I hope that you are enjoying learning about the wide variety of 4-H projects available to our youth! In 4-H, we look for a SPARK that inspires a young person to learn, grow, explore, and potentially lead to a career or lifetime hobby. Any of these project areas may just be the spark that inspires someone in your world.
This week we are looking at some very different projects.
Many of us have had a dog at some point in our life and learning to care for and train a dog is a big responsibility! Youth in the Dog Care and Training project learn about different breeds and their characteristics and why some dogs are better suited for different families. Youth explore dog behavior and body language as well as grooming and nutrition. In this unique partnership, youth and their dog work on obedience training with a goal of showmanship and agility training.
Another interesting project area with the potential for a career is Home Environment. This project explores decorating a room, and experimenting with colors and patterns. While I had no goal of interior design, I did participate in this project in 4-H and, with the help of my dad, designed and decorated my bedroom. This is a project I look back fondly on as it challenged me to coordinate my personal style with a budget, colors, furniture, and fabrics.
An active and extensive area of 4-H is Shooting Sports! This project area covers a variety of disciplines from Archery to Muzzleloading. Important aspects include safety first then learning the skills of a specific discipline. We have a great group of youth across the district who are representing themselves, their clubs, and our program at local, regional, and state matches. Shooting Sports is represented during the fair by poster displays so be sure to check those out!
If you are interested in learning more about these or other 4-H projects, check out kansas4-h.org in the Projects section! All projects include communications skills, record keeping, career connections, and opportunities for leadership and community service!
Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at [email protected] or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910. Kansas State University is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision, or hearing disability.