"4-H ain't all cows and cooking." When I heard this phrase from MN Vikings Benchwarmer Bob in 1975, I was an 18-year-old 4-H member who knew that phrase to be true. I loved the 4-H experience! I learned about public speaking, how to cane an antique chair, take beautiful photos, grow my own vegetables, sew a winter wool coat, and preserve delicious jams. When my children were old enough to join 4-H (kindergarten), I wanted them to experience the fun times and broad range of exciting adventures 4-H has to offer. The 4-H program had changed to keep up with the times and now offered computers, geospatial science, video production, and Arts-In song & dance shows.

The 4-H program my children have experienced for the past 12 years in Washington County has been outstanding. Their summers are spent creating exhibits for the county fair rather than mezmerized in front of a video game. During judging of their exhibits they must communicate to the judge what they've learned - a.k.a. communication skills. They are learning valuable leadership skills when as a county Ambassador they organize and teach a morning workshop to younger members. During Friendship Camp they spend 4 days teaching crafts and life skills to the 12 3rd graders in their cabin. They learn parliamentary procedure at our monthly meetings and learn how to make a motion. They organize fun social events such as dances, bonfires, and eating out. Our 80,000 hours of community service projects last year are estimated to provide $1.4 million dollars in services back to our residents. One of the highlights of the year is the MN State Fair 3 day encampment that is awarded to the best exhibits at the county fair.

This is a short list of the adventure of 4-H in our county. When our County Commissioners decided they were not able to fund this valuable youth program as of Sept. 15, 2009, we were devastated. This program means so much to over 750 Kindergarten-grade 13 youth in Washington County. We were told we had to raise the funds to keep the program going. In order to have a 4-H program in MN, we need an Extension Service 4-H program coordinator. We also need support staff and funds for supplies for all the activities 4-H provides. We learned that this would cost about $110,000 per year! This was going to be a big task, but 4-H is too valuable for our children to let it die. Each member in 4-H pays a county dues that partially funds our program. We are looking for youth conscious donors to help keep this stimulating educational program going for the children in our county. The payback to future generations is immeasurable. Please help us guide the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you!

Here is a link to a 4-H article that was featured in the local newspapers about our funding delema. Please read this for another view of the value of our program: http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/40871052.html?page=1&c=y