are any groups around us. Hopefully so!

[cau]

My dgd has been in 4 H for 2 years now and really likes it. They meet oncw a month in the early evening and there is aso many areas to pick from. She is doing baking and biking. Next year she is going to take the 2 subjects further. Her first year she did a computer project and went to the Kankakee county fair wih it. She was in the local parade on the 4H float and all you had to do was show up. Great experience

[ofan1967]

I was in 4H when I was younger and loved it. I did everything from public speaking and demostrations to rabbits, bicycle (champion), foods, crafts, home environment, parades, Miss 4H, fashion show, etc. My son is 10 and going to his first meeting on Friday night.

Any questions, ask away and I'll try to answer them.
Tammy

[sewingirl]

Wow, it's so great to hear from some former 4-Hers! I am a third generation leader here in Michigan, and it's very different than when I was a member. Too much competition for the kids time! Sports, scouts, church all have games/meetings, and no one wants to come to a 4-H meeting. Our club has been around since 1927, and we currently have only 8 members. We live in a rural county that borders on a couple of small metro areas, and most of the clubs are under 15 members. Any good ideas on how to get the member families excited about making 4-H a priority? Any great ideas that worked, or supposidly great ideas that didn't? We passed a rule several years ago, that you must attend three business meetings to be able to show thru our club at the county fair, and some families just left for other clubs. I don't want to chase members away, but at what point are we being used for a fast track for that fair check? I feel so sad, I remember the great times I had as a 4-H member at meetings, the fair, county dinners, fashion review, awards night, now our county has dropped most of these activities because no one comes! Let me hear from some of you.

[ofan1967]

So sad that you have such a lack of participation in your county. I remember all of the activities that you mentioned. I dont remember too many outfits from the fashion review but I remember one where I made biboverall shorts and made one for me and one for my sister. She was 1 or 2 and got to walk in the show with me. I remember her getting to the end runner and saying "Hi Daddy" and waving.

My son keeps talking about making rockets and really paid more attention at the fair this year.
Tammy

[Deidra]

Hi, I am a 4-H Alumni, and current 4-H Leader in NC. I also am the 4-H secretary in a neighboring county. I love 4-H, it has given me lots of skills so now it is my turn to give back to other kids. Years ago my club did a funny fashion show, we got the skit from the local Extension Homemakers (now known as ECA) if any of you happen to have a copy of this. Could you please share it with me. I would like to have my 4-H'ers put it on for the ladies of the church where we meet for Mother's Day! I have searched the internet and not been able to find it anywhere.

Thanks,
Deidra

[cherylpearl]

My older 3 daughters were in 4-H and they loved it. They learned so much by being involved with 4-H. Once my 2 yr old is old enough I will definitely have her involvled in 4-H as well.