The County Fair Experience Culminates a Year of Learning by Doing

Exhilaration, nervousness, fun, and learning all happen simultaneously for a 4-H youth as he or she sits down in front of a judge for the first time as a five year old to share what they did and made for their county fair exhibit. Responsibility and commitment is evident with the ten year old as they work with their dog in the show arena waiting with baited breath as their animal follows the commands they have practiced together for so many hours. It is clear that the 13 year old who explained to the judge how he took apart an engine and repaired it had used planning and organizing skills, as well as problem solving. The 16 year old who serves as a manager of the day for the food stand practices communication and leadership as she provides instruction to the work crew. It is unmistakable that 4-H has strongly influenced the life of a 19 year old as she graduates from 4-H on the final day of the county fair and posts on social media: Thank you to Fond du Lac County 4-H for all that they do. This organization is the best thing that can happen to a child and will teach them life skills that they can take with them well into the future.

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