I feel like everyone ages 8 and up should be in 4-H and here’s why. 4-H helps young people become leaders and gives them a sense of hard work that they will use for their entire life. It gives them a chance to have hands-on experiences that will teach them to fail, learn, and grow with the help of adult mentors that are always eager to teach. Activities in 4-H include agriculture, STEM, community service, healthy living and more that will help kids gain the skills they need to be successful in life.

I have been in 4-H for 10 years and it has taught me so much. I show pigs, a cow, and take woodworking, but this year I am also showing a rabbit and studying photography. I was president of the Prairie Pals 4-H club in Palestine last year, and it showed me how to be a leader of a group and to get things done successfully.

Most people that are not in 4-H say that they do not have time for an animal or they do not know when the meetings are. You do not have to own an animal to be in 4-H and if you don’t know when a meeting is, just ask someone that is in 4-H already. Ten year 4-H member and Prairie Pals Secretary, Lindsay Ryan, said, “4-H is an excellent opportunity for kids to be involved in community service, volunteer work, getting to bond with other people, making lifelong friends, and learning leadership skills. 4-H has a strong impact on kids of all ages. It has taught me to more confident in leading, speaking, and presenting. Without 4-H, I wouldn’t have met these people, gotten to know them, and become friends with them. 4-H creates such a strong bond, whether it be with people or animals, and is a great atmosphere to explore out of your comfort zone and become more courageous and bold. Overall, 4-H is a great organization and I encourage more people to join.”