“The Round Up," a 4-H club, has many things to offer students.
For instance:
•Our next meeting will consist of planning the Christmas parade, learning the educational side of keeping records, and having fun, giving thanks while we eat turkey and cupcakes.
•At our Oct. 13 meeting, our officers were elected and we were educated on the basics of a horse.
•This year’s Florida State 4-H Horse Show filled every stall at the Tampa State Fair Grounds. The competition was at an all time high, having an average of 40 entries in the classes.
•Last year, we had several students go to the Area A Horse Show in Okaloosa County; one rider out of five took the challenge to compete at the state level.
Alex Cooke qualified from the Area “A” 4-H Horse Show in April, and was awarded the SR High Point Hunter of the show.
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. The Florida 4-H Youth Development Program uses a learn-by-doing approach and caring adults to help youths gain the knowledge and life skills they need to be productive, responsible citizens.
To achieve its mission, 4-H accesses the expertise and resources of the University of Florida and a nationwide network of Cooperative Extension Service faculty and staff.
4-H meetings consist of a business meeting with officers, educational programs, and recreation.
We salute the 4-H flag, American flag and have bylaws, just as our country has a constitution. There is also just as much fun as there is learning throughout the club year. We have overnight stays at Camp Timpoochee, go to horse shows, and participate in the fair and parades.
Even if you don’t own a horse, youths are still welcome to attend 'The Round Up' club meetings and learn all about horses. There are hands-on activities for youths to apply the knowledge that they learn at the club meetings.
Programs like 4-H can give today’s youths a bigger field to dream in as the top riders also headed to the Southern Regional 4-H horse show at the end of July.
If your child would like to participate or you would like to volunteer in 4-H, visit our website, http://okaloosa.ifas.ufl.edu/4h.shtml or contact me, your 4-H extension agent, at 689-5850.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: 'The Round Up' 4-H club meetings
WHEN: 6 p.m. the second Monday of every month
WHERE: Laurel Hill Farm
Misty Smith is an agent at the University of Florida's Extension office in Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION: Spotlight on 'The Round Up' 4-H Club