I heard a statement a few months ago that has really stuck with me and it describes my work in Extension, and especially 4-H, very well.
“It is important to balance the Jetsons and the Flintstones” – to me, this is about continuing to learn and provide up-to-date research-based information while being respectful of the foundations and history of 4-H. This can be complicated when I hear from community members or 4-H alumni who say “that isn’t the way we did 4-H when I was a kid”.
The fair is often an event that I hear “just isn’t the same” and that can come from many perspectives. I grew up with a small, county fair and I’ve worked with small, county fairs as well as larger fairs with many activities. Both have merit as community events but my focus will always be providing opportunities for 4-H members to share project learning with the community (that is really what a fair exhibit is!), receive feedback from a judge, and practice communication skills. These skills along with community service, leadership, and teamwork are truly the foundations of 4-H.
Yes – some of the projects and activities may look different as 4-H continues to look for avenues to provide youth with life skills as well career and job preparation and opportunities.
One of the neat opportunities that some 4-H Alumni have is to look at a career in Extension. We are fortunate to have a summer intern, Tamara Robertson, who grew up in 4-H in Ford County. She served as a camp counselor for several years, worked at Rock Springs Ranch for 4-H Camp a couple of years ago and will graduate from FHSU this year with aspirations of working in Extension. When you see Tamara at events and the fair, be sure to give her a warm Barton County welcome!
We invite the community to come out to the fair July 7-11 to check out 4-H members’ work and the other events and activities that the Barton County Fair Association have put together to celebrate our heritage in agriculture and our Barton County Communities!
The theme for the fair this year is “A New Beginning” which is a nod to the history of our area and celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail while looking forward as the fair adjusts and adds a fresh perspective to the events. Sounds like a balance of the Flintstones and Jetsons to me!
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness.
Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District – Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H and Youth Development related questions, email Michelle at [email protected] or call 620-793-1910.