FARIBAULT, Minn. – At the local county fair, it is easy to see that 4-H is alive and well. Our family contributes to the more than 1,500 exhibits on display. And our family is one of the hundreds who volunteer at the fair.
Our payoff is learning practical skills, serving others and leading with our strengths.
4-Her Self Portrait
“4-H has grown into a community of 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. 4-H can be found in every county in every state, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and over 80 countries around the world. The 4-H community also includes 3,500 staff, 518,000 volunteers and 60 million alumni. 4-H'ers participate in fun, hands-on learning activities, supported by the latest research of land-grant universities, that are focused on three areas called Mission Mandates:
(Source: National 4-H web-site)
Why is our family involved in 4-H and the fair?
- Neat projects. Photography. Clothes you buy. Food revue. These are three of the project areas that attract the creative energy of my 13-year-old daughter. In each, she sets goals and keeps a record of what she learns. In clothes you buy, she puts together an entire outfit, plus accessories on a budget.
- Other people help our daughter learn practical life skills. In photography, she works one on one with a professional photographer. Together, they look at her photographs, select the top ones and make digital enhancements. Her hard work paid off this year, as her exhibit was awarded an honorable mention.
4-H Symbol
- The peer group involved in 4-H is a positive influence. The group has a strong work ethic and supports one another. The older youth are role models for the younger youth.
- It is a family activity. Unlike school and club sports, the entire family attends together and each uses their skills. The adults are project leaders and coaches. The young people develop leadership skills as well as life skills.
What type of volunteering do we do?
- The saying “There is no such thing as a free lunch” applies to 4-H and the county fair. In exchange for the developmental activities we enjoy, we lend a hand occasionally.
- Our daughter spent one afternoon of the county fair volunteering in the Food Stand. She was thrilled to operate the cash register for the first time. This was a move up from the past two years when she waited on customers. That had also been a first for her.
- My husband and I are old hands as volunteers in the Malt Shop. We master the timing of the soft ice cream lever. Too much, and it overflows. Too little, and you have to top off the malt.
- Next year, my plan is to work as an assistant to the project judges. It takes a day, but the insight you gain can last a lifetime.
- During the year, my husband is a coach to the club officers. As a knowledgeable parliamentarian, he offers coaching and advice during the monthly club meetings. The meetings run smoothly and with fewer conflicts.
Find out more information about getting involved in the 4-H program.
Photo credit: 4-H Symbol by hilaryscherer at Flickr
Please Comment: What experiences have you had in 4-H? Do you volunteer, and if so, why?
Leadership development expert and educator Donna Rae Scheffert knows how public action by others for others improves lives. Sign up for a RSS feed and read more from Donna Rae at Online-Leadership-Tools or follow Donna Rae on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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