Leonard at large

Wednesday, October 8, 2003

This week is National 4-H Week, a time when the Vernon County 4-H members join with 4-H members throughout the nation in sharing information about 4-H with the public and helping people to have a greater awareness of this special educational program for all youth. This is also the time when an effort is made to recruit members and volunteer leaders. Even thought it has been 14 and a half years since I retired from working with the programs in Vernon and Cedar Counties as a 4-H youth specialist, my blood remains 4-H green. I remain interested in the program because I know of its great value to the families involved. During my career, I worked with many great people and I benefited greatly from their influence. A large number of youth also benefited and gave them a good foundation for life, through a program that helps them develop self esteem and pride. The local theme selected for this year's National 4-H week is "Discover 4-H -- Discover Your World." I did not ask for the reasoning behind selecting this theme, so I do not know exactly what it was meant to convey. Still, I have some thoughts about this theme. When boys and girls join 4-H, they discover many things about 4-H and what it teaches young people. The organization also provides a wealth of valuable experiences. Just a few things about what these young people gain: They learn subject matter, not only in their projects, but also other areas. Health is an important part of 4-H. When I was a member and when I was younger, I did not fully realize the value of health. This stage in life, I have a better appreciation. One H stands for health, and it is an important subject to learn and it's important that youth practice good health habits. Members gain practical experience, knowledge in community service and citizenship. They conduct their own meetings as well plan and implement their own programs. There are many leadership experiences available. Many of the members go on trips and attend camps and conferences. Young people who join 4-H and do not become active members gain little from the experience. However, those who actively participate and put forth much effort in 4-H gain greatly from their experience. Over the years, teachers have told me that they find that they can generally tell which students are 4-H members by their participation at school. Many adults have told me that 4-H contributed much toward their success in life. We are fortunate in Vernon County to have a good strong 4-H program. There are a large number of volunteers who make this possible. More volunteers are involved in 4-H than any other organization in Vernon County. Many of the young people are given good parental and family support, which is a major contribution toward having a successful program. Until this year, it has been nearly 20 years since there was an Interstate Exchange. This is where 4-H members from another state comes and spend time with families in Vernon County In return 4-H members from Vernon County goes and stay with families in another state. This is a good way of finding out about another location and to develop interpersonal relationships and make new friends. These exchanges may be made during the same year or spread over two years. Some former 4-H members still have contact with those in other states after many years, because of the friendships developed. In addition, International 4-H Youth Exchanges offer learning opportunities about other cultures and is a good way to develop grass root international relations. There were youth here this year from another country. These are examples of things that can and do take place in 4-H. This is in addition to the students' participation in fairs and other events. An event that has been a tradition in Vernon County for 40 years is the 4-H Chicken Barbecue. This is a major fund-raising event for the County 4-H Council. Held on Saturday night before the full first week in October, it's a good way to kick off the national week. While I would much rather eat there, I took advantage of carry-out service, but while I was at the barbecue, I observed the large number of youth and volunteers working to make this event successful. I was impressed. Many are to be highly complimented. There are some details in 4-H that I have forgotten and there have been changes, as result I am not always up to date. You may be wondering at what ages can boys and girls join 4-H. If they are 8 years of age before January 1, 2004, they are eligible to join as 4-H members. The 4-H Clovers are for children 5, 6, and 7 before January 1. These young people have their own special agenda for their age group. There is a brochure at the Vernon County University Outreach and Extension Center, "33 most frequently asked questions about 4-H and 4-H clubs." This brochure contains good information in a brief form about 4-H and can answer many of your questions if you are not familiar with 4-H. Those joining 4-H in Vernon County and actively participate will live up to the local theme. They will have the opportunities to discover 4-H and by discovering 4-H, they will gain experiences. learn to discover the world and learn how they can best fit into the world during their life. From what I have observed over the years, all families with children of 4-H age need to give consideration to joining 4-H. For additional information contact Carol Parmenter, 4-H youth specialist at the Vernon County University Outreach and Extension Center, 100 West Cherry, Courthouse, Room 2, Nevada, MO 64772 or by calling (417) 448-2560.

To Read More
Subscribe Sign In
Continue reading with a subscription
Subscription options