Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Farm & Home News

Many people do not realize what 4-H is or what they can do in it. The following is a brief description.

The 4-H's stand for hand, heart, head and health. 4-H is the official youth organization of the Cooperative Extension Service, a Division of the University of Arkansas. It offers an informal educational program for both boys and girls ages 9 to 19 in urban and rural areas.

A member of 4-H has the opportunity to belong to a club, enroll in a project, keep a record of his or her project, and participate in activities, such as shows, contests, workshops and camps. The 4-H member is able to participate in club meetings and activities that benefit the 4-H'er and the community.

The organization provides educational and practical projects for the 4-H member. The project work enables a young person to learn facts and skills useful in everyday life; skills not taught in school; more about educational and career opportunities; desirable, personal standards of conduct, work, and health; to work and play with others; to be a leader; to be a good citizen; how to make new acquaintances and friends; and, how to earn and save money for the future.

The program also provides recognition and positive reinforcement for work well done.

In 4-H the parent's cooperation is very important to a successful program. It is an opportunity for parents to spend more time with their child on practical, educational experiences that supplement the teaching of the home, school and church. Parental interest and encouragement are major influences on young 4-H'ers. If parents are involved from the beginning chances are high for a successful 4-H experience.

Some of the major responsibilities of 4-H parents are to assist the child in selecting a 4-H project he or she can do and will enjoy; attend 4-H club meetings and activities with the child as often as possible  so that the parent can understand the type of assistance his or her child needs; read the 4-H mail that is delivered to the home (the 4-H mail gives up-to-date information on upcoming events, activities and due dates); occasionally assist the 4-H club leaders with specific tasks; share a hobby, skill, or interest with the 4-H club members during a meeting or workshop; and assist the child in keeping records on his or her 4-H work.

The 4-H member is responsible for completing an application for 4-H membership at the beginning of each 4-H year; which begins in October; selecting a project with the help of his or her parents; attend and participate in 4-H club meetings and activities; planning and supporting 4-H club activities (community service, fund-raising, etc.); reading 4-H mail that is delivered to the home and sharing the information with parents; and asking his or her parent, relative or other adult to serve as a 4-H project home helper to assist them with their 4-H project.

There are three 4-H clubs in Nevada County:

Nevada County Livestock Club is a project club which meets the first Tuesday of each month at the Extension office in Prescott. Club members meet at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting is Tues., Nov. 7.

Corral Club is a project club which meets at the Nevada County Fairgrounds arena each month at 7:00 p.m. The next meeting will be Fri., Oct. 13. The club has scheduled a fall round-up Fri., Nov. 3, where they will have fun and games on their horses. Entry fees will be $1 per game. They will be playing for prizes and ribbons. Some of the games offered will be egg toss, musical stalls, etc.

Oak Grove Club is a community club which meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Oak Grove Community Center. The club members meet at 6:00 p.m.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer 4-H leader and/or have a group of young people interested in forming a 4-H club call the Extension office at 887-2818. We are more than willing to assist you in making it happen.

Parents, if you have a young person or know of a young person who might be interested in joining one of the clubs mentioned above have the individual or individuals attend the next meeting or call the Extension office and we will answer any questions you might have concerning this positive educational program.