4H
4H is so much more than livestock shows, although we do enjoy the goat and chicken shows, the kids also enjoy their other project areas. Initially, we did not have any livestock and focused on these other 4H projects. The girls have learned several techniques in cake decorating. All three of them have learned a lot with their photography and sewing projects. Elliot has an interest in electricity and woodworking and turned in projects at the county fair this year for both. His electricity project was selected to be exhibited at the state fair! Both Abby and Elliot have gardening projects they started this summer. We actually built garden beds for all three kids to plant anything they want. They each planted a variety of flowers for the first time. Besides showing animals 4Hers can turn in different types of projects that have some aspect of the animal. Abby and Elliot turned in informational poster boards about chickens. Abby’s was a description of different styles of combs you can find on roosters. Elliot’s showed the body parts or nomenclature of a hen. Both projects were selected to be exhibited at the state fair. Kelsey made soap with goat milk, which was selected to exhibit at the state fair. She could have entered her soap under a goat project but chose instead to put it in as arts and crafts.
Our county fair allows kids to turn in three projects for each project they are enrolled in (it may be different in your area). Out of all the projects they turn in, they can choose two eligible projects to send to exhibit at the state fair. For 2024 Kelsey sent in her sewing project and a little race car themed cake. Abby chose her sewing project and her poultry poster. Elliot sent his electricity project and his photo of our rooster War Chief. Here are a few of the projects I mentioned below.
The girls have a wonderful cake decorating instructor, she is very patient and kind and talented! Kelsey’s cakes shown below both went to state as well as Abby’s penguin chick. This is the one project that I don’t have to motivate the girls to go to, partly because they enjoy cake decorating but mainly it’s because they snack on the icing as they are decorating. I cannot count the times I have reminded them the icing is for decorating not eating. The cakes presented at county fair are made of foam cake forms, royal icing and/or fondant.
Some projects we plan to try out are geology, wildlife, forestry, scrapbooking and small engines to name a few. This section of the blog will talk about projects the kids have done, what they have learned and projects ideas they want to try. There are many avenues a kid can explore with 4H. Although many think of 4H only being animals/livestock, they are not a requirement. It is well worth any investments to let kids explore and learn about their likes and dislikes and develop new skills!
To get your kids started with 4H, you should be able to ask your local extension office for more information. The schools may be able to connect you with a club leader as well. Or you can try this website to find a local club (not an affiliate link).
