The Lake Hamilton School District recently hosted the 2019 4-H District O'Rama, which drew over 300 youths and adults, both to participate and to support the contestants. Each year, counties all over Arkansas hold O'Ramas in their home communities. Winners of the county events have the opportunity to compete on the district level. Garland County 4-H'ers have traveled to neighboring counties for this event for the past several years, but this year they were able to compete in their own hometown!
A 4-H O'Rama allows 4-H members to compete in various areas. At the county level, those areas include illustrated talks, public speaking, and performing arts in vocal, instrumental and dance. They also compete in fashion revue, bicycle, BB gun, and bait casting. Many other competitive events are available to choose from!
This year, 13 4-H members from Garland County competed. Of the 13, five received first place, one received second place and one received fourth. Age categories for district competition are divided into two groups: Juniors, ages 9-13, and Seniors, ages 14-18. Four of our senior members will have the opportunity to compete at the state level at the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville later in July. Not only will they be competing, but there will also be an opportunity for faculty to share information about related college degree programs.
Everyone loves a little friendly competition. The 4-H O'Rama provides a fun, safe atmosphere for 4-H youths all across Arkansas to showcase their skills and interact with kids from other counties. Aside from the competitive aspect of the O'Rama events, the Arkansas 4-H program also uses these events to target many life skills. Among those skills are hard work and self-esteem, learning to communicate in an effective way, problem-solving, and becoming involved in their communities as adults.
As a youth develops each particular project area, they spend much time and effort researching, discovering their strengths and weaknesses, and learning all they can to make their project a success. O'Ramas help them stay focused on the goals they set for themselves as they strive for that first place ribbon or trophy. Judges who participate share their scoresheets with the contestants after the event. Positive comments of praise or encouragement help youths improve their presentations for the next competition.
In 4-H, the kids learn how to express themselves in a formal public presentation. Speaking in front of a group of people is a skill that will be quite valuable throughout life. The 4-H youths begin speaking in front of groups as early as 5 years old. By the time they reach college age, many have spoken at dozens of events and to several thousand people before they even graduate high school!
In the area of citizenship, 4-H has placed emphasis on the importance of young people being engaged, well-informed citizens. By connecting to their communities and leaders, youths discover their role in civic affairs and learn to expand their role in decision-making processes. Civic engagement provides the foundation that helps youths understand the big picture of life and learn skills that will allow them to become wise leaders for the 21st century. Projects and events prepare young people to step up to the challenges in their community and provide them with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
Perhaps 4-H sounds like a program for your child to be involved in. Join us for great fun, lots of learning, and maybe even some ribbons and trophies!
4-H Club information
For information about Garland County 4-H Club membership or program benefits, see Linda Bates at the Garland County Cooperative Extension Service office, 236 Woodbine, call 501-623-6841, or email [email protected]. Additional information is available at http://www.uaex.edu/garland.
Master Gardener information
If you have an interest in gardening, you may want to apply to become a Master Gardener. You may obtain an application by calling our office to have one emailed to you, or by picking one up at the Extension office. You're welcome to attend the monthly Master Gardener meeting, which is held on the third Thursday of each month, 12:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 132 Abbott Place. The meetings are open to the public and guests are always welcome. Call the Extension office at 623-6841 for more information.
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 623-6841 or email Alison Crane at [email protected]. Follow Alison on Facebook @garlandEGF and @Garland FCS, and EHC on Facebook @GarlandCountyEHC.
Society on 06/24/2019