4-H has been a part of most of my life. I couldn’t wait to join in 3rd grade! My older brother had already been in the club and I couldn’t wait for it to be my turn. I knew my dad had been in 4-H, so it just seemed natural that we would participate as well.

I took market hogs, cooking, photography, small engines, laundry, market steers, and leadership to name the memorable projects.

I stayed in 4-H through my freshman year of college. There was a houseplants project, which was perfect for a dorm room. That summer I worked at 4-H camp for the season as the craft director. Shortly after college graduation I worked as a summer assistant in the 4-H office for several summers. Then, I became the junior fair board advisor for a few years before becoming an advisor in my home club. When I do the math, there are only a few years of my life that I was not directly involved in 4-H in some way.

My kids have/are actively participating as third generation members of our local club, which I continue to advise.

I see so many positive outcomes to participating in 4-H. There are life skills to be learned. Life-long friendships are made. Responsibility is learned.

During the shut-down of 2020, my kids continued to work on their 4-H projects. It was a great focus for them. As a family, we were able to reap the benefits of a particular project. My son took the grilling project. He learned about cooking on the grill along with food safety and preparation. What a fabulous project!! My son prepared so many meals for us. We all eagerly looked forward to what was next. As a result, he is still interested in grilling whenever he can. We have invested in grill tools and seasonings so he can have what he needs. He has learned such useful skills from this project. He can cook for himself and others forever.

So, yes, I am a fan of 4-H!