Dear Editor, I am finishing up my last month of 4-H as a youth. I want to share a few thoughts with my community as to why I think everyone should be a part of 4-H. I have been a part of the Prairie Hills 4-H Club for the past 10 years. Throughout these past 10 years, I have gained so many opportunities and skills that have helped me get to where I am today. From those long nights in the barn cleaning stalls and tending to animals, to traveling across the country for livestock judging, to picking up road ditches and cleaning the field house, to learning how to bake bread, and learning how to sew a quilt, these are just a few of the things that 4-H has allowed me to do.
There are many things that I owe to 4-H, but the main ones that come to mind include the friendships that I’ve formed, the networking skills I’ve gained, shaping my public speaking skills, and making memories with my family and extended family.
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to see what 4-H can do for you. Whether you join just for one year or even one event that 4-H puts on, you will quickly see just how much 4-H means to those involved in it and just how much you can learn from being a part of this organization. My fondest memories include making friends and creating connections through 4-H.
If you have any questions about specific things in 4-H or about different opportunities, please feel free to reach out to me or anyone else that you know involved in 4-H and I’m sure we can answer any questions that you have. 4-H is about finding and developing skills to use for life. Thank you, SD 4-H, for providing me with awesome experiences and memories to last a lifetime! Sincerely, Carissa Scheel