Anyone involved in 4H??

**Guest1** · 10-06-2004, 03:54 PM

Not necessarily homeschool, I know, but we'd use it in ours....

I was not a 4Her and I'm not sure what benefit it will be to Belle...I'm undecided at this point & would like some feedback!

Any opinions, advice, or what have you?!

Thanks in advance for helping me decide!!

**QuilterMom** · 10-06-2004, 04:38 PM

Ds was finally old enough to join this year and I had such high hopes for it working out. It didn't.

We live in a huge county and the groups that would really be best for him (lots of kids his age and groups that have a plan of action for those aged kids) are just too far away for me to drive (40 minutes or more one way). There are two groups near us, but neither works for us for various reasons. I did choose one of the two and went to a planning meeting, but they are more focused on the older kids, weren't responsive and helpful to my questions, etc. They were a tight group and I felt ds and I would have a hard time even fitting in (being spoken to, etc.).

I did go to our extension office and got a few free materials to use with ds on my own. My state also has a website with some free printable materials so I will use some of those with him as well. They will be great for his science lessons and great info for when we get animals for our homestead in the future.

I did speak to our county agent to sign ds up as an independent, but dh and I discussed it and decided not to. (Mainly because of some of the release forms we'd have to sign that we didn't agree with).

**Sara Noel** · 10-06-2004, 04:46 PM

I don't have tons of information, but here kids can join starting at age 5 and it is available in our area. I'm definitely interested, but am hoping I'm not disappointed by it.

I've heard wonderful things about it and am hopeful it will be a great experience.

**halo475** · 10-06-2004, 05:43 PM

Some friends of mine are starting a new 4-H club this fall, so I am very interested in what everyone's experience has been.

We are looking forward to it.

**kimmee** · 10-06-2004, 05:54 PM

Its like everything - good scout troops bad scout troops, good 4H clubs, Etc. The kids and I do our own and we have a few of their friends in the club. We learn about everything we are interested in - go to the monthly meetings, and county extension office. We receive the baenefits and discounts available to 4H and the training programs. We really like it - they learn to speak publically, raise awareness of community , economy, life skills, pride in self - pride in country - the leadership oppoortunities are unparalleled for children. And they have to make the commitment to participate and keep records - its not like science fair where Mom and dad did all the work so Junior gets a prize. They have to chart their progress and performance. I think it is a wonderful learning opportunity for kids and it encompasses old family skills!!