Virtually, Doing Everything We Can

Published: 2020
By Jennifer Saunders

2020 has been a year of learning and thinking out-of-the-box. When COVID-19 introduced itself in March, 4-H families were emailed and asked to stay home, stay safe and stay healthy, so we could have a “normal” year. It was obvious I did not have a clear vision of what was ahead... But, with today’s technology and a lot of proactive planning and determination, 4-H has continued to be an active, vital program. Camp season was the first item on the agenda to address. Sadly, Cloverbud Camp for our youngest members had to be canceled, but with modifications Junior Camp and Tween Trip happened. Extra tents were pitched, most of the time was spent outside and everyone went home safe and healthy. The county public speaking contest allowed everyone to learn new technical skills through submitting recorded presentations for judges to watch, score and provide feedback. Best of all, many members choose to post presentations on Facebook, allowing a whole new audience the opportunity to watch and enjoy. Fair planning required a Plan A, B and C to be ready for whatever stage we might find ourselves by the last week of July. Masks, hand washing, and sanitizing were routine, and great efforts were made to keep crowds small. Members still had the opportunity to practice interview skills while one judge conducted an interview for all of a member’s entries. Animals were shown one species per day, and exhibited in several locations. The sale was live, but online bidding was also available. With the return of fall, the new 4-H Year has begun. Everyone has become much more adept with online tools and virtual experiences. We have 20-plus teen members participating in Montana 4-H Leadership Academy, where they will meet online every month through the winter and spring to learn leadership skills with 4-Her's from across the state. Our county awards program was a virtual event, allowing us to recognize member achievements in the last 4-H year. Orientation is being conducted online for new 4-H members, Cloverbuds and their families; I can see their faces and visit while sharing all the 4-H Program has to offer. Plans are under way for conducting online project workshops, which will be recorded and serve as a resource for years to come. A 4-H Leadership Academy keynote speaker and workshop presenter, Kent Julian, has a tag line to live by this year: You can sit down and whine or stand up and shine. We are all facing new and different challenges, but with a willingness to think outside the box and accept a new normal, the 4-H Program and I will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of Fergus/Petroleum County Youth. It is especially important right now to be that example, a positive mentor, and the supportive person that helps youth see a bright future.