When you think of the word “crafting,” you may think of hot glue sticks and pipe cleaners, but crafting also includes practices such as ceramics, woodworking, calligraphy, and leather stamping as well. Using crafting as a teaching tool can encourage youth to apply problem-solving skills, develop new interests, and increase confidence, all while having a fun, hands-on experience. This post covers how crafting can support the 4-H project, what crafting is, and how to prepare craft exhibits for the fair.
Does Crafting Support the 4-H Project?
YES! Exhibiting project work in 4-H is a cornerstone of the program’s philosophy of “learning by doing.” It provides young members with the opportunity to showcase their hard-earned skills, creativity, and dedication to a wider audience. Whether it’s raising livestock, crafting, or coding, exhibiting project work is about more than just winning ribbons—it’s about developing life skills, personal growth, and building a foundation for lifelong learning. There are several benefits to exhibiting project work, which is why it is one of the components of completing a 4-H project:
Recognition and Achievement: When 4-H members exhibit their work, they receive recognition for their efforts. This acknowledgment, whether through awards, feedback, or simply having their work on display, boosts self-esteem and motivates them to continue learning and improving. The process of preparing for an exhibition teaches members to set goals, meet deadlines, and take pride in their accomplishments.
Learning and Improvement: Exhibiting allows 4-H members to receive constructive feedback from judges and peers. This feedback is invaluable for growth, helping them identify areas for improvement and encouraging them to refine their skills. It’s an integral part of the learning process, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.
Communication Skills: Presenting a project to an audience or judge develops critical communication skills. Members learn to explain their work, articulate their ideas, and answer questions. This experience is crucial for building confidence and public speaking abilities, which are essential life skills.
Community Engagement: Exhibiting projects at fairs or community events connects 4-H members with their local community. It’s an opportunity to share knowledge, inspire others, and demonstrate the positive impact of 4-H. Exhibitions also highlight the diversity of interests and talents within the program, showcasing the broad range of opportunities 4-H offers.
Encouraging Responsibility and Work Ethic: Preparing a project for exhibition requires planning, attention to detail, and perseverance. Members learn to take responsibility for their work, from the initial idea through to the final presentation. This process instills a strong work ethic and prepares them for future challenges in education and careers.
Benefits of Incorporating Crafting into Project Work
Crafting can be a great way to learn about different cultures!
Crafting can significantly support the 4-H Project by providing hands-on learning opportunities that align with the program’s focus on developing practical skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Here’s how crafting can contribute to 4-H projects:
1. Skill Development
Practical Skills: Crafting teaches valuable skills such as sewing, woodworking, painting, and other forms of art. These skills can be directly applied to various 4-H projects, from home economics to environmental stewardship.
Fine Motor Skills: Activities like knitting, embroidery, and model building improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity, which are beneficial in many 4-H activities.
2. Creativity and Innovation
Project Personalization: Crafting allows members to personalize their 4-H projects, making them unique. For example, a 4-H member working on a gardening project might create decorative planters or garden markers.
Problem-Solving: Crafting often involves figuring out how to create something from raw materials, which enhances problem-solving skills—a key component of many 4-H projects.
3. Educational Integration
STEAM Learning: Craft projects can integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). For instance, a project on building a birdhouse can involve measuring, cutting, and assembling, all while learning about bird habitats.
Life Skills: Crafting teaches patience, attention to detail, and perseverance, which are important life skills that 4-H aims to instill in its members.
4. Community Service
Donations and Fundraisers: Crafts can be used to create items for community service projects, such as blankets for shelters, or for fundraising efforts to support 4-H activities.
Collaborative Projects: Crafting can be a group activity, fostering teamwork and collaboration among 4-H members.
5. Exhibition and Recognition
Fair and Competitions: Many 4-H members exhibit their crafted projects at county or state fairs, earning recognition and awards. This provides a sense of accomplishment and encourages further learning and improvement.
Portfolio Building: Craft projects can be included in a member’s 4-H portfolio, showcasing their skills and creativity, which can be beneficial for scholarships and future opportunities.
6. Personal Expression and Confidence Building
Self-Expression: Crafting allows 4-H members to express their individuality and creativity, which can boost self-confidence and a sense of ownership in their work.
Presentation Skills: When presenting their crafted projects, members develop communication and presentation skills, important aspects of 4-H education.
7. Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
Upcycling and Recycling: Crafting with recycled materials promotes environmental stewardship, a core value in 4-H. Members can learn to repurpose items, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Nature Crafts: Projects that involve using natural materials, such as creating leaf prints or pinecone decorations, help members connect with the environment and understand the importance of natural resources.
