Yes i did belong to 4-H and am a better person because of it. Learned soooooo many things and still have some of the things i made like a covered sewing box, can't use it anymore the sides are ripped apart, a clover shaped needle holder, funny to look at now, and a few other things. Learned sewing, cooking, baking, canning. I also have a picture somewhere when i did a baking demonstration while in 4-H. Wow the memories

I Bleed Green. It was Girl Scout Green as a youth. The foundation of my life. The Mississippi cousins had 4-H but in the big City of New Orleans, Scouting programs ruled. Off and on in the adult life, I was GSA and BSA leader, and unfortunately, watched an unpleasant change in the program, where leaders were not leading, but doing for the kids. Fast forward to the last 22 years. My involvement with 4-H continues to grow. From a volunteer teaching about my aquarium hobby, to a current program assistant, who, in the words of my agent, " . . . does it all."

Recently, I applied for a large grant to build a Family Life Skills Lab. The grant requires a copy of the annual operating budget. We don't have a budget. The state provides office supplies, the county provides staff. Every program we have for the youth is self sustaining. There is an annual fundraiser which supports scholarships, programs and activities. 4-H membership is free, but there are fees for the special interest clubs, such as rabbit, archery, shotgun, horse, outdoor adventures, and when I get it going, the cooking & sewing clubs. Fortunately, the sewing I've done so far has all been done with donations of machines and fabric, (free for the kids.)

When our state 4-H was threatened by cut-backs, one of our kids began her own letter writing campaign. She got the attention of the Governor all the way down. It hit the news, and provided major public awareness, and finally a letter saying that the program would not be cut. We did loose some staff, but those positions are coming back now.

The 4-H programs build character, self esteem, confidence, knowledge, talent, and sooooo much more. Here, it is available to all children, 9 -19. No dues, no uniforms. I feel the roll 4-H plays is far more significant than the sports programs which are so popular. Most anyone with a thread of talent can become involved. Having your own kids is not a prerequisite. Call your local Cooperative Extension office to see how you can be involved.

4-H...our first year...four children involved...and so far all I can say is...I am overwhelmed by all the emails from the 4-H leader!! I am sure it is a good program...but thus far, the additional activities that are required is a little too much for this mom....we will see!!

Yup, my grandfather was known as Mr. 4H and the camp was named after him.

yes us kyds were in 4-h as long as we could be learned a lot. had very good leaders in our club.

ditto!

Yes, I loved 4-H. Many good memories from it. Sewing, cooking, forestry, camp, state leadership, a trip to Washington, DC. I could go on & on. Then my Mom was an active leader long after I went to college, etc. It is such a wonderful group. :)

No better place to learn skills including leadership and to have FUN especially learning to do stuff. Still have all my pins! Camps were a blast even when you were a counselor and you always took home something you made there. My sister met her husband at National 4-H Congress. I often think of the pledge which we recited at every meeting and still hold to the motto in the things I do:
To Make the Best Better.

I didn't know they were thinking of cutting the program. Is there anywone we can write to to state our objections?
I was in 4-H for 9 years and it was a very important part of my life. I went to the state fair twice. Once to model a wool dress that I had made and once to give a demonstration on how to do Red Cross bandages. I loved it when I got blue ribbons at the county fair for my projects. The only thing I did not like was when I raised rabbits. They were so cute. The 2 does gave birth to 30 babies. In the fall there was no market that year for rabbits. It would be too cold to keep them through the winter. So my father slaughtered them for our family use. Whenever my mother served rabbit,I would run in the bedroom and cry.

I was in 4-H and learned to sew. We made a skirt. They also taught us how to set a table and table manners. I am so grateful for the things I learned in 4-H. They helped me assimilate into society and feel the confidence that I needed at the time. Yolanda Wood River

4-H was a wonderful part of my life growing up....

Without 4-H, I would have never known how to use a sewing machine or make clothes. I don't make any clothes now, but all of the skills transferred over to my current passion for quilting. I served as a Junior Leader and it was a lot of fun to meet with others in that kind of social situation.

I was in 4-H clubs for Gardening, Horsemanship, and Houseplants and also learned how to knit from a 4-H leader. For me, it was an invaluable and very worthwhile experience.

A few years ago, one of the fabric companies printed yardage devoted to 4-H. I have not used what I bought, so far, but I was happy to purchase some of it.

