4H question

Well, 4-H is not perfect, made up of people who just don't "get it" or understand the lessons are for the KIDS to learn from. Much depends on your local folks and how things are run. And you get back to the PARENTS, who want to relive their youth with better results, thru the kids! Same kind of parents who can't let the kid lose or not be first in ANY activity they participate in.

Perhaps we are lucky that our local 4-H is big on KIDS doing their own work, not so much the adults. Older kids showing younger ones how to prep their cows and lambs, other animals. Leaders may be helpful a couple times, but then the KID has to be responsible for the job themselves. Leaders will put in the time if asked, helping with showing skills, drilling on parts of animal for questions, but only if the kid ALSO puts in the time to learn. You just LOVE it when the kid WANTS to learn, grows in skills.

I came up thru 4-H, did everything myself because my mom was working, no time to help me. So I appreciate greatly the many lessons I got from examples, demonstrations, and them having me do stuff myself to gain the skills I needed.
Seems like one of the big motto's for a while was "Learn By Doing", and it has always stuck with me. Doesn't matter what is being taught, sewing, livestock things, wood work, electrical knowledge, you MUST have the kid do it to have them learn what they need. They may get it wrong so you help a bit, they try again or project is less than perfect, but they DID IT THEMSELVES and can take pride in that job well done. Kids get so MUCH self-esteem value from that, just can't be measured as a bonus. They are WILLING to try many new things.

Our County kids almost always have placed quite well at the State Competitions they enter. Often win prizes, become State Winners. They have the deeper knowledge, preparedness and skills to compete against other well-prepared kids in all kinds of activities that 4-H offers. Some win scholarships or trips. Very personally gratifying to both kid and their 4-H Families who have known them since they were tiny beginners, going up the levels as they age! See the kids succeed wildly, with the benefits learned thru their 4-H involvement.

Again, 4-H is a great program, but is run by people who are human and may not be doing things the best way. Winning as a goal, has taken over their way of doing things, instead of methods of teaching so kid is better when they finish. Parents who do everything for their kids are shortchanging them, not letting them grow like the kid needs to, experience success by doing a project on their own. Kind of like doing the homework for the kid, who never learns to read, figure, to get the correct answers THEMSELF for class success.

If you want things to change, YOU have to be part of the program, get the competition rules changed to get focus back on the kids developing their skills. I have been there, it isn't easy, but one person CAN induce changes for the better. Adaptability in the program is part of the success, so it can move with the times. Nothing ever stays totally the same, have to be flexible to keep participation happening.