Choosing a Project
The first step to start your year in 4-H is to choose a project. Learning new skills, making things and visiting places with friends are all a part of a 4-H project. Members can take one project or many projects. For first-year members, one project is probably enough. These are some questions to help you choose a project:
- What interests you most in school?
- What are your favourite hobbies and books?
- What do you and your family and friends like to do when you are together?
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
- What have you seen at a 4-H display, fair, or show that you thought might be fun to make or do?
- Are you interested in livestock/animals and/or life skill projects?
After you’ve answered these questions, look through the projects and list the ones that interest you. Don’t forget the self-determined project in which you choose your own interest area to develop a project.
Give some thought to the projects you have listed. Do they match your abilities? Do you have the time, money and equipment to complete the project?
Talk to your parents and 4-H leaders; they can help you choose a project that matches your needs, ability and resources.
In 4-H projects, each project consists of numerous “units” that a member may take. Some are progressive in nature; others are specific to the animal or skill being learned.
The variety of units means there’s lots to learn and lots of challenge for both younger and older members. As part of each project, 4-H members keep records of their work throughout the year.
Clubs also plan activities such as demonstrations, judging, building educational displays, public speaking, camping, fund-raising or just having fun!
