Does anyone have a child participating in 4-H?

[CloudBee]

Our 8 year old is obsessed with watching vet shows. They often talk about 4-H, and he's expressed an interest. I've just found out that they have rabbit and dog categories, which are well suited for those in urban areas. (Even with 1 acre we aren't zoned for chickens, goats, etc.)

If your child participates in 4-H, can you explain what their experience has been like? What is the time commitment, and what has been expected of your child?

Thank you!

[af1212]

We have 3 kids in 4h. Ours is slightly different because our club is a coop farm
This means there is a location in our county where all of the animals live. Our kids don’t own them.

Each year clubs run from Jan - December with an open house in October and signups in December. You commit to a club for a whole year. Based on who is in the club they set up a chore schedule for that year.

So my kids each have a once a month evening meeting to learn about the animal and do the activities. Then in addition to that each kid has one chore time a week. Time for this depends on the animals need and how many are in the club. So for instance my kid in poultry goes one day a week to feed, water, muck, etc. She can go anytime of day. My kid in sheep has to do her chores in the am because another kid is responsible for pm chores.

In addition you have to attend one work session a month. There are usually a few to choose from. This is where bigger jobs get done by everyone in a team like maybe fixing fencing or unloading a delivery of hay or whatever.

Some chores last all year (animals that are on the farm all of the time). Other chores are more seasonal. Like we hatch the chickens each spring and then sell the chickens at the summer fair.

We live in a suburb that borders a major city - so fairly urban setting. This is really an amazing program for these kids as they would never be exposed to this kind of thing otherwise.

Happy to answer any questions you may have or share more information.


ETA - just re-read your post. For reference we own slightly less than a third of an acre which is a great deal larger than most lots here. Most lots in my o town are more like .1 acres - lots of tow houses and twins. Dense population. We have a weird lot that backs up to a trail which is how we got the extra space.

Also as far as commitment, besides the meeting, chores and work session not much is expected. There is a summer fair where the kids can show animals and compete as a club. And then there are a lot of other state-wide shows that they can enter as well. But all of this is optional. So I have one kid who loves doing the shows and she enters probably 4 a year. Another kid isn’t into it and she just does the summer fair but even that she could skip if she wants to.

My youngest is 5 and 4h clubs begin at age 8. She does what’s called “cloverbuds” which is a club for kids aged 5-8. They learn about a different animal each month and explore the farm but no chores or other expectations.

[oregonpachey]

Both my husband and I are leaders and our boys are in our 4H club. We don't do animals, mostly robotics, HEARTH programs and next is archery.

Before COVID, our club met at our home from 3:30-5:00 each week. We would work on whatever project was going at the time (Usually the Lego robotics through FIRST Lego) and then the kids would be picked up.

Really, the time commitment is what you want it to be. Some clubs meet a couple of times a week, some meet once a month. With our archery club starting up, we will probably meet 1-2 times a week for two hours after school with the occasional weekend day for competitions.

[CloudBee]

Apr 16, 2021 10:12:03 GMT -5 af1212 said:

We have 3 kids in 4h. Ours is slightly different because our club is a coop farm
This means there is a location in our county where all of the animals live. Our kids don’t own them. ...

This sounds amazing. I have emails out to our 2 local 4-H regions. One in our state, and one in a neighboring state that actually appears to be closer. I didn't realize some clubs are co-ops! I will look into this. We live right outside of NYC, and practically the only people who have farmland around here are living on estates with horses.

What a great opportunity you have in your area!!

[CloudBee]

Apr 16, 2021 10:15:13 GMT -5 oregonpachey said:

Both my husband and I are leaders and our boys are in our 4H club. We don't do animals, mostly robotics, HEARTH programs and next is archery.

Before COVID, our club met at our home from 3:30-5:00 each week. We would work on whatever project was going at the time (Usually the Lego robotics through FIRST Lego) and then the kids would be picked up.

Really, the time commitment is what you want it to be. Some clubs meet a couple of times a week, some meet once a month. With our archery club starting up, we will probably meet 1-2 times a week for two hours after school with the occasional weekend day for competitions.

Oh man, it sounds like 4H has a lot more to offer than what I realized. I did see robotics mentioned as a local club, but I guess I assumed that was in addition to an animal club. I didn't realize you could tap into things like archery! I need to take another look at the websites for our 2 regional 4H programs. My kid LOVES archery but we've struggled to find somewhere outside of our own backyard where he can participate.

