Ravalli 4-H: Fun opportunities for All

Published: 2020
By Anne Bauer

The Ravalli County 4-H program, led by MSU Extension agent Annie Bauer, provides the opportunity for youth to explore and learn about topics important to them. Ravalli County 4-H has nearly 450 youth members, coordinated by over 120 volunteer leaders in 21 4-H clubs in the valley. There are a variety of county wide projects to assist youth in learning life-long skills. Shooting Sports: Small Bore Rifle and Pistol The 4-H Small Bore Rifle and Pistol discipline provided bi-weekly practices for seven youth between the ages of 12 and 18 with the goals of promoting safety, developing discipline, gaining self-confidence, and improving shooting accuracy. By the end of the three-month season, these goals were met through the hard work of youth and the two adult volunteers providing education for the project. This year, a teen who was participating in this third year of the project saw an opportunity to improve his leadership skills and stepped in as a junior coach. He demonstrated patience and knowledge, especially when he was coaching challenging students. Being involved with 4-H programs often presents opportunities for teens to identify a need, then empowers them to provide a solution, utilizing the life skills learned from past 4-H experiences. 4-H Fun Day Ravalli County 4-H Fun Day is open to all enrolled Ravalli County 4-Her's including Cloverbuds (ages 5-7) and hosts workshops, a guest speaker, and provides an “etiquette lunch” where youth dress in semi-formal attire and practice dining etiquette learned during one of the day’s workshops. The annual event occurred in November, 2019. A positive impact of 4-H Fun Day is that teen leaders are involved with the planning and implementation process. This learning opportunity allows teens to improve their organization, communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. 4-H Fun Day provides the opportunity for Cloverbuds to be welcomed into the 4-H program and interact with older 4-H members. Having these positive interactions can make lasting impressions and can inspire both Cloverbuds and their parents or guardians to remain involved with 4-H.