4-H Project Day Builds Skills for the Future

Published: 2022
By Julianne Snedigar

Project Day has become a well-attended and anticipated day for Blaine County 4-H members yearly. This year was no exception with over half the enrolled 4-H members attending. Participants took part in workshops taught by current leaders and 4-H alumni. The main focus of 4-H Project Day is for 4-H members to participate in different hands-on workshops that allow them to learn new things and develop skills they will use in 4-H projects and the future. Every year, a different club in the county hosts the day. Club members choose which project areas to focus on so that 4-H members experience new things each year at Project Day. This year, 4-H members learned new concepts and skills in leatherwork, cake decorating, welding, building coyote calls, photography, gardening, rabbit and cat showmanship, and livestock quality assurance. Two 4-H members shared their talents in leatherwork and taught almost 20 younger 4-H members how to stamp, cut, and dye different kinds of leather. 4-H members also learned about becoming an airplane pilot and possibilities for careers in aviation in rural Montana. 4-H members heard from multiple pilots and learned how they use airplanes in their work and daily activities. All participants could use their new skills to create items, many of which they later entered at the fair. Project Day continues to be the most attended 4-H event of the summer. Plans are in the works to add additional project days in the upcoming year. These events will continue to focus on hands-on, life skills development. Project Day continues to be a great learning event for the 4-H youth of Blaine County.