[oregonpachey]

Apr 16, 2021 10:25:16 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Apr 16, 2021 10:15:13 GMT -5 oregonpachey said:

Both my husband and I are leaders and our boys are in our 4H club. We don't do animals, mostly robotics, HEARTH programs and next is archery.

Before COVID, our club met at our home from 3:30-5:00 each week. We would work on whatever project was going at the time (Usually the Lego robotics through FIRST Lego) and then the kids would be picked up.

Really, the time commitment is what you want it to be. Some clubs meet a couple of times a week, some meet once a month. With our archery club starting up, we will probably meet 1-2 times a week for two hours after school with the occasional weekend day for competitions.

Oh man, it sounds like 4H has a lot more to offer than what I realized. I did see robotics mentioned as a local club, but I guess I assumed that was in addition to an animal club. I didn't realize you could tap into things like archery! I need to take another look at the websites for our 2 regional 4H programs. My kid LOVES archery but we've struggled to find somewhere outside of our own backyard where he can participate.

Remind me how old he is?  Here in Oregon, your kid can only start to participate in shooting sports (archery falls into this category) at 10.  I will say, whatever he is interested in, there is a 4H club for it.  Cooking, writing, sewing, fiber arts, performing arts, every time of animal, robotics, forestry, leather works, wood working, etc. etc. etc.  The list goes on forever.

[af1212]

Apr 16, 2021 10:30:07 GMT -5 oregonpachey said:

Apr 16, 2021 10:25:16 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Oh man, it sounds like 4H has a lot more to offer than what I realized. I did see robotics mentioned as a local club, but I guess I assumed that was in addition to an animal club. I didn't realize you could tap into things like archery! I need to take another look at the websites for our 2 regional 4H programs. My kid LOVES archery but we've struggled to find somewhere outside of our own backyard where he can participate.

Remind me how old he is?  Here in Oregon, your kid can only start to participate in shooting sports (archery falls into this category) at 10.  I will say, whatever he is interested in, there is a 4H club for it.  Cooking, writing, sewing, fiber arts, performing arts, every time of animal, robotics, forestry, leather works, wood working, etc. etc. etc.  The list goes on forever.

This is all true but remember that every single person at 4h that works with the kids is a volunteer. So if there is a club you don’t see that you want, be prepared to lead it yourself. It’s a wonderful community though and lots of support!!

Also another thing I should mention that was a surprise to me at first is that the activities are not drop off. So whatever your kid is doing be prepared to have an adult there too.

This ended up being a problem for us in the beginning when my oldest started with sewing. Due to conflicting activities I was able to get my mom to stay with her, and now my mom is the sewing club leader 🤣 so be prepared to become more involved than you ever thought you would haha!

[CloudBee]

Aww! I messaged both chapters in our area. The leader of one of the local dog groups said they are meeting tonight. She understands we don't have our dog yet (puppy, hopefully coming home next week), so she will bring a fully trained border collie for DS to use tonight! Oh my gosh he is flipping out with excitement. We have to drive almost an hour, because this is the group in our state that is a bit of a hike... but yay!

I'm curious to see what the group in the neighboring state has to offer, as they all look a bit closer to us.

[CloudBee]

Apr 16, 2021 10:30:07 GMT -5 oregonpachey said:

Apr 16, 2021 10:25:16 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Oh man, it sounds like 4H has a lot more to offer than what I realized. I did see robotics mentioned as a local club, but I guess I assumed that was in addition to an animal club. I didn't realize you could tap into things like archery! I need to take another look at the websites for our 2 regional 4H programs. My kid LOVES archery but we've struggled to find somewhere outside of our own backyard where he can participate.

Remind me how old he is?  Here in Oregon, your kid can only start to participate in shooting sports (archery falls into this category) at 10.  I will say, whatever he is interested in, there is a 4H club for it.  Cooking, writing, sewing, fiber arts, performing arts, every time of animal, robotics, forestry, leather works, wood working, etc. etc. etc.  The list goes on forever.

He's only 8. Thanks for the heads up that he might not be old enough for some activities.

