We have been invited by the local 4-H group to join them next Thurs. on a field trip and possibly to join their group. I met a mom in the library who is part of that group and she passed my info on to another mom and they sent us an invite. The whole group is a home school group. I have been looking for something like this for the kids for quite a while, I hope they are not too old at 13 and 15. Sadly, I don't know that much about 4-H, but I look forward to learning. So, who belongs and would like to share? I welcome any and all input.
We use to belong to a homeschool 4-H club. It was really very nice, and it's not too old for 13 and 15. Actually, it's almost better at that age! They really work at letting the KIDS do stuff (at least, our club did!) The kids were responsible for just about EVERYTHING. The projects are really well-written; I'm considering buying some even though we're not in 4-H anymore, because there's one or two my children are interested in. All in all, it was a positive experience. We're no longer a part because I got tired of pulling teeth when it came to projects, and getting them done in time for fair.
Thanks for your input Jackie. At this point we have been invited to go on a field trip with the group to meet everyone and so they can tell us a little more about their group. After we meet everyone and see exactly what it involves, then we will make a decision. I think it would be great for the kids though.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search 4-H Official 4-H emblem. Motto "To make the best better" Formation Circa 1902, United States Type Youth organization Legal status Non-profit organization Purpose/focus "Engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development." Headquarters Chevy Chase, Maryland Region served Worldwide Membership 6.5 million members in the United States, ages 5 to 19 Main organ Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSREES)) Parent organization United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Website 4-H.org 4-H in the United States is a youth organization administered by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, with the mission of "engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development."[1] The name represents four personal development areas of focus for the organization: head, heart, hands, and health. The organization has over 6.5 million members in the United States, from ages five to nineteen, in approximately 90,000 clubs.[2] Clubs and related organizations now exist in many other countries as well; the organization and administration varies from country to country. The goal of 4-H is to develop citizenship, leadership, and life skills of youth through mostly experiential learning programs. Though typically thought of as an agriculturally focused organization as a result of its history, 4-H today focuses on citizenship, healthy living, and science, engineering and technology programs. Today, 4-H and related programs exist in over 80 countries around the world. Each of these programs operates independently, but cooperatively through international exchanges, global education programs, and communications. The 4-H motto is "To make the best better", while its slogan is "Learn by doing" (sometimes written as "Learn to do by doing").
I think that 4-H clubs depend completely upon the leadership. My daughter just joined a community club which does not seem to be a cohesive group but rather a large group that is given many opportunites to sign up for various classes and projects. She's enjoying the classes she selected like art, quilting, dance and scrapbooking, but it doesn't feel like a group. There is only one other girl in her art class, and when she did the dance, there were only three other girls, yet the club itselt has over 80 members. Anyway, I'm still trying to figure it out.
We are not in a homeschool one, although there is one that started a year ago nearby. We are in a horse and pony 4-H club and I, personally, like it much better than the typical homeschool group. It has children who are in public and private schools as well as some homeschoolers but it is interest-oriented and really quite educational about anything and everything to do with horses. Ours is very well organized as the adult leader is now also the head leader for the county. We do so much in the form of community service projects it is impossible to it all!
Good point, Seeking! Our group was also very service-oriented, and I think that is really typical of 4-H! It's something the leadership stresses.
We love 4H. I think the leadership/organization of the group does have alot to do with whether you'll enjoy it or not. I lead a small group that focuses on public speaking. We meet twice a month. Usually one week we do the public speaking lesson, the other meeting we do community service projects, a field trip or one of the families teaches about a topic that interests them. We rotate so each family teaches twice a year. (Even the ones as young as 5 have helped with the teaching.) It is a great opportunity for kids to build leadership skills. Here's more about us: http://www.homeschool-by-design.com/homeschool_4-h.html
I second what was said about the leader setting the tone for the group. I'd like to add, however, that 4-H is great in that you can be involved at the level that fits for you and your family. Some kids participate in many of the service projects and show several projects at the fair, while others limit themselves to one or two service projects and just 3 or 4 projects. We also like that the child picks the projects, unlike in scouting where the entire pack/troop works on the same badge at the same time, usually determined by the leaders or majority rule. Finally, my kids have learned quite a bit through working on their projects for 4-H. They have also become more comfortable speaking in front of groups as they are both officers for this year. I would highly recommend joining a group if you feel the fit is good for you. My kids are 12 and 13 and are definitely NOT too old for 4-H. At this age and older, the kids are expected to be more responsible....I feel it motivates them to meet that expectation. Carol
Thank you all for your input, we are looking forward to meeting the group and seeing if it is a good fit for us.
I was rereading several of the post, is public speaking a normal part of 4-H? I'm not sure how DS would react to this. Just curious.
I think so. In our club, each member was required to give one presentation of some kind. I don't know if that was a club rule, or a 4-H rule. I DO know they encourage it at the very least!
Our group must be like Jackie's---public speaking is encouraged, but not required. Again, it all depends on the group.
No, ours is REQUIRED, but only at our local meetings, and only once per year. Usually a 2-3 minute presentation on whatever your project is.
