4-H Isn't Just For Farm Kids! by Jessica (age 16)

It seems to be common belief that 4-H is only for children living in rural areas. In 1997, I find that 4-H is alive and well in both farming and metropolitan communities. Traditionally, 4-H involved market steers and domestic skills. Today, it includes a variety of interests, from computers to news writing.

Eight year-old Johanna Bowler lives on a tree-lined street across from her grade school in a neighborhood filled with children. She has been active in 4-H for several years, first as a mascot and now as a full-fledged member. Johanna is enrolled this year in projects to develop cooking skills, cat care, flower arranging, and raising two pet rabbits. "I like 4-H because it means I can have more pets," says Johanna. "It’s more than pets," says Peggy Bowler, Johanna’s mom. "4-H is independent study. The children are graded instead of placed like in most competitions. The kids are not pressured to finish the biggest, fanciest projects. They learn to take their time and do it right."

Jean Wait, along with Dorie Nurmi, are organizational leaders for Beecher Agri- Prairie 4-H in Beecher, Illinois. This club meets only once a month to discuss appearances in support of 4-H, such as parades and petting zoos at local festivals. This gives older members a chance to share what they have learned and to help younger members develop their projects. Members give talks and demonstrations that are relevant to their projects at meetings. "This has really helped my girls in developing poise when speaking to crowds. My oldest daughter enrolled in a public speaking project and took it all the way to a state level, where she received a superior award," says Wait.

In summary, practically any interest that a child may have can be developed into a 4-H project. Resource books with guidelines and ideas for projects are distributed through the 4-H club. Finished products are exhibited and graded once yearly on a county level, where members can earn the right to exhibit also at their state fair. A selected few are able to go on to a national show. So get out your sewing machine, model rocket, or computer . . . bathe your dog or spruce up your hamster and call your local extension office because 4-H is for everyone!