#43 Thinking 4H is just for farm kids
As a life-long suburbanite, I never thought my kids would be in 4-H, because I thought it was a place for kids to learn about raising cows or something. But thanks to some friends I've learned better, and we are looking forward to our first county fair as a 4-H family.
4-H is an organization for kids that emphasizes hands-on learning, leadership, and plenty of family involvement. Almost anything can be a 4-H project, from raising farm animals or pets to the arts, music, crafts, science, engineering, the list goes on and on. In addition to the projects, clubs have monthly meetings which may include speakers, activities, and games. Clubs also do community service projects, drama, sports teams, and music groups. In my opinion, it's a fabulous organization for homeschoolers, because it can involve the whole family, without gender restrictions or age segregation, and it offers opportunities for kids that can be hard for homeschoolers to provide at home, like public speaking.
For those of you who are like me, and didn't grow up with 4-H, here are the basics:
- 4-H is a both a social club and a project-based organization for kids. Your 4-H club will get together just to do fun things sometimes, but every kid in 4-H is expected to sign up for at least one 4-H project.
- Almost anything can be a 4-H project. Art, Dairy Cattle, Sewing, Robotics, Drama, Music, Woodworking, Financial Planning, Public Speaking, you name it…
- All projects are paid for and overseen by the 4-Her’s family. If your kid signs up to do photography, you’re going to need a camera. If your kid signs up for the llama project, you’re going to need a llama and someplace to keep it. Many projects can be done for minimal expense, and some turn a small profit (animals are often sold at the fair).
- 4-H is all about the County Fair. Kids make a fair entry for each project, and hope to win a blue ribbon. The fair will probably be sometime in the mid-summer– find out when it is before you plan your summer vacation.
- In the US, 4-H is a federal government program run by the Department of Agriculture, via your local extension office. It’s not a private organization like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
If this sounds good to you, be sure to check the 4-H entries at your local county or state fair!
A word of caution for vegetarians/vegans: 4-H is run by the Department of Agriculture, and members of your club may be raising animals for meat. If you find that upsetting or offensive, 4-H may not be the organization for you.
