The beginning of a new school year is here, and this is time families may be looking for new opportunities for their child. This time of year can also be a great time to get involved in something you have never experienced, 4-H.
I’m what we call a first generation 4-Her. Meaning, my parents were not involved with 4-H as youth. However, after seeing my cousins in the program, my mom signed my brother and me up as soon as we were old enough. In Kansas, that is age 7 through 18 by January 1. We participated as family and I enjoyed it so much, I made a career of it as your County Extension Agent.
I love that 4-H really is for everyone. It doesn’t matter what your interests are, there is something for you. Like Reading…? we have that. Like Dogs? We have that too, either as a training opportunity or just as a Pet (no obedience or training needed). Cat person, yup, we have that too, along with any other pet too. Gardening? We call that Horticulture and it covers everything from field crops, vegetables, fruits and flowers. Like science? We have plenty of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) projects too. There are so many other projects, it is too much to name, and seems endless!
If you have never been involved with 4-H let me give you my top 5 reasons (as an agent) to get you involved!
1 – 4-H is a family organization. Siblings of various ages all participate in the same 4-H Club. Although only youth are able to join the program, an adult family member plays an essential role in the success of the child in the program.
2 – Low Cost. The cost of 4-H is minimal. A $15 enrollment fee is asked in Kansas 4-H. A waiver request can also be submitted for the enrollment fee. Children can select their projects that works well within a family’s budget.
3 – Lower Time Commitment than traditional sports. Club meetings are held only once per month (approximately 1-2 hour per month). Most of the time, projects are completed on your time, your way. Some projects offer meetings during the year to help youth complete projects or offer opportunities to volunteer their time to community events.
4 – Local. 4-H is a local program that is part of a State and National Organization. Youth that participate in Meade County, stay in Meade County. No traveling! However, there are plenty of ways to participate outside of Meade County too, but for the basics, we stay right here in Fowler, Meade and Plains!
5 – Diversity. As a system, Cooperative Extension believes that diverse perspectives, values and beliefs help generate better ideas to solve complex problems of a changing and increasingly diverse world. 4-H is for everyone.
Clubs are offered in each community. Fowler has 3 C’s 4-H Club, Meade has two clubs, 4 Leaf Clover 4-H Club and Town & Country 4-H Club, and Plains has Plains Livewires 4-H Club. If this has sparked your interest in 4-H, I encourage you to reach out to the Extension Office (620) 873-9790 to find out more! We would love for you to join us this fall.
