Inspiring Today's Youth to Join 4H

4-H is America’s largest youth development organization – empowering nearly six million young people with skills to lead for a lifetime. For me, 4-H was about the livestock showing, but it is so much more for other people. The amount of different skills, experiences and knowledge given through this community is empowering. Based on their interests and guided by adult mentors, youth develop their own pathway in 4‑H. They select from a broad menu of local 4‑H programs. There are hands-on, learn-by-doing, opportunities for everyone. To name a few there is civic engagement, healthy living, agriculture, and STEM. There are also things that you can create to show at the county fair and could even go to the state fair with your project. They have rockets, sewing, legos, baking, arts and crafts and so much more. 4-H had a profound impact on me from age 8 to 18. I was introduced to a local club by my siblings and soon made friends my own age. Monthly meetings were held to share information, ask questions and learn from the older members of the club. Each person could choose project areas that interest them. Opportunities to try new things or grow in areas that were already familiar were commonplace. I was inspired to participate in photography after hearing a talk and demonstration from one of the older members of the club. Seeing a project from start to finish and learning about the process was motivating. I was also able to ask the members for help and advice with my own project. When it came time to present my project at the county fair, I had support and confidence.