Why Kids Should be in 4-H

Early this fall, I started a new temporary job. It is with our local Cooperative Extension Service. I am there to learn about computer programs and other office skills, but I have really enjoyed learning about all the things CES offers such as 4-H. I have heard people talk of the Extension office, but never knew what that meant.

The Extension Agents provide non-formal education and learning activities to people throughout the country – farmers and other residents of rural communities as well as people living in urban areas. They do this in many ways through programs for both adults and children. One of the programs for kids is 4-H.

The 4-H program is something that most people have heard of, but most do not really know what it is. 4-H programs touch over 6 million children across the country every year. Kids are able to learn by doing and have fun while learning, exploring and discovering new things. There are huge amounts of clubs across the country, in Arkansas alone there are more than 800 clubs reaching 133,000 kids ages 5-19.

The clubs are run by volunteer leaders through local county extension offices. Each county will have different clubs depending on the interests of the community. The amount and type of local clubs is only limited by the interests of the kids and availability of volunteer leaders. It is free to join 4-H clubs and if there isn’t a club you like then you can start a new club.

4-H reaches kids not only through community clubs, but also special interest projects, school clubs, school enrichment, judging teams and more. The kids learn leadership, communication skills, problem-solving, decision-making and life skills through projects such as nutrition, ATV safety, shooting sports, outdoor education, aerospace, animal science, robotics, forestry, entrepreneurship, performing arts, citizenship, interior design, health and leadership.

My daughter joined our local Art Discovery Club 3 months ago and has already participated in art projects, a Color Run to raise money for the local 4-H programs, community service by face-painting at the Truck or Treat, making and delivering Christmas cards to a local nursing home and having a fun Christmas party. She has really enjoyed it so far, likes the leaders and is looking forward to getting to know the other kids better.

If we had known about it earlier, my boys would have really enjoyed being in the shooting sports club where the kids learn how to shoot different types of guns and archery safely. There are competitions that the kids can compete in as well depending on their age and skills.

Most 4-H clubs have a monthly meeting plus some special activities throughout the year, such as community service projects, fund raisers, competitions, camps and fairs. Some clubs and activities are limited by or divided into age groups: Cloverbuds 5-8, Junior 9-13 and Senior 14-19.

Studies show that when compared to other youth, kids involved in 4-H do better in school;  are involved more in the community; have less drug, alcohol, and cigarette use; are more physically active, and are more likely to plan to go to college. The 4-H motto is To “Make the Best Better”.

So why is your child not involved in 4-H? It’s free to join, the kids have fun while learning, there is a limitless number of subjects for projects available and it is a great activity the whole family can be involved in.

For more information on 4-H or other extension programs, contact your local extension office or National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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