By MICHELLE BERAN
Cottonwood Extension District
It might seem odd how I choose to take some vacation time after the heat, humidity, long hours and stress of the fair. I love to help 4-H members learn no matter their county! I will spend several days in July judging a variety of events at other county fairs.
This opportunity to give back to 4-H members and help other agents is fun and worthwhile. Now, you’ll never find me sorting a livestock show or judging woodworking but I love to work with youth on Sewing & Textiles, Fiber Arts, Photography, and a handful of other areas. Being able to share my experience both as a 4-H member in these project areas and as an adult is very gratifying!
I’ve had the opportunity to encourage a youth to consider how their love of photography and distinct perspective can become a career in journalism, advertising, graphic design, and other areas.
I’ve also been able to encourage a youth in care and styling of their attire for the life skill of understanding a professional wardrobe and the necessary small details of shined shoes, appropriate accessories, and ironing skills. Last summer, I asked a young man about who starched his jeans. He was a bit affronted and proudly stated that he did! We had a great conversation about life skills and how impressed I was that he was willing to learn and practice this skill.
If you have a talent for woodworking, for arts & crafts, for welding, for baking, or for photography and you are interested in sharing your knowledge and expertise, please let me know as we are always on the lookout for project leaders who are registered 4-H volunteers.
Additionally, there is an opportunity for you to serve as a judge for 4-H or Open Class exhibits in other counties. If you are interested, check out the Kansas 4-H page under County Fairs/Kansas 4-H Judges Database (https://www.kansas4-h.org/educational-experiences/fair-resources/county-fairs/judgesregistration.html).
Some judging areas will need training such as Foods, Food Preservation, and Dogs. For the most part, a willingness to understand 4-H Project Learning principles and give candid but kind feedback is the most important.
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!
Michelle Beran is the Family and Community Wellness agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at [email protected] or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.