This I believe

    A few years ago, our office staff decided it was time to clean out old office files and documents. While cleaning, we stumbled across an old document. The pages are slightly yellowed, there appear to be stains of some kind on the front page, and a few pages are curled or torn, but the message in this particular document couldn’t be more accurate.  
    The author of the document is unknown. He or she thought in depth about the continuing youth development that happens in 4-H and wrote this paper titled, “This I believe.” The following is a summary of the paper and it really hits the mark in terms of 4-H and positive youth development.
    “The 4-H boys and girls are more important than the 4-H project.” 4-H’ers enroll in 4-H to learn life skills through the projects they take in 4-H. Youth development also occurs through club meeting participation, fundraising, community pride activities, public speaking opportunities and leadership conferences, just to name a few. The development of the youth into a productive citizen is the goal of 4-H, not the development of the project itself.
    “4-H is not trying to replace the home, the church and the school — only supplement.”  To be a truly well-rounded individual, youth need to have support and direction from various individuals, groups and other organizations. To be a successful 4-H member will require the support and guidance from parents/guardians, grandparents and other caregivers or family members. 4-H can work hand in hand with the knowledge children are learning every day by providing them an opportunity for hands-on application of that knowledge.
    “4-H’ers should be their own best exhibit.”  4-H members may get so wrapped up in their project and displaying or showing that project that they forget their own appearance or manners. 4-H works to instill values such as good sportsmanship, gratitude and showing kindness to others.
    “No 4-H award is worth sacrificing the reputation of a 4-H member or leader.” While everyone enjoys winning, there usually is only one “winner” in regard to projects displayed at county fair. However, as long as the 4-H member worked hard and learned life lessons by completing the project and participating in 4-H, each member is a winner because of the knowledge and skill gained. Upholding the high morals and values of the 4-H program will teach young members what the true reward of participating in 4-H really is.

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