4-H builds future leaders
By Lauren Tam
The Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce welcomed local 4-H members and volunteer leaders at its July Chamber Breakfast for a look at how today’s youth are developing the skills to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Lauren Tam, joined by her daughters Lily, Ilana and Sadie, along with longtime 4-H volunteer Connie Crippen, shared that while many people associate 4-H with livestock, the program offers far more opportunities for young people to learn, grow and serve their communities.
“4-H is a youth development organization that helps members build leadership and skills through projects they are passionate about,” Ilana Tam explained.
One area many people don’t realize exists is tabletop projects. These include robotics, electricity, rocketry, engineering, sewing, leather craft, photography, visual arts, cake decorating, food preservation, woodworking and many other hands-on disciplines.
Throughout the year, members work with volunteer project leaders to develop new skills before presenting their completed projects during interviews with judges. The experience teaches far more than technical skills. Members learn goal setting, communication, record keeping, budgeting and public speaking; while gaining confidence through constructive feedback.
The Tam family shared how projects have helped each of them discover new interests. Sadie Tam, who began leather craft two years ago, now hopes to build a Western saddle someday. The family also participates in robotics, electricity, rocketry and sewing projects.
Leadership extends well beyond individual projects. Members serve as club officers, participate in county and state leadership opportunities, complete community service projects and compete in educational contests. Lily and Ilana Tam recently represented Colorado at the National Family and Consumer Sciences Quiz Bowl after winning the state competition.
Connie Crippen highlighted the livestock side of 4-H, where members raise cattle, sheep, goats, hogs and other animals while learning responsibility, animal care and business management.
“These kids are our future leaders,” Crippen said. “They understand work ethic, and they understand how to get things done.”
Livestock members are responsible for feeding, training and caring for their animals every day while maintaining detailed financial and project records. Older members regularly mentor younger exhibitors, creating a culture of leadership that benefits the entire program.
Although the El Paso County Fair has concluded, the work of many local 4-H members continues as qualifying exhibits and projects advance to the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo later this summer.
The presenters encouraged businesses and community members to become involved throughout the year by volunteering as project leaders, sponsoring awards and educational programs or supporting youth livestock through buyers groups and charitable programs such as Protein for Helping Others. The latter provides locally raised meat to organizations serving families in need.
Every project tells a story. Whether it is a robot, a handmade garment, a leather craft project or a market animal, each represents months of learning, perseverance and personal growth.
For the Eastern Plains community, supporting 4-H is an investment in the next generation of leaders, skilled professionals and engaged citizens.
For more information on the chamber, visit https://www.easternplainschamber.com/
