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What people don't realize is that 4-H in no longer just an agricultural youth activity. 4-H has grown with the times and become a youth program that is moving and shaking to the benefit of the youth with the good fortune of being members. Unfortunately in this highly scheduled world with parents looking for babysitters more than educational activities the 4-H groups are losing members and those who could benefit are being shortchanged.

While a youth member can still raise a calf for beef or dairy and learn how to sew there is more to this organization. Many youth members have discovered Geology, computer technology, and ATV safety. Fine arts and Photography are highly supported in my rural community. We have youth that go to a technology meeting and go home to milk cows or train horses for their animal project.

But beyond the different projects available to youth the most important thing that 4-H provides youth is the chance to become confident, hard working, thinking, individuals. Many youth turn out to be leaders in the program. And make no mistake they are individuals and most of the youth that stay in the program find themselves trusted beyond their years. Many times my own daughter has been consulted for ideas by adults. She just turned 18 and has taken on many roles as a leader for the last three years.

No matter what project a youth member takes on they are expected to do research and guided by adults to the information they need to be successful. But that's not the end. They must face an adult and explain what they have learned and demonstrate their knowledge. Ultimately the 4-H year ends at the county fair and the youth has to demonstrate proficiency in their chosen project. These youth ultimately learn how to ask for help, how to offer help, public speaking, and how to organize others to accomplish a task.

4-H youth do community service. The ways of service are many and varied. There are youth who do the adopt a highway program and others provide services to nursing homes and yet others participate in safety programs. One club provides Valentines for veterans every year. Another club makes a calendar and uses it for a fund raiser and provides a service at the same time.

After all of this there is no reason why a child should not join 4-H except one. Mom and Dad need to be involved. The true benefit of the program is that it encourages families to work together and provides the structure for the parents to see their children grow. Sometimes this happens right before their eyes. So any parent reading this should seriously consider making time for a very worthy program. Contact your University Cooperative Extension and get your kids signed up.

Sports, did someone say what about sports? Young people are dropping out of organized sports by the hundreds because it's no longer fun. The 4-H program in our area has a sandlot type softball game going on in the summer. Show up or don't, play or cheer, in 4-H softball if the batter can't hit the ball the pitcher is replaced and some big kid will help the little kid. And our group is adding flag football this summer. We all hang out and talk and have a great time. If the program isn't in your area you can be the one to start it up. The youth agent can look at other county programs and send you in the right direction.
So clear your schedule and get your kids into 4-H and take your dog for free obedience training while you're at it.

Learn more about this author, Ann Dennis.
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