4-H Flourishes in Custer County

Published: 2022
By Mike Schuldt

The Custer County 4-H program provides educational opportunities in various 4-H project areas. Members participated in project workshops during the 4-H year. Members of the teen council led the Cloverbud Day Camp and Market Beef Production workshops, while adult leaders led workshops in leathercraft, a weekly horse clinic, sewing, livestock showmanship, foods, shooting sports, and small animals. 4-H members demonstrated competence and confidence in their projects during the 4-H interview judging process and at livestock shows held during the Eastern Montana Fair. In 4-H we strive to provide youth opportunities to gain communication, leadership, and teamwork skills to enable them to become contributing citizens. Volunteer leaders and 4-H teen leaders were invited to lead project workshops with the county agent. Eighteen Custer County 4-H Teen Council members over age 14 participated in leadership training or served in county-wide leadership roles during the 4-H year by coordinating county events and teaching at project workshops. Each year, 4-H members look forward to participating in regional and statewide 4-H activities. More than 125 Custer County 4-H members participated in Southeastern Montana 4-H Camp, the Junior High Youth OREO trip, and Eastern Montana Regional Small Animal Judging, Regional, State and National Shooting Sports competitions, Livestock Judging, Champion of Champions beef and showmanship contests, and Montana State 4-H Congress. These experiences provide an opportunity for 4-H members to network with other 4-H members, gain communication skills, and take on leadership roles outside the county.