[oregonpachey]

Apr 16, 2021 10:43:57 GMT -5 af1212 said:

Apr 16, 2021 10:30:07 GMT -5 oregonpachey said:

Remind me how old he is?  Here in Oregon, your kid can only start to participate in shooting sports (archery falls into this category) at 10.  I will say, whatever he is interested in, there is a 4H club for it.  Cooking, writing, sewing, fiber arts, performing arts, every time of animal, robotics, forestry, leather works, wood working, etc. etc. etc.  The list goes on forever.

This is all true but remember that every single person at 4h that works with the kids is a volunteer. So if there is a club you don’t see that you want, be prepared to lead it yourself. It’s a wonderful community though and lots of support!!

Also another thing I should mention that was a surprise to me at first is that the activities are not drop off. So whatever your kid is doing be prepared to have an adult there too.

This ended up being a problem for us in the beginning when my oldest started with sewing. Due to conflicting activities I was able to get my mom to stay with her, and now my mom is the sewing club leader 🤣 so be prepared to become more involved than you ever thought you would haha!

So true!  This is how I ended up with 50 boxes of Lego Technic to sort.  We are starting a new robotics section and it requires the fancy Mindstorms kit.  Guess who volunteered to sort and create new kits?  LOL.

[CloudBee]

Apr 16, 2021 10:43:57 GMT -5 af1212 said:

Apr 16, 2021 10:30:07 GMT -5 oregonpachey said:

Remind me how old he is?  Here in Oregon, your kid can only start to participate in shooting sports (archery falls into this category) at 10.  I will say, whatever he is interested in, there is a 4H club for it.  Cooking, writing, sewing, fiber arts, performing arts, every time of animal, robotics, forestry, leather works, wood working, etc. etc. etc.  The list goes on forever.

Also another thing I should mention that was a surprise to me at first is that the activities are not drop off. So whatever your kid is doing be prepared to have an adult there too. 

This is helpful to hear. I wasn't expecting to drop off as we have to drive about 45 mins one way tonight, but it sounds like I will be ok to hang around. We just received the group email reminding everyone of tonight's meeting. It's outside so we have to bring chairs. I'll bring one for myself in case other parents are sitting alongside.

[CloudBee]

Apr 16, 2021 11:10:12 GMT -5 oregonpachey said:

Apr 16, 2021 10:43:57 GMT -5 af1212 said:

...

So true!  This is how I ended up with 50 boxes of Lego Technic to sort.  We are starting a new robotics section and it requires the fancy Mindstorms kit.  Guess who volunteered to sort and create new kits?  LOL.

Oh man, I love this sort of volunteer gig. Where does the funding come from for Mindstorm kits?

[af1212]

Apr 16, 2021 11:36:45 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Apr 16, 2021 10:43:57 GMT -5 af1212 said:

Also another thing I should mention that was a surprise to me at first is that the activities are not drop off. So whatever your kid is doing be prepared to have an adult there too. 

This is helpful to hear. I wasn't expecting to drop off as we have to drive about 45 mins one way tonight, but it sounds like I will be ok to hang around. We just received the group email reminding everyone of tonight's meeting. It's outside so we have to bring chairs. I'll bring one for myself in case other parents are sitting alongside.

Yes that makes sense! I rolled up with my van full of kids to the first meeting expecting to drop and go to get my others to where they needed to be ha! It was quite a wrench in my day.

My H takes my kids usually (this is like his “thing” to do with them). Usually when there is worn to be done everyone pitches in including adults. But when it’s a meeting on h the kids the kids are learning the adults sit off away from the group. He says sometimes they talk, mess around in their phones, read a book, do wor k, etc

[oregonpachey]

Apr 16, 2021 11:37:24 GMT -5 CloudBee said:

Apr 16, 2021 11:10:12 GMT -5 oregonpachey said:

So true!  This is how I ended up with 50 boxes of Lego Technic to sort.  We are starting a new robotics section and it requires the fancy Mindstorms kit.  Guess who volunteered to sort and create new kits?  LOL.

Oh man, I love this sort of volunteer gig. Where does the funding come from for Mindstorm kits?

Well, we have kind of a unique situation.  My co-leader is the head of 4H for our county.  Her husband sponsors our group and we get grant $ every year.  Some groups rely on their membership dues for funding, or do fundraising drives, etc. 

[oregonpachey]

And just an FYI, our club is a drop-off. They do exist!

[af1212]

Apr 16, 2021 12:44:32 GMT -5 oregonpachey said:

And just an FYI, our club is a drop-off. They do exist!