8. Mental and Emotional Well-being
Stress Relief: Crafting is a therapeutic activity that can reduce stress and promote mental well-being, helping 4-H members maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Sense of Achievement: Completing a craft project gives members a sense of achievement, which is important for building self-esteem and a positive outlook.
Incorporating crafting into 4-H projects not only enhances the learning experience but also aligns with the program’s mission to empower youth to lead for themselves and their communities. Crafting has been a vital part of world culture and is still celebrated today. Pottery, woodworking, string art, and various other crafts have contributed to the documentation and passing down of history across generations. While crafting has adapted and changed over time, its importance is still the same. It provides artists with a means to express their passion and emotions through their creations, fostering appreciation and sharing among others. Moreover, the skills acquired from crafting seamlessly transition into practical workforce abilities used in daily life.
Examples of Crafting:
While crafting can cover many creative areas, here are a few examples that you can introduce to youth that may spark their interest. This infographic can also be a helpful reminder!
Paper Goods– calligraphy, paper dyeing, origami, decoupage, scrapbooking
This is a great starter project for youth of any age and make great gifts for everyone. Crafts such as cardmaking and origami can help introduce youth to using hand-eye coordination. This project is cost-effect as it can be made with a variety of supplies, including paper, markers, stamps, leaves, flowers, magazine clippings and more. Consider having a messy craft when the project is introduced so that youth can get comfortable with thinking outside of the box and brainstorming ideas based on the supplies provided.
Home Goods– candles, ceramic pottery, macramé, wreaths, stained glass
For youth who may be interested in creating items they can give as gifts or make a profit from, crafting home goods is a great option. This type of project requires a few extra supplies but can be a rewarding experience. Some crafts such as stained glass and ceramics can become expensive, so you will want to make sure you have the right audience before investing. Since these crafts can vary in difficulty, size, and style, it can be a fun place to start with youth that may be new to crafting entirely. Macramé, making beeswax sheet candles, or clay figurines may be a good place to start to help spark interest.
Note that things like needlework, woodworking, sculpture, and jewelry belong in other fair categories, and are not exhibited in Class 7 at the North Florida Fair
Preparing Your Craft Exhibit for the Fair
Now that you have learned more about crafting, how can you encourage youth to participate? It is important to remind youth that they can enter their goods into the fair and win premium money! For the North Florida Fair, Crafting is Class 7 and includes the following entries: macramé, ceramics, pottery, candles, wreaths, picture frames, holiday ornaments, etc. To exhibit your crafts, you will need to complete a fair 4-H entry form and submit it to your local UF/ IFAS County Extension Office by October 1st. Your local office will provide tags for your craft exhibits and submit your form to the fair office. Use this checklist to prepare your exhibits for the fair. You may also want to refer to the judges’ rubric; craft exhibits will be judged based on creativity, technique, and neatness.
Lot- This will be your age division; write “A” for juniors (8-10 years old), “B” for intermediates (11-13 years old), or “C” for seniors (14-18 years old).
Exhibit- a short description of the item you are entering (example: horse holiday ornament )
Exhibitor- Your name
Address- Name of your county
Crafting is a fun and worthwhile way to learn new skills. Through crafting, youth learn new techniques and have fun and can share their crafts with others, which is all a part of the 4-H experience. And remember, if you need , 4-H has a great partnership with Joann Fabric and Craft Stores to support youth in their crafts through the Joann 4-H Rewards program.
Every fall, as the North Florida Fair rolls into Tallahassee, 4-H members eagerly anticipate 4-H Day, a special day filled with excitement beyond the usual fair food and rides. This annual event offers 4-H participants a chance to dive into a range of contests and activities, with one of the highlights being the Wildlife Ecology contest. During this competition, young people get the opportunity to test their knowledge and skills by identifying various forest trees and wildlife, making it a fantastic blend of fun and learning.
The Contest
The 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest is a showcase of both individual and team talents. All youth ages 8-18 can participate as individual competitors. Participants from the same county can also be organized into teams of 3 or 4, and compete at Junior, Intermediate, and Senior levels based on age. At the end of the contest, the scores from the top three team members are combined to determine the team’s overall performance.
The contest is divided into various stations, each focusing on different aspects of wildlife and forest ecology. Three main topics covered during the fall contest are:
Trees
Mammals
Birds, Reptiles, and Amphibians
Beyond the Contest
The 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest is much more than a competitive event; it’s a platform for essential life skill development. Preparation for and participation in the contest teach youth valuable lessons beyond academic knowledge of Florida’s ecology:
Critical Thinking: Evaluating plants and wildlife involves using what youth know to make smart decisions. They have to consider various details, like the characteristics of different species and their role in the environment in order to properly identify the plant or animal species. This hands-on approach helps youth develop better problem-solving skills and feel more confident in their decision-making.
Teamwork and Leadership: The contest encourages students to work