4-H....I don't get it.

[disneymom3]

My kids and I went to our first 4H meeting today. I kind of understand the idea of the projects that the kids follow their own interests and create something to tell others about what they have learned, but what is the point of the meeting. I am thinking you pretty much do your project on your own at home etc, so what's up with the meeting? Today they covered planning a banquet, some fundraising and some other stuff that I don't know what it was for about an hour and then the kids went outside and played a game for about half an hour and then we had snack.

 

[CEDmom]

I think so they feel part of a club. Lots of scouting and badge earning is stuff you do on your own as well. Hopefully they'll get some guidance on their projects. Do they allow time to talk about them as a group?

 

[maps]

That's so funny--I had the same reaction to my first meeting!

I figured since it's only once a month and they are meeting other kids in town that it was still worthwhile.

The only thing I knew about 4H is that they raise animals or something like that. So my son decided he wants to get a CHEETAH!! I say "no , it has to be a farm animal". He now wants a COW! Yeah, I don't see that happening!

We did participate in the county fair and my kids and I worked on some projects together which was fun. All the kids get a ribbon for participating and my daughter looks at the ribbon and says "Hey, these all say participation award--I wanted first place!"

Looks like we have a lot more meetings to attend before we all really "get" 4H!!

 

[vetrik]

I was in 4-H and the secretary of my club for 8 years and I still don't get general 4-H. I raised sheep and was in a sheep specific club, so all of our projects and meetings were related to that.

I think mostly the meetings are for socialization and working on things together. We would plan some events, talk about our projects, etc. I will say that 4-H was a huge part of my life and I loved it.

 

[Cindyluwho]

I have quite a bit of experience with 4H. I was involved as a child and now my DD12 has been in since she was in Kindergarten. Specific 4H clubs are much more focused than general. When I was little I was in a cooking 4H club. We learned everything from how to read a recipe, proper measuring, making jam, baking, etc. My daughter is in Poultry 4H. Much more complicated, learning nomenclature, etc. The absolute, most important part of any 4H club is learning public speaking. You are expected to do a public presentation at least once a year. One year my daughter did a taste test experiment with creme brulee using our chickens' free range eggs vs. grocery store eggs. She had our neighbors lined up for the taste test! The creme brulee from our chickens won the contest 20 to 2. She then had to do a 3 minute presentation in front of the 4H leaders explaining how the experiment was done and what the outcome was.

 

[disneymom3]

That's so funny--I had the same reaction to my first meeting!

I figured since it's only once a month and they are meeting other kids in town that it was still worthwhile.

The only thing I knew about 4H is that they raise animals or something like that. So my son decided he wants to get a CHEETAH!! I say "no , it has to be a farm animal". He now wants a COW! Yeah, I don't see that happening!

We did participate in the county fair and my kids and I worked on some projects together which was fun. All the kids get a ribbon for participating and my daughter looks at the ribbon and says "Hey, these all say participation award--I wanted first place!"

Looks like we have a lot more meetings to attend before we all really "get" 4H!!

Yeah, my kids are convinced that they can now have a horse! Umm, I think the city would frown on that since we have barely over a third of an acre.

DS is now working on an insect project. In other words, he caught a cricket yesterday and is feeding it pieces of apple and has put some grass and sticks in his bug catcher.

 

[horseshowmom]

I just wanted to add that 4-H is much more than animal projects (although that's what we did - Horse). Here are some examples:

Clothing (from modeling to sewing)
Entomology (from camps to Linnaen Games/also called "Bug Bowl")
Field and Stream (archery, fishing, gun safety)
Forestry for Kids and Teachers
Judging Projects (Horse, Consumer, and many other types)
Interior Design
Junior Master Gardener
Livestock (options include projects that don't require an animal)
Photography (also included judging)
Poultry
4-H Record
Seed ID
Therapeutic Equine Activity
Weed Contest
Youth Gardening
Leadership (senior 4-H'ers can participate in trips to Washington)
4-H Congress (held for senior 4-H members in their state with a multitude of workshops, competitions, and fun activities)

There are lots more projects (for example, Veterinarian Science), and all of these projects are broken down into more topics. There are scholarship opportunities.

There are many opportunites to learn and compete on a team and individual level. I haven't scratched the surface. DD competed heavily in both riding and non-riding events, and it had an enormous impact on her.

Good luck!

 

[noodleknitter]

You can actually do a self-determined project. One of my sons did one on medicinal herbs, and won at state. We've also participated in an archery, and rifle group.

Mtgs. are kind of dorky, but so are scout mtgs. At least we don't have to do crafts each month. Once spring hits, mtgs. are spent presenting projects in preparation for county judging.

I see them as a way to take a leadership role, and learn about how to conduct themselves and a meeting. They also get experience presenting a project both to the group and to county and state judges.

We also had a young man visit us for a month from Japan, and my son hopes to go back and visit him as a 4-H exchange. Another son went to Sea Camp this summer and learned boating, etc.

 

[disneymom3]

So, what I seem to be reading is that unless it is a topic specific club meeting I really didn't miss the purpose. I know the adult leader told me that there was a lot more business to cover than usual so I will just wait for future meetings to see what the scoop is. The kids had fun overall. DS4 went to the playroom after rollcall and DS6 went to the Cloverbud room and they made little apple pies to bring home. DD10 liked the game that they played after the meeing part was done. So, we will wait until next month and then see what that one is like.

Thanks for all the feedback. I had told DH I was going to post about it and he said, "Yeah, I know. The DIS people know everything!"

 

[noodleknitter]

No, you didnt miss anything! I'm thinking I would join your cloverbuds, though!

 

[Hedy]

I took a babysitting course through 4-H.

 

[Sparx]

I am a VERY active member of 4-H. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I love it.

I'm a gardener, and I'm pretty much the only one in my group. But if you need any help or anything, I'd love to help out a fellow 4-H family!

 

[Sparx]

I am a VERY active member of 4-H. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me. I love it.

I'm a gardener, and I'm pretty much the only one in my group. But if you need any help or anything, I'd love to help out a fellow 4-H family!