4H and Girl Scouts for me, both help give young folks life experence thay may not get from home life, just my opinion, but I think youth groups like this are an important part of growing up.

I was in 4H for 10 years. Took Sewing every year. Branched out a little with Crafts and Electricity at times, but never dropped sewing. We sewers met about once a month, or more frequently if needed, at our leader's house. Another leader would bring her sewing machine (in its cabinet) so more of us could sew at one time.

One of the wasy 4H benefitted me was in Jr. High Home Economics class. While others were sewing look-alike projects, with their every action pre-approved by the teacher (to prevent things like sewing a seam with right side to wrong side facing) we 3 4H girls had individually selected projects comensurate with our skills. Mrs. Akers periodically came over to see how we were doing, but we just sewed until we needed her help. In the 9th grade she guided me through a wool suit with horsehair inner facings and self-made lining. I loved her for giving me some independence.

When my daughter was 4H age, we were living overseas in Japan and did not have 4H available, so it was Girl Scouts for her.

4H is a great organization.

I was in 4H when I was growing up and taught when I was older. One grand daughter is in horsemanship and one shows a beef. I think it is a wonderful program for young people. They have to learn how to give and take. They learn how to loose as well as how to win. Every child needs a few years in the program.

4-H is a program for mostly rural areas where kids can learn animal husbandry, gardening, and girls can learn sewing and homemaking skills. Some 4-H groups function well in urban areas, but primarily it is for rural areas and it is a shame that the groups are being phased out.

I took 4-H only one year. I can't say I learned much. Maybe I should have stayed in it longer. My kids do 4-H and I am really disappointed. There are no project leaders, for the most part. My kids are interested in things like sewing and woodworking, but you are on your own. If you don't know someone who knows how to do the project and is willing to teach your child-GOOD LUCK. The people at the extension office are clueless about what you need to do. We do livestock and there is very little guidance for that. Those who know don't want to share because it would put them or their kids at a disadvantage. Record books are never checked or required. For the most part the kids who win buy their livestock to win. They do very little work. My husband and I are trying to change that and require more of our kids and become involved.

You bet! I grew up in the country (didn't most of us over 50 yrs old?) and 4-H was the focal of our lives. I begged so hard when I was 6 (you had to be 7 to be in 4-H) to have an animal my dad finally "sold" me a pig to raise and my older brother was bummed that he had to carry the slop down to it because I was too little to lift the bucket! I raised, in the 4-H program, sheep, pigs and steers, selling them all off at the end, crying right beside the big 16 year olds when I sold my lambs (they are like house pets!).

Also learned to sew in 4-H and sewed my kids "good" clothes until they were about 12 (boys' as well as girls' outfits). Made my own clothes until I began teaching when I was about 30 and simply didn't have the time anymore. After retiring I fell into quilting.

Oddly, when my kids were growing up we lived about 80 miles away, over the Cascades, and there was no 4-H program at all. So, both DH and I ended up as scout leaders. That was fun and good for the kids, but the life long learning was totally different. Keeping records in 4-H was really important, and juggling the cost of purchase and upkeep really did help prepare one for life, as did the selling of our animals!

I did 4-H growing up, I entered things in the county fir and won ribbons, sometimes.

I loved the idea of being a 4-H member but that is all one can say about it - I was a member; we had very little guidance when doing a project; if it did not get taught at home - tough! The only thing that sticks in my mind was the time we made a bracelet out of copper wire - learned how to make curly cues out of it - and then intertwined them to the size that would fit out wrists... now out of 5 years of 4-H - that is all I got - sorry, but although many had much more help than that - I was not in the "clique" - thus it was a do at home as best I could; also, I could not go to the fair like other kids did - not in the realm of my parents thinking; someone else took care of my pens of ducks, chickens, etc. My sewing in home-ec got me through my sewing project. I got a blue ribbon on most - but it was mainly ME doing it - not a lot of prompting; I listened and got hints here and there - sad to say all this, but true none the less.

My grandkids are in 4-H now - and they are doing great - but there is great leadership also - but have to give a lot of credit to my d-i-l as she is one of the leaders and is so good at working with children and is a craft person, so can tackle about anything.

I was in a 4-H program in the city and I liked it. I did learn to sew and it encouraged that. We did not have animals or anything else except sewing and cooking.

I loved 4-H and believe it was an early discovery of the things I truly love to do. The children of today NEED to learn all of those qualities, but adults don't make those decisions today;"it doesn't fit today's lifestyle," seems to be the accepted way.

