By Dave Snyder
The Parsons Advocate
Have you ever wondered what 4-H is really all about? As you stroll around the Tucker County Fairgrounds, you see the project displays and animal show activities. However, 4-H involves much more than that.
According to the booklet “This is 4-H,” the 4-H program began around the start of the twentieth century. The first club in West Virginia was established in Monroe County in 1909.
Jessica Streets, West Virginia University Extension Agent, said “At the beginning of every 4-H meeting the Pledge of Allegiance and the 4-H Pledge are recited.” The 4-H pledge is as follows:
I Pledge my Head to clear thinking,
my Heart to greater loyalty,
my Hands to larger service,
my Health to better living,
for my club, my community,
my country and my world.
Several celebrities were 4-H members including Dolly Parton and Reba McIntire.
The 4-H club slogan is “learn by doing.” Here in Tucker County, this is adhered to. Members may participate in such activities as community service, livestock raising, cooking, hiking and robotics. These are a few of the many projects that members can engage in.
Four H members and their families often have opportunity to attend WVU athletic events. Tucker County 4-H members really enjoy going to 4-H camp. Streets said, “We used to have fifty to sixty students go to 4-H camp. Now we have almost one hundred attend every year.”
Opportunities are available beyond West Virginia borders and United States borders. In 2015, four students went to Ireland as a part of an International Learning Exchange. It is hoped that more students will visit Ireland soon.
Oh, what about those projects seen at the fair? The 4-H members worked on those all year long. A record book was kept to document what was learned at different points of the projects. An activity record was kept to document all that was done in 4-H during the year – attendance and participation are key to succeeding. In addition, a record guide is maintained for some projects, such as an animal projects.
So,4-H is more than projects. Many life lessons are learned through 4-H activities. Streets said, “It opens up doors for them that go beyond their projects. They get to do things they couldn’t do otherwise. They can go places they may not otherwise go. Also, they develop leadership skills.”
Wendy Wolford, Director of 4-H Programs, said “Four-H gives a sense of belonging to the kids. It gives them a sense of community because they participate.”
