Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007

4-H members get the word out

by Clarke Davis

Jessa Brinker, 11, has discovered a lot of benefits to belonging to 4-H and is busy encouraging others to join as well.

Next week is National 4-H Week and the best time to invite children to attend meetings and become involved.

“This is my leadership project — to build 4-H membership in both Valley Falls clubs,” Jessa said in a recent interview. “I enjoy 4-H because you get to have fun with your friends while also learning things, and I want to pass this information along to others.”

Assisting her is Faith Wildeman, a sixth-grade classmate. Both have been 4-H members for four years and are active in a number of projects.

Jessa will be handing out fliers next week to the children in grades 1 through 8 explaining things about 4-H and inviting them to join. A 4-H banner will also be displayed at school.

Along with the meetings and projects, the highlights of 4-H for Jessa are the county and state fairs and the two- and three-day summer camps at Rock Springs Ranch.

“I have met new friends from all over the state,” she said.

Both girls belong to Valley Victors 4-H Club. They originally joined Prosperity and when it grew too big, they transferred to Valley Victors. Both local clubs have between 30 and 40 members.

Valley Victors meets at 7 p.m. the second Sunday of each month at the 4-H building on the fairgrounds. Prosperity meets on the third Sunday at the same time and place.

Faith said she would be encouraging members to display their projects at future meetings, which might help guests and new members decide what to become involved in.

Jessa had two steers and a heifer at the county fair and the heifer won the showmanship class at the Kansas State Fair. Her favorite activities are photography and foods. She had a photo go to state where it got a red. In foods, her pickles received a state fair blue.

She also has projects in clothing, arts and crafts, quilting, and reading.

Faith’s list of projects are almost the same. Her bucket calf went to the county fair dressed like a poodle and will become her heifer project next year.

She has excelled in clothing having won both a championship and reserve championship. Her demonstration at the state fair captured blue.

“There are so many more things kids can get involved in,” Jessa said. “Archery, horses, dogs, and rocketry are just a few of them. There’s something for everyone.”

“During these projects, we learn about making good choices and respect for others. You also learn public speaking by doing project talks and demonstrations to other members in your club to share your experiences. By sharing your experiences everyone learns,” she said.

Jessa is the daughter of Ross and Susan Brinker. Faith’s parents are Doug and JoLina Wildeman.