The 2010 Pratt County Fair is being packed away, exhibits have been taken home and most of the livestock sold. Is it over? Is that all there is to the 4-H program?
“No” is the emphatic, in-unison reply from Tori Black and Makala Orler, members of the 4-H Ambassadors, a select group of older members who help make the community more aware of the 4-H program.
A 4-H project is not completed until the record-keeping is done. The girls frown a little about that; it’s not their favorite task. Tori describes the record book as “a big pain, nobody likes to do them,” but Makala notes that forms are online now, so the job will be easier.
As high school students, Tori a senior and Makala a sophomore, they recognize the value of record-keeping as part of the 4-H program.
“They’re really useful for college scholarships,” Tori said, while Makala added, “it teaches responsibility.” And they realize that they’re learning adult skills they need to know.
Exhibits and ribbons are only part of the 4-H program. The girls explained that a foods project record would ask the 4-H’er to write down new recipes they’ve tried, how often they cook for their families, volunteer activities associated with the project, how many meetings they attended, or for older members, if they took on the role of leaders for younger members.
The record books provide the data for selection of county project champions and other special awards presented in October or early November. The recognition event is considered to be the end of the 4-H year.
A project fair in October introduces 4-H to prospective members, but there is no set time for joining a 4-H club, the ambassadors said. If a family became excited about the program by viewing exhibits at the fair, they can begin attending meetings right away.
A good first step would be to contact the Extension Office at 672-6121 or stop by at 824 West First to learn about clubs that are available or, if they have friends who are members, ask them about 4-H.
Besides the fair, what’s good about the 4-H program?
“Everything,” Makala said. “It’s fun to hang out with family and friends.”
“It keeps you busy,” Tori said.
There are lots of activities besides the fair — camp for younger kids in the summer and state events for older members. 4-H Day, usually held in February or March, offers practice in public speaking in a variety of events, from show-and-tell presentations and short project talks to demonstrations.
As ambassadors, Makala and Tori make presentations about 4-H to school classes and adult organizations. That experience has reinforced another value of the program — 4-H’ers learn parliamentary procedure in their meetings and for competitive events. Some adults don’t know how a well-run meeting should proceed, they’ve realized.
