There is an old adage that states “you get out of something what you put in.”
One of my frustrations in youth activities is hearing “I don’t need to do that since I already have all the boxes checked for my application.” There are many opportunities beyond “checking a box!” This includes extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, and athletic endeavors; are you doing this because you like the activity and are contributing as well as benefiting?
My daughter has been involved in our local township, volunteered with a domestic violence shelter and a hospice, as well as serving on the alumni board for her college sorority and currently serves on a national livestock board. Did all of these things look great on her law school application? You bet! However, she was involved with none of these opportunities because they were great boxes to check; she was involved in them because each is a cause that is important to her and she believed she could give back in some way.
I truly believe that 4-H offers opportunities for every youth to expand their horizons, gain practical life skills, and develop leadership and citizenship skills. Can they “check some boxes” while doing that? Sure – those experiences are great on scholarship and job applications! However, my hope is that they will also learn a lot about themselves and the world around them and realize that it is much more than checking the boxes!
Our new 4-H year begins Oct. 1 and I’d love to visit about the opportunities that 4-H can provide for the youth around you. There are 11 4-H clubs in Barton County with one near you! National 4-H Week is coming up Oct. 4 – 10 and the theme is Opportunity 4 All as part of our 4-H Growing Leaders campaign. Be listening over the next few weeks for exciting things happening in Kansas 4-H and, in particular, Cottonwood – Barton 4-H! We have Opportunities 4 All for much more than “checking the boxes!”
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!
Michelle Beran is the 4-H and Youth Development Agent for the Cottonwood District, Barton County office. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth and Development related questions email Michelle at mberan@