(Editor’s Note: The following article was sent to the Patriot from a 4-H organizer).
Through a month-long learning opportunity this past February, where 4-H members of all ages engaged in hands-on project learning, the 4-H Winter League had 180 participants from 23 counties involved with an exciting event for area youths.
Activities in the league included eight areas for youth to investigate.
Civic Engagement & Leadership
Service Projects where youth learned that helping others made them feel better about themselves.
“Our family donated a ton of snacks to the school our kids attend” said Corrine Lyon from Becker, parent of a participant.
“This community service project led our family to a great discussion about students that go to their school without having enough food. It was neat for them to have this hit so close to home.”
Wildlife Biology
Camouflage youth learned it can be hard to find an outfit that blends into your environment and the difference between camouflaging verses hiding.
Outdoor Adventures and STEM
Snow Sculptures, while making snow there was a chemical reaction with the vinegar and baking soda with the soap, it foamed up.
“I enjoyed getting outside and making a snow fort with my dad” said Raelee Lyon, 7th grader from Becker.
Expressive Arts and Communication Poetry
Participants learned how to make a haiku and how many syllables are in each line.
Engineering and Design
Sled Building youth learned how to redo their designs to make them work. Also, they learned that no matter how hard one works, some things might not turn out how you want, so one needs to keep trying.
“I guess I know to be persistent”, Jacob Lyon, 5 yr old from Becker said, as he was working on making his own sled.
Astrology
Stargazing where one drew pictures of the constellations they saw. One youth used M&Ms to recreate the sky.
Healthy Living
Create Your Own Workout where youth reflected that doing a workout is great for one’s body and mind.
Animal Science
Mock Animal Showing and Halters where youth learned how to make a halter. One youth said they have never shown animals but enjoy them at the State Fair and enjoyed making one.
This 4-H event was designed to encourage youth and families to spend time outside and learn about different project areas while doing fun activities. Ninety-three percent of participants are somewhat or extremely likely to try another activity related to project areas introduced during 4-H Winter League. Events like this are perfect opportunities one’s youth to explore things they may not have otherwise.
To find out more about Benton County 4-H opportunities, check them out on Facebook or Benton County 4-H website: https://local.extension.umn.edu/local/benton/4-h or call us 320.968.5077.