Wow that’s awesome!! The only thing that is dropoff in our 4h is sewing but it’s only recently that way and it’s due to covid to keep numbers low.

[CloudBee]

I am so happy! I messaged a fellow homeschool mom who I've become close to this year, and told her about the 4H dog group tonight. She said her kids are in a STEM group on Monday mornings through 4H. I had already reached out to the group coordinator, not realizing that the group met during daytime / school hours. We're all signed up to try that on Monday morning! DS is a little nervous about not knowing anyone at the dog group tonight, but is thrilled that he will have a good friend at the Monday get together!

I am still in shock that someone is lending him a trained border collie for the dog group tonight. So random, and so kind. Ha!

[brooklyn]

My mom and her siblings were in it for years as kids, and my cousin was also heavily involved (she was President of 4-H in WI!)

They raise animals, do amazing arts and crafts, science projects, etc. They get judged at the county and state fairs and can win big prize money. My cousin got college scholarships, and did a really amazing presentation on treating diabetes in mice as an 11th grader. It is such a great organization and I was always jealous I didn’t get to have that experience growing up in Manhattan. (But at least I got to grow up in Manhattan! 😂)

[waverly]

I did it as a kid but we haven’t branched into it for our kids yet. DH did cooking. I did horses, wood burning and wood carving. My mom stayed but I could see more drop offs during Covid.

I think our chapter might be a bit of a drive. I’ll have to look into it again.

[huskymom]

The camp in Hartford Cty is such a great experience too! You don’t have to be a member and it’s more regular style camp than animal focused (there is a horse camp though) but it’s where I learned to love archery. He could start next year, something to keep in mind! My daughter is doing her first full week this year, she’s only done the mini camp, but they aren’t offering it this year.

[CloudBee]

Apr 16, 2021 14:48:51 GMT -5 huskymom said:

The camp in Hartford Cty is such a great experience too! You don’t have to be a member and it’s more regular style camp than animal focused (there is a horse camp though) but it’s where I learned to love archery. He could start next year, something to keep in mind! My daughter is doing her first full week this year, she’s only done the mini camp, but they aren’t offering it this year.

Thanks for the tip! I will look into this! Thank you.

We had just tapped into some new activities last year, and then the world closed down. We're trying to branch out again!

[estrellita]

I was in 4H as a kid! My club had very few farm related projects. I did pet projects, but with birds and hamsters. My other projects were usually needlework (mostly crocheting), photography, foods, and a couple others I can't remember off the top of my head. We did lots of other things throughout the year, like lots of community service (highway cleanup, food drives, lots of things), fun get togethers, and Share the Fun (basically a skit competition). I really enjoyed it until high school. My mom and sister are adult leaders for the club! I'd consider signing my kids up but where we live now is a total farm town, so it would be very different! Not bad different, just not what I'd prefer!

[CloudBee]

Guys! He has such an amazing time at the 4H dog club last night. The leader let him borrow one of her border collies, which allowed him the opportunity to jump right into the ring alongside everyone else. Initially her daughter (probably 18 yrs old?) walked alongside DS part of the time and instructed him on what commands to give the dog. She showed him the ropes, and he managed for almost 90 minutes on his own!

He watches a LOT of Dr. Pol and was able to answer quite a few of the "hound dog category" questions presented during the learning session at the end of group. He was also the only one able to answer what type of insect infects dogs with heart worm. What a confidence boost, as he was the youngest one there.

The leader told him that if he commits and returns, she'll let him borrow one of her border collies at every meeting until his new puppy is fully vaccinated/cleared by the vet. (He has a golden retriever coming home within the next week. Was supposed to come home a few days ago but the entire litter is sick.)

Thank you for all of your advice! Monday he will try out our county's 4H homeschool group. It's mostly art/STEM/building based. They do community service projects, but mostly let the kids decide what kind of hands on projects and art they want to construct. He'll have a friend there, so I think he'll fit right in and feel comfortable.

[af1212]

Yay! So glad to hear this.

Another thing I want to say which it seems you have already experienced is that everyone there is SO NICE!! My oldest has had some real social challenges and some of her peers are not very kind to her. But since the 4h clubs are ages 8-18 she is still one of the youngest at each thing she does. And the older kids are just so wonderful to her. It’s a really great program.