10/11/2026
Were you in 4-H?
As we come to the end of National 4-H Week I've been reflecting on how one green clover has shaped my life in so many ways.
I started 4-H when I was eight years old, following in the footsteps of my parents who were both 10 year 4-H members themselves. I always had livestock projects as well as 'indoor' projects. My first year it was a beef heifer named Sarah and baking gingerbread. So much gingerbread.
4-H teaches lessons that seem more like fun than lessons. And every single kid gets something different out of the experience.
4-H gave me self confidence and self awareness. More importantly it drove home the importance of giving back to my community.
The seed of a 'servant's heart' was definitely planted within my soul during my 4-H years.
After I aged out of the 4-H program, I started volunteering with 4-H. That was 40 years ago.
I am still volunteering today.
4-H isn't just something you do. After a while it becomes who you are.
I pledge
My head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service, and
My health to better living, for
My club, my community, my country and my world.
