Letter to the Editor

Come experience county fair

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

You may have heard of 4-H, and maybe you know that it has something to do with animals. But I would like to take this opportunity as my club's reporter to share with you what 4-H has to offer and also invite you to come see for yourself at our upcoming Fair.

4-H actually stands for something. Our pledge explains the 4 h's and the motto members live by. The H's include: Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

Our motto is to make the best better. We are always finding ways to improve ourselves, our animals, our community, and our world.

There are many divisions included in 4-H that do not require one to live on a farm, or pay boarding for livestock. There are clubs supporting projects such as; sewing, cooking, rocket building, ceramics, gardening, archery, and tractor pulling.

Animals that can be shown at the fair as pets include; chickens, rabbits, pigeons, cats, dogs, miniature horses, alpacas, llamas, and goats. Others can be shown as breeding animals and not sold, for example, dairy cow, cow/calf pair, or bottle calf, sheep, and swine.

I have personally grown in 4-H by thinking of others and supporting them in their challenges. I have lent my heart out to my community to raise money for organizations that were not my own.

I have reached out my hand to other members that needed support. I have improved my health by becoming more confident when I give presentations. I have started my own college fund from selling my market swine every year.

I have learned how to budget money and keep track of my expenses. I work individually, as a team, and with animals. I am responsible for appointments and deadlines, I've learned how to write about my experiences, I keep a health record of my animals, and this year we are doing individual interviews with leaders about our projects to get us ready for future jobs. 4-H gives kids an opportunity that no other sport does.

Come experience our Elmore County Fair July 19th through the 25th in Glenns Ferry. Come see what 4-H members work so hard for. Learn about how you can get involved in this organization. It's amazing for our youth to be part of something so great, and when you see us around town promoting what we are so proud of, stop and ask us questions about our projects. Take the time to see what 4-H is giving the community you live in.

-- McKenzie Schwager,

Reporter for Wild Vaqueros 4-H Club