I was not the kid that was part of a boy scout troop nor was I sent off to summer camp. I imagine that had I been I may not have gotten into some of the trouble I did. All the good kids must have been at one of those camps or activities.
With summer bearing down on us and the school year coming to an end in the United States its a fine time to begin looking at which activities you can get the kids involved in that may actually provide some lasting positive growth opportunities and lessons.
Enter 4-H
My wife was involved in 4-H from her eighth birthday up until she graduated high school. Today there is a 5-8 program which I’m sure will be the official introduction for our kids.
4-H is all about building community, kids mentoring one another, gaining direction and building leaders. Making the best better. It is an avenue for exploring interests and making lifelong friends.
Not having a history in 4-H myself I always thought it was all about the county fair. Those farm kids with their animals. While this is still a part of 4-H (depending upon the club) there are many other opportunities for discovery.
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4-H Motto My Head to clearer thinking, |
And the list goes on. Even savvy city folk can find something in here that will interest their children.
A key part of making 4-H a success for your family involves being in the right club. 4-H clubs can be found all over the country. You best bet is to contact the 4-H extension office in your county and share with them what your child(ren) are interested in. With this bit of information they should be able to point you in the direction of a club that would be a good fit.
Most clubs focus on a particular area while participating in many areas. The last thing you want is to join a club that is focused on equestrian activities when your kid is afraid of horses. In the event you get in with a club that isn’t a fit, don’t throw in the towel. Go back to the 4-H extension office and encourage them to get it right.
So, when the dog days of summer are beating down on you and you just can’t bear to hear, “turn on the sprinkler!” one more time visit one of the links below and get in touch with a 4-H club. Who knows, maybe their next meeting will be in a nice air conditioned hall.
That’s great advice, Chuck. Thanks for sharing this. My wife and I will look into this for ours this summer.
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Thanks Tom. I know we enjoy it quite a bit. It does add to an already busy schedule at times but the rewards are many.
Thanks Chuck for the endorsement. 4-H is also a great way for parents to share their own talents with children. Every club can use all the parent volunteers it can get ! I can’t wait for our girl to start 5-8’s. And I think this will be a good year for our big girl too.
My pleasure Debbie. 4-H can be a really good thing. Make sure to remind me of this when fair is winding down.. okay.
I’ve always thought the 4-H was a great organization, especially their participation in our county fair. Seems like an awesome family organization too. Thanks for sharing this Chuck!
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No problem Jeremy – take care!
Funny! I’m looking out my window at the kids playing in the sprinkler right now! I couldn’t agree more. 4-H is a fine organization.
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Some people might think that the only clubs are the ones for the kids in the country. Even if there is not a 4-H club in the “burbs”, you could always establish one and create your own with your kids and neighboring kids with the help of the Extension office.
Good point Michelle. Thanks for sharing. As I mention in the post, the best place to start is the local extension office. Please stop by again!