4-H was not offered in our area but Girl Scouts were and it was much different then, than it is today. 10 yrs in Scouts, a couple yrs of being a camp counselor and many yrs as a leaders helped me be the person I am today--I'm sure like 4-H did for you.

I was not a 4-H member growing up, but I was a 4-H leader for several years. My 4-H kids raised rabbits, sheep, and beef. Very rewarding time of my life.

I was poor, but my neighbors had a farm. The kids were twins and older than me but they let me play with them.Their mother was a 4-H leader. They taught me to muck the cow stalls, wash the cows for the fair, and lead a cow on a rope, They also encouraged me to be in 4-H. So I was. Their mother taught me to sew and was a model of a feminine, capable, confident homemaker. I was six of seven children and did not receive much nurturing at my house, but this family made a huge difference in my life perspective. Thank you Cousineau's of Rhode Island wherever you are.

Oh yes! 4-H was very big in the little town I grew up in. I was a junior member at age 9 and continued in 4-H until I was 21. My very first sewing project was a laundry bag, which led up to making lined suits, coats, formals. 4-H was a wonderful way to meet other kids and compete at fairs. A very wholesome upbringing. I made all my kids clothes while they were growing up but now I am just concentrating on my new love of quilting.

Met my husband at the county fair when we were working at the food booth!

:lol: :lol:

Wasn't in it for long, but YES!~ loved it and it gave me self confidence in making and showing things at the fair,etc.

I don't know what a 4 H is.. so I'm going to say no. :)

Like others on this board I was in 4-H, as was my husband, and my sons. I have been a 4-H volunteer and I still am a 4-H judge. 4-H is one of the best youth development programs around. 4-H is not just the county fair, though that is often the favorite aspect.

Not only do the youth learn project areas, they learn public speaking, Parlimentary procedures, builds confidence, they learn to rationalize their choices, demonstrations, how to talk to the judges, teaches responsibility, and the 4-Her often mentors the younger 4-Her's and youth who are taking a project area they may not be familiar with. Minnesota is facing budget cuts too and unfortunetly 4-H is not getting the funding it deserves.

To this day I cannot hear the Pledge of Allegiance without wanting to go into the 4-H Creed.

Yes, I am a huge supporter of 4-H. I also encourage members of this board to mentor youth in all areas but especially in the home ec areas. This is not being offered in many schools anymore and as 4-H judge I see so many youth who do not have anyone to teach them and they want to learn so badly.

So yes, not only did 4-H help me as a youth it has helped me as an adult.

If/When you read the thread, you'll get a good understanding from the posts and links as to what 4-H is all about!

we had a 4H fashion show. I made a flowered mini dress with matching head scarf and bag. My mother was a wonderful seamstress. I always sat beside her and talked to her. I wish more of her talent would have rubbed on to me. that was my first sewing project.

Excellent reply! excellent! I forwarded your reply to my SIL, suggesting they get their children in it. IT is so wonderful , you've made me remember why...

ahh I read it all. I was a Girl Scout. There was no 4H where I grew up.

Yes, I was in a sewing club for about 5 years. Just recently met my 4H leader at my Mom's nursing home. She's a nurse there. So happy to reunite with her and told her about my quilting obsession.

I was in 4-H one year, but didn't care for it. What I loved was Home Economics. I learned to sew clothing following a pattern, design floor plans, the proper way to set a table, etc. I already knew how to cook, but I did learn how to make good gravy and I learned about nutrition. Sorry to say, most small schools are doing away with Home-Ec classes.

It was such a great program...still remember the leaders, social get togethers, grange fair exhibits and "round Ups". I started out at 10 years with the sewing and then enrolled in the foods and agricultural programs. My brothers competed in the insect collecting category at Penn State and raised capons. I also did the photography and indoor/outdoor plants category. My sister and a neighbor friend raised a goat. The meetings involved show and tells which helped with speaking in front of others. There shoulc be more programs like this....not everyone can excel at sports, but one can in any of the 4H programs.

i never heard of 4-H or girl scouts or any of those type organizations. i just went outside and played. I wonder what neighborhoods they were in? not mine.

I joined 4-H when I was 9. I did all the projects from sewing,cooking and raising a calf. Club leader and work for the extension service until I got married. A lot of good memories from those years. Showing animals, entering your exhibits and waiting to see if you won a ribbon. Good days.