(Editor’s note: Kami Badger was a 9-year member of 4-H. She is a 2014 Greene County High School graduate and is now attending Iowa State University majoring in biology. GreeneCountyNewsOnline invited her to share her experiences to mark the beginning of National 4-H Week, Oct. 5-11.)
~by Kamden Badger
Looking back on my years in 4-H, I reflect on many great memories but I also clearly see importance of this program and what 4-H taught me. Leadership, communication, citizenship, team-work, and self-growth are just a few of the fundamental pillars of the 4-H program, and I know that my involvement shaped me in incredible ways in those areas. My growth began in my beginning years in 4-H but I grew in tremendous ways in my high school years to become a better leader and communicator.
When I started out as a 4th grader, I was scared. I know that going to the first meeting with all the older kids can be nerve-racking to some. I am so glad that I stuck with it. Being with the older 4-Hers helps give confidence to the younger ones and gives leadership opportunities to the older 4-Hers. These beginning years help 4-Hers figure out what they like to do and want to explore. Personally, I found my love for photography as a young 4-Her. This is also an awesome time for kids to meet new people.
One experience that I participated in that grew my citizenship skills was the Citizenship Washington Focus trip at the National 4-H Center right outside of Chevy Chase, MD. There we learned about our government by visiting the buildings and monuments. While staying at the National 4-H Center, I met 4-Hers from all across the country. We participated in workshops that taught us about being change agents in our own communities and becoming productive citizens.
I would say the experience that taught me the most was serving on the 2012-13 and 2013-14 State 4-H Councils. State 4-H Council is made up of 40 juniors and seniors in high school from all across the state. On council, we plan and execute the annual Iowa State 4-H Youth Conference, market 4-H across the state, secure program funding through the 4-Her’s for 4-H campaign, and serve as 4-H ambassadors to counties in Iowa. While participating in these activities, I gained leadership, communication, and team-work skills. One of the best parts was being able to meet the amazing people I got to work with while being on council. These people had a love for 4-H just as much as I did and we all wanted to make 4-H bigger and better. I encourage everyone to apply for this activity.
Another opportunity I received while in 4-H was being chosen to attend National 4-H Congress. This is a trip for juniors and seniors in high school to travel to Atlanta, GA, to meet 4-Hers from all across the country. There, we participated in team-building activities, communication events, learning about different cultures, and getting to talk with other 4-Hers about what 4-H is like in different states. It was interesting to compare programs. I spoke with teens from Alabama to Hawaii to Kentucky to Arizona. This trip was not only fun but I also got to experience many experiences that I would not have been opened up to if I had not participated in 4-H.
4-H is for everyone. It is for kids who live in town or out in the country. There truly is something for everyone in this program. This wonderful program offers learning through experiences. 4-H teaches the core pillars for life –leadership, communication, citizenship, team-work, and self-growth — in a fun, exciting way. Through 4-H people grow. I have experienced it firsthand. Get out and join 4-H today!
