From an article in the Capital-Journal:
The 2019 Shawnee County Fair took place July 19-28 at the Stormont Vail Events Center. There were public events, such as a pedal tractor pull, free concert and petting zoo, but perhaps the most excited participants were 4-H and Future Farmers of America members who showed up to show off a variety of projects that demonstrate just how much they learn.
The 2019 Shawnee County Fair took place July 19-28 at the Stormont Vail Events Center. There were public events, such as a pedal tractor pull, free concert and petting zoo, but perhaps the most excited participants were 4-H and Future Farmers of America members who showed up to show off a variety of projects that demonstrate just how much they learn.
“It’s a big deal,” said Lynette Hudson, co-leader of the Rossville Rustlers 4-H Club. “You work all year — whether it’s a beef project or a swine project.”
Students involved in 4-H clubs — those students can range in age from 7 to 18 years old — might choose to raise and care for livestock, but those aren’t the only types of projects 4-H’ers complete and present at the fair. They can also bring in vegetables they have grown, a welding project they put together, a series of photographs they took, original jewelry they hand crafted — the list goes on.
“A lot of times 4-H gets this misconception that you have to live in the country and have animals to be in 4-H,” said Candis Meerpohl, 4-H youth development agent for Shawnee County. “We have over 800 photography exhibits. Anyone with a camera can participate in the photography project.”
Meerpohl said 4-H’s mission is “developing tomorrow’s leaders.” Project-based learning, she added, is how they accomplish that.
“It’s not just for farmers,” Hudson said.
Hudson’s daughter, Leah Hudson, is also active in 4-H, and as the Hudsons can attest, 4-H is a family affair.
Kayla Vandevelde attended the 4-H fair with her daughter, Kristen Vandevelde. Kristen, age 8, is a third-generation 4-H’er. Kristen, with some help from her mom, cared for two pigs she submitted for judging at the fair. She also baked muffins and created a miniature airplane and airport out of LEGOs, all of which she put on display.
“I absolutely love teaching her and showing her and spending time with her,” Vandevelde said of getting to guide her daughter through the projects. “It’s great to pass on the qualities of leadership and how to take care of animals.”
According to Vandevelde, 4-H is all about cultivating life skills, developing leadership, forming friendships and building community — sentiments echoed by fellow 4-H’ers.
To read the complete article, go to: https://www.cjonline.com/news/20190728/4-h-members-display-months-of-hard-work-at-shawnee-county-fair
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