When parents hear “4-H,” they often picture kids raising goats, caring for livestock or showing cows at the San Diego County Fair. And that vision would be accurate, but while animals and agriculture are an important part of 4-H, they are only part of a bigger program.
4-H is a national organization focused on giving kids experiences that build real-life skills through hands-on learning. Youth ages 5–19 can explore a variety of interesting topics to learn about, set and achieve goals, and develop responsibility, confidence and leadership skills in the process. 4-H offers another valuable opportunity: community.
“Our family is part of a charter school that is a hybrid homeschool program,” says Amy Jensen of Oceanside. “We were looking for additional ways to interact with other kids in our community.” They found it by joining Surfside 4-H.
As your family considers extracurricular programs, 4-H can offer a unique combination of hands-on learning, friendships, responsibility and opportunities to try something new.
What exactly is 4-H?
4-H is a learn-by-doing youth development program. Kids choose projects based on their interests and work toward goals with guidance from adult volunteers. Depending on the club, projects can include science, engineering, animals, gardening, cooking, arts and crafts, and more.
One appealing aspect of 4-H is that there isn't one singular 4-H experience. Every club is different because projects are led entirely by volunteers who bring their own expertise to the group.
For 10-year-old Margaret of Oceanside, 4-H is all about the combination of discovery and friendship. “4-H is a community where you can make new friends while learning about different subjects like art, animal care and plants,” she says.
Margaret's interest in farming and farm animals led her family to give 4-H a try. Her local chapter offered a poultry project, and she was particularly excited about the possibility of having chickens. “I presented in front of the UC Davis agriculture team, talking about chicken anatomy and how to tell the difference between a hen and a rooster,” she says.
From Small Engines to Dairy Heifers
Jensen’s 10-year-old son Zane participated in the Small Engine Project, where his group took apart, sanded, primed, repainted and reassembled a small tractor. After completing the project, the kids put the tractor on display at the San Diego County Fair.
Jensen’s 13-year-old daughter Eloise had the privilege to work on a dairy project where Hollandia Dairy donated four Holstein heifers for the children to raise, work with and show. Beginning when the animals were just six months old, the kids had to tame and train them to be haltered, walk on a halter and remain under their handler's control. This past June, Eloise showed her heifer at the San Diego County Fair, where the pair earned first place in breed and first place in showmanship.
“The relationship my daughter has developed with Nellie, her one-year-old dairy heifer, is something special and an absolute highlight of her time in 4-H,” says Jensen.
Another favorite experience for Margaret was competing at the fair with her dairy heifer, Cupcake. “I won the blue ribbon in showmanship for my age group and went on to master showmanship!” she says. Competition is an exciting part of the experience, as it represents months of learning, practice and responsibility.
The Fair and Beyond
The San Diego County Fair is a major highlight for 4-H members because they have opportunities to show their animals, demonstrate skills and exhibit projects they've worked on throughout the year. Depending on projects and club, youth can share what they've learned in competitions, demonstrations, fundraisers and other events all over Southern California.
As California 4-H is a cooperative with UC Davis, most major events are held in that area. However, San Diego County is home to large chapters around Fallbrook, Valley Center and Escondido, with smaller chapters throughout the county.
It's a Family Affair
While the focus is on the kids, families play a major role. “4-H clubs are run completely by parent and family volunteers,” Jensen explains. “All the projects we offer are led by family members who share their interests and knowledge.”
As the community club leader for Surfside 4-H, part of Jensen’s volunteer role is helping coordinate the club and its projects. “Parents and families are a huge part of our success,” she says.
Margaret's family is also involved. Her dad accompanies her to clean the cow pens multiple times a week, while others provide encouragement and guidance. “The volunteers teach and encourage me to do my best, especially when it's hard,” Margaret says.
The King Family of Escondido began 4-H about 12 years ago with little knowledge of the program. Makayla (18) is in her final year. She is the president of the 56 Ranchers club and is involved in showing pigs, sheep, market chickens and turkeys. Makayla’s siblings also went through 4-H—Chase (20) is now a diesel mechanic at a local dairy and Holly (22) is a riding instructor at Wylde Horses Therapeutic Riding Facility. Mom Jasmine is the 56 Ranchers community club leader.
Finding the Right Club
Interested families should look for a club that fits their location, interests, availability and schedule. A standard project meeting may be about an hour per month, but some projects require significantly more time.
“Projects like dairy require a lot more involvement and responsibility than an arts and crafts project,” Jensen says. “With multiple children participating in multiple projects, the calendar fills up quickly. I always make sure families are choosing projects that fit their schedule.”
Celebrating 4-H
The time to learn more about 4-H has never been better. National 4-H Week will be celebrated October 4–10. The theme “Beyond Ready” highlights 4-H's role in preparing young people for life and careers in a changing world.
Throughout the week, current member and alumni celebrations will shine a spotlight on the many ways 4-H helps youth grow in confidence, discover new interests, build friendships, and develop skills they carry for years to come. That is the heart of 4-H: helping kids to become capable, ready and excited for the future.
For information on how to get started in a local 4-H club, visit the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources San Diego County site at https://ucanr.edu/site/4-h-san-diego-county.
Amanda Cavallari is a lifestyle writer residing in San Diego with her husband and four kids.
