4-H remains a benchmark of excellence
One of the benchmarks of the High Plains is 4-H‚ a program that has served youth to help them prepare for the future based on traditional values from the heartland.
According to 4-H.org, from fairgrounds to classrooms, community gardens to robotics labs, 4-H youth are proving they’re not just ready for the future—they’re “Beyond Ready.” During National 4-H Week, celebrated Oct. 5 to 11, local clubs will share how 4-H equips young people with skills, confidence and resilience to lead in a world full of opportunity and change.
“As America’s largest youth development organization, 4-H empowers 6 million young people nationwide with hands-on learning experiences through clubs, camps, school programs, and community events,” 4-H.org notes. “Through the ‘Beyond Ready’ initiative, 4-H will help prepare 10 million youth for work and life by 2030.”
The rewards for many 4-Hers takes place at county fairs that have become the signature event for many High Plains communities. During the fair, youth put their projects up for public view as judges go through a detailed process to not only determine champions and grand champions, but to provide constructive criticism so youth improve.
4-H has been a bedrock serving as a great equalizer because participants, regardless of economic background, are judged on their own merit.
That merit is achieved by being active in their own communities. While the first week in October rightfully recognizes the work of 4-H at a national level, 4-H makes a difference each week in local communities that include taking meals to the homebound, organizing food and clothing drives to help the less fortunate, and having bake sales to raise monies for a fellow student who has health concerns.
In the spring and fall, youth take ownership in cleaning up highways and roads and clearing debris and raking leaves in community parks. In some communities in the prairie, under the direction of 4-H leaders, youth take ownership so that a park is safe and inviting to young families. Leadership, by example, is a cornerstone of 4-H.
During National 4-H Week, 4-H members, alumni, volunteers, and supporters will wear green, participate in community service projects, and share their stories on social media using #4HBeyondready and #Nationa4HWeek.
At High Plains Journal, our past and current staff members have either been involved in 4-H or helping their own children to participate. The 4-H program is one that can unite youth and adults to work together. In today’s world that is welcome news when we need it.
The 4-H motto remains timeless: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, community, my country and my world.”
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
