Et cetera : 4-H: North Eden Willing Workers learn about preparing projects for Fair

Connie McClintock, a County Fair project judge, spoke about preparing 4-H projects for Fair at the North Eden Willing Workers’ April 3rd meeting. She gave helpful tips on how to create ribbon-worthy write-ups and how to interview with judges, as well as how to reduce stress on judging day. Most important for 4-Hers to remember: choosing a project at the appropriate skill level, and presenting the project to the judge with a cheerful and interested attitude. Write-ups should be complete but not wordy, answering the questions “What was my goal?”, “What did I do?”, and “What did I learn?” A cost/benefit analysis and photos are recommended.

Ms. McClintock said that 4-Hers should explain a project and talk about what they learned even if the project was a failure, since judges may still award ribbons for learning experience. She also gave advice for making judging day most productive, such as bringing projects in the same category to different judges to get a range of opinions. Ms. McClintock has 59 years of 4-H experience in Linn County and has served as a 4-H leader, judge, and member of the Extension Council for many years.

During the meeting, the club’s Crayon Initiative Committee collected shoeboxes and reported on their progress. The Crayon Initiative is a national program that recycles old crayons and sends them to children in hospitals, and the North Eden Willing Workers are collecting crayons to donate. In the past month, the committee has recorded a video about the project, created posters, and presented at a school assembly. They plan to make collection boxes from the shoeboxes and place them in the area schools. If you have old, broken, or unused crayons, please donate them!

In other business, the club chose Adventureland for the Summer Trip and tentatively scheduled it after Fair. Leaders plan to have members earn their tickets by volunteering time to the club. Also, Junior Camp is coming up on June 3-5. It will be held in Monticello at Pictured Rocks and is open to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade 4-H members. Cost is $185 for 4th and 5th graders and $200 for 6th graders, who enjoy an additional canoe trip. May 15 is the registration deadline. During the program, there were no presentations. Members enjoyed snacks provided by Murdocks, DeKlotzs, and Radekes; 32 members attended.

Upcoming 4-H Events

· NEWW May Meeting, May 1, 5:30 p.m., Riverside Park – Hesson Shelter

· Deadline to register for Junior Camp, May 15

· Junior Camp, June 3-5, Monticello

-Sarah Kreutner, Reporter