We’re in the middle of National 4-H Week, Oct. 7 to 13. Clubs around the country are telling others in their community the benefits of 4-H. Nearly 6 million 4-H members are spreading the word about their clubs and activities. This year’s theme, Inspire Kids to Do, will continue even after 4-H week is over.
I’m hoping after my oldest son experienced his first 4-H meeting on Monday, that he’ll be inspired to continue. He’s not officially enrolled yet, but I figured we’d better at least check out a meeting prior to taking the time to become a member. He was able to watch the club install its new officers, play a game and sing a song. And of course partake in the snacks.
I hardly remember my first 4-H meeting, but I do remember what prompted my sister and I to become involved in the group. We’d gotten a horse and were wanting to show. It also didn’t hurt that our cousins were already in 4-H by the time we wanted to join. My son has cousins already involved with the group.
I was inspired by the older kids who were in my county. They were the ones who were showing the best animals and the most successful. Most often they helped the younger ones who were new and just getting started. One particular former 4-Her taught a horse clinic where I learned more in two days than I had in the several years prior of owning a horse.
It was the older kids and our extension agent who encouraged my sister and I to participate in livestock judging contests. This was by far the best choice I could have made. I learned to think on my feet and to defend my choices. I was able to be on the livestock judging team at Hutchinson Community College and basically got two years of college for free, in addition to judging at many of the major contests across the country.
I’ve inspired my nieces and nephews to try out livestock judging and get involved. I hope my own kids will want to try their hand at judging, showing horses and whatever their heart desires when it comes to 4-H. I’m sure there’s something that will fit the bill.
