Information

What is 4-H?

4-H is an organization that was started in 1902 by a man who felt it was important for youth to learn life skills. It is now an international program. CSU sponsors our Colorado 4-H program. There are extension offices throughout the state.

Although there is always an adult presence, this organization believes that hands on learning is the best, so is really run by kids. It is a great program that the best out of the youth and helps bring families together. 4-H is open for members ages 8 – 18. There is more information below for what they do.

Ages 4-7 can join as “Cloverbuds”. Cloverbuds are like members-in-training. The biggest difference is that their projects are more relaxed, and less competitive. Their emphasis is to get to know different areas so that when they are older, they have an idea of what they will want to work on.

There are different parts to 4-H:

Meetings:

Club: Broken Arrows: We meet every 4-6 weeks for at least 9 times during the course of a year. We have “board” so kids learn the responsibilities of each position – President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasure. We try to add a learning element into each meeting that makes them not boring. For example, last year we went ice skating, played with electrical circuit boards, decorated cupcakes and played with baby goats. Future activities may include woodworking, metal working, outdoor skills. It is important to teach kids to be a part of their community, therefore we do community events and fund raisers. We have new leadership as of last year and are really trying to keep it fun! We are always open to new ideas from parents and kids too!

County: We are transitioning from being a part of Chaffee to our own Lake County extension. It is to be determined how it will be set up. For Chaffee the county level has its own “board” and monthly meetings that kids are encouraged to be a part of. This board decides on awards, distribution of monies, plans county events for all the local clubs to do together. This is not mandatory but just another avenue to be involved. There are also leadership opportunities at the county level and state level by helping with camps and banquets.

Projects:

Every member also does individual projects. They can do as many as they want, but at least one. These projects help the kids learn about different topics. Projects also help the kids learn about time management and the responsibility of getting stuff done. Over 200 different projects are accepted and more come every year! Beekeeping is one of the newest!

There are outdoor projects, which most people think of when they think of 4-H. Most of these are agriculturally based. Raising and training animals. There are also agricultural projects that you don’t have to have the animal, so don’t let that deter you if you can’t have (or don’t want) livestock.

Indoor projects are another aspect. There are a huge variety here! From gardening, cooking, to arts like drawing, painting, ceramics and photography. There are trade skills like small engines, wood and leather craft to electricity and even veterinary science. There is robotics, rocketry and shooting sports, to quilting and scrapbooking and fashion design. There are cake decorating to food preservation to entomology, wildlife and outdoor survival.

With every project, the kids write and talk about what they learned, and how they would improve it. They keep track of the costs and have a record book where they track their progress. They can start on their project as early as October for judging the following summer – so about 9 months to complete.

These projects are displayed and judged currently at the Chaffee county fair, but again, we are transitioning to have everything in Lake county, so at this point it is to be determined. Those that are really well done get to compete at the state fair as well.

To learn more about what projects are there and what they entail please visit www.co4h.colostate.edu. Go to 4hprograms/projects and then to project list.

Other:

There are several 4-H camps that kids are able to go to. Many of these focus on leadership and social skills.

Typically, in November we have Colorado Leadership Camp, a weekend camp for 6^th – 9^th graders where they focus on being leaders and good citizens. There is also the “Dare to be you” overnight camp for 10-13 year olds in Pueblo that strengthens the self-esteem in our youth. Both of these camps are open to all Colorado 4-H youth. The friendships made at these camps are often lifelong.

There are exchange student opportunities. Every summer kids from around the world come to stay with host families here as well as our kids are able to go elsewhere to learn about different cultures.

Basically, your child can get so much out of this program, but like everything in life, how much you get out of it depends on how much you put into it.

Many businesses give 4-H member discounts. Some of these include Big R’s, Murdoch’s, Eliches, and the National Stock Show. There is 4-H day at the state capitol as well as in D.C.

4-H is great to have on your resume. Many people have been part of the 4-H world and give youth involved in this organization extra opportunities.

Open enrollment begins October 16^th. Returning members have until December 15^th to re-register (you have to do this every year), but new members have until March 15^th. This gives you plenty of time to join us for our meetings to see if this is the right fit for you and your family before you totally make a commitment!

The cost is $25 for the year per member. Often times our club with pay this for returning members if funds allow.

ADULT Volunteers:

We are always looking for adults to help lead different project areas too. You do not need to have a child in 4-H to volunteer.

If you are interested let me know and I will get you in contact with the extension office. All adult volunteers must go through trainings and background checks.