by Kim Gasuras | FreeWire Magazine — Your News, Your Voice
BUCYRUS — While many people associate 4-H with farms and livestock, a local club leader says the program offers far more opportunities for young people throughout Crawford County.
Sandy Fankhauser, long-time leader of the Kilbourne Klovers 4-H Club, said 4-H helps youth develop important life skills that can benefit them long after their projects are completed.
“4-H is the best kept secret in Crawford County,” Fankhauser said. “If parents would know and understand the hidden benefits of 4-H, they would look for clubs to put their kids in.”
According to Fankhauser, the program teaches responsibility, leadership, knowledge, community service and friendship, along with practical life skills that help prepare youth for adulthood.
“The skills learned just from project judging are wonderful preparation for job interviews and speaking in front of people,” she said.
Fankhauser also said one of the biggest misconceptions about 4-H is that participants must live on a farm or in the country.
“That is so far from the truth,” she said.
Fankhauser said that in addition to traditional agricultural projects, 4-H members can choose from a wide variety of topics including veterinary science, career exploration, sewing and textile science, photography, writing, genealogy, cake decorating, scrapbooking, food and nutrition, healthy living and money management.
Other projects focus on science and technology, such as robotics, aerospace science, circuitry and electricity, biology and chemistry, small engines, welding and woodworking.
Youth interested in outdoor activities can explore gardening, plant science, fishing and nature projects. Participants also have the option of designing their own projects.
Animal projects remain popular as well, with opportunities involving beef cattle, sheep, goats, swine, rabbits, dairy cattle, poultry, horses and even llamas and alpacas.
Interest in the program continues to grow locally.
“Our club is growing this year,” Fankhauser said. “The kids have been working hard to get others involved, and we have grown from 17 members last year to 30 this year.”
Beyond project work, members can participate in a variety of activities throughout the year, including 4-H Camp, Cloverbud Camp for younger members, Leadership Camp, Sea Camp and a trip to Washington, D.C.
Many members also participate in activities at the Crawford County Fair, including contests, exhibits and volunteering at the 4-H food stand.
Children who are 5 years old and in kindergarten can enroll in Cloverbuds then start participating in competitive projects when they turn eight and enter third grade. Any child who is nine or older can enroll in 4-H, regardless of grade level.
For more information, contact the Crawford County 4-H Office at 419-562-8731 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Staff can help direct families to a club that matches their interests.
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