Garland County 4-H season is in full swing! Between poultry chain, contests, and our yearly achievement banquet, there is always something going on that might interest you in 4-H.
In honor of Presidents Day, I want to talk a little bit about not what you can do for 4-H, but what 4-H can do for you. Did you know that Jacqueline Kennedy had a calf as a 4-H project while growing up? And Pat Nixon had a 4-H pig project -- she won a red ribbon. Even though no U.S. presidents were 4-H members growing up, they were aware of 4-H and knew of the impact it had on young people.
The mission of Arkansas 4-H is to provide opportunities for young people to acquire knowledge, develop life skills, form attitudes, and practice behavior that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society. 4-H is offered in nearly every county of Arkansas, providing those opportunities for youths -- keep in mind that many of these programs we offer are free. As it is said in the Cooperative Extension world, "We are one of the best-kept secrets in every county." Here is your sign to come to our office and get involved in any way. There is always a place for everyone in 4-H.
Our U.S. presidents have paved the way for 4-H'ers to thrive at the county, state and nation levels. An early example of this was in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Lever Act, authorizing the establishment of the Cooperative Extension Service as a partnership of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the land-grant universities for providing Cooperative Extension at the county, state and national levels. As a result, this laid the groundwork for 4-H at all those levels. So why wouldn't we guide our young people to take advantage of every opportunity they have to be successful?
Now let's back it up and start small. At the county level, there are plenty of opportunities available. They can start by signing up to prepare a talk at our county contests. Talks are usually around five minutes long, and you can talk about any project of your choice. Starting out talking in front of three to four people when you are young, can have a tremendous impact on their public speaking skills as they get older.
On a state level, they can grow into a leadership role and run for state officer, traveling across the United States representing the great state of Arkansas.
Nationally, they can run for office and become voting delegates. The opportunities for young people do not end. Every person has their fit in 4-H and I can't wait for you to come to the Garland County Extension office so I can help you find yours!
A look ahead
Garland County 4-H is offering Poultry Chain again this year! The deadline to order is March 12. If you are interested in getting some chicks, please call the Extension Office.
Big "T" Day is going to be on March 14, so if you would like to sign up for a contest (talk, talent, fashion, or dairy foods) the deadline is March 7.
The Master Gardeners are hosting a 4-H Horticulture Workshop on March 7. If you are interested in signing up, please call the Extension office by Thursday.
4-H information
There are 4-H clubs for Garland County young people who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities that are available, call Sara Jackson at 501-623-6841 or email her at [email protected].
Master Gardener information
Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. They're open to the public and guests are welcome. For more information, call Arin Shaffer, horticulture agent, at 501-623-6841 or email him at [email protected].
EHC information
Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC, call Alison Crane, family and consumer sciences agent, at 501-623-6841 or email her at [email protected].
An undated handout photo of Sara Jackson, Garland County Extension Office 4-H agent. - Submitted photo