4-H news

As part of our 4-H program, we offer projects through our clubs that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), Healthy Living, Civic Engagement and Leadership areas. Youth members participate by selecting projects that interest them starting in August. To help our 4-H’ers showcase what they have learned, we hold three county events in March and April: Presentation Day/Interview Contest, Life Skills Festival, and Animal Field Day/Open House.

Presentation Day and Interview Contest were held virtually again this year on March 12. 4-H'ers prepared a presentation that was evaluated on subject knowledge, presentation, organization, voice, manner and appearance, clarity, and the ability to answer questions. Our members presentations covered topics like Easy French Toast, Farm worker Health, and Heritage Turkey.Members who were awarded gold and blue moved on to compete at Regional and State Presentation events.

4-H’ers also prepared for interviews that included a cover letter and resume for positions as a Retirement Home Assistant and Petting Zoo Helper. Members can also interview at the State Interview Contest.

Life Skills Festival, which included Favorite Foods Day, Fashion Revue and Arts & Crafts Expo, was held on April 23. Many of our participants will be entering their items into the San Mateo County Fair and California 4-H State Field Day.

Animal Field Day / Open House on April 30 at the Crystal Springs 4-H Farm was a huge success with 280 attendees. Our youth leaders did a great job creating nine educational stations (bio security, compost, exercise, feeding livestock, grooming, pen up keep, poultry, rabbit care, and showmanship) for our attendees. Attendees learned what it's like to raise and show a 4-H animal as well as how to grow a garden along with composting. Our event received positive feedback like these:

Here is what some of our attendees said, "What they like most about the event."

My son loved the interactive elements that he could physically touch (after the last two years of distance and no touching especially). Getting to use the shovel, harness the goat, and pet the animals were his favorite parts. He also enjoyed getting to touch the egg yolk.
We especially liked the demonstrations including identifying the parts of a raw egg, holding the baby bunnies, blow drying a lamb, and looking for nematodes under the microscope at the compost piles. Also Presentation Day –Easy French Toast Favorite Foods Arts & Crafts Expo Fashion Revue we really liked seeing the cows, pigs, chickens and goats. All the caretakers were really great at answering questions and very eager to share their experiences.

All of our events could not happen without the help of our wonderful 4-H adult volunteers and youth!