One of my favorite parts of 4-H Project Records is the financial section. That might seem a bit odd but it helps 4-H members begin to understand that there are real costs associated with most activities.
For a beef project, those costs include the cost of the animal, the cost of feed and veterinary visits, as well as equipment and tack needed to show. Even if the animal or feed is a gift, there is a cost associated with it!
For a photography project, costs can include a camera, printing costs, and attending a photography class or workshop.
For other activities, do you help your child understand the cost of participation? This could be dance, summer rec sports, traveling teams, or theatre productions. Add in potential costs of travel, hotel rooms, livestock show entry fees, and equipment, and it can add up fast.
I know of several 4-H youth who are responsible for farm chores or have other jobs to help earn an animal or feed for their project or to help fund other camps and activities that are important to them.
Like it or not, we all have to make family budget decisions on activities to see what works and it is hard to say no or to limit to one or two activities each year.
Yes, there are immeasurable benefits such as learning skills, taking on challenges, growing in confidence and leadership, and that can help lead to scholarships and networking. However, there is a balance needed that can be hard to navigate.
Do we want to protect our kids from the hard discussions? Sure, but having smaller discussions now can help when it comes to discussing bigger issues such as purchasing a car or paying for an education.
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!
Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.
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