Don’t be afraid to ask questions

    Each year, Phillips County 4-H enrolls a handful of brand-new 4-H members.  Some of these young members have parents who were also in 4-H as a youth.  Some new 4-H youth and their families have no prior experience with the 4-H program. In either scenario, during the first year of membership, these families will have many new experiences and requirements that they will need to work through to complete 4-H projects. In order to have a successful first year, new 4-H families are invited to attend new family orientation meetings. These meetings cover topics ranging from 4-H history to district, state and national 4-H events.
    The meetings start off with the families learning the 4-H pledge and hand motions that accompany it. A brief history of 4-H is presented, including how old the organization is (over 100 years!) and the connection between 4-H and land-grant universities.
    The essential elements of 4-H are introduced — belonging, independence, generosity and mastery, or the “BIG M.” Each has its own place within the 4-H program. Every member belongs to a club, which instills the essential element of “belonging.” Members belonging to a club and becoming active in a group teach teamwork and how to build strong relationships with others. Members gain the element of “independence” through a variety of leadership opportunities such as leadership conferences, state and national events, and local activities. 4-H strives to teach “generosity” through at least one community service activity per year. “Mastery” can be directly related to learning a new set of skills in one of the variety of 4-H projects offered.  
    4-H membership and the structure of Colorado 4-H is the next topic covered. Nationally, the 4-H year runs from Oct. 1-Sept. 30. Colorado 4-H does charge dues of $15 per member, but Phillips County 4-H is extremely fortunate that the Will Heginbotham Trust provides grant funding, which pays state dues for each member. Returning 4-H members need to re-enroll on or prior to Jan. 15 each year and new families have until March 1 to enroll. Projects can be added or dropped until May 15.

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