We try very hard not to overschedule ourselves. My general rule is that the kids can do two things at once, which seems to make things manageable. So we do Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, sports, and other random activities, too. But halfway through our second year, I’m absolutely certain that 4H is one of the best things your kids can do.
Why? Because this organization, without agenda or fanfare, actually equips children with skills and attitudes that prepare them for real life.
- Every 4H member has to stand up in front of their group and talk about something. Anything, really. It’s practice. Nothing more. There’s no grades or scores. Just experience doing this thing that many people cannot do. That’s great.
- Members are responsible to choose, start, and complete a project every year.
- There are literally dozens of topics or areas of interest to do. They can raise or take care of a market animal. But if they’re not an animal person? They can learn about photography, cooking, art, science, ecology, or whatever else strikes their fancy.
- The projects are not cheap, quick things either. They take time, and effort, and diligence. My kids have to learn a lot of real information about dairy calves (our project this year). And I’ve already send them to the barn, repeatedly, on days when they don’t “feel like” feeding the calves. Like it or not, they have to do it anyway, and I love that. (They love it less.)
- Before fair, they have to talk to an adult about their projects. They present their information, get asked questions, have to prove they know what they’re talking about. This provides so much valuable and confidence-building experience.
- They can go to camp. (Okay, my kids didn’t do that this year, but those who do get the experience of being away from home and learning stuff on their own. Awesome.)
- The 4H members learn to run and handle meetings.
- Adults do not run the 4H meetings. Yes, the sponsors are there to guide and assist. But the 4H members run the meeting. With Roberts Rules of Order. With voting and discussions and old business and everything. How amazing.
- And boring (sometimes). My kids will tell you so (as will Eric). But they are learning to pay attention. To focus on something that’s not entertaining. What a great thing to practice in our social-media-driven world.
- Strangely enough, Alex got elected Vice President this year (I was horrified at first), but since, normally, the President runs the meetings (and she’s 16), he hasn’t had to do much. Until last week. When my 9 year old son actually led a 4H meeting. Good for him. Good for them.
- The younger kids still get to participate.
- Megan is in Cloverbuds. She enjoys it. They don’t do projects, but they do activities and learn real information about a variety of topics.
- And she gets to go on a special Cloverbud day this Friday, a one-day camp of learning and activities aimed at the younger students. She’ll have so much fun.
I know that the other organizations and activities are also important, of course. Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, playing sports, taking classes also teach our kids good things, some the same and some different. But I’ve been utterly surprised (since I wasn’t in 4H when I was in school) just how much 4H offers our kids. I highly recommend it. Find a good group and get involved. Your kids will benefit in so many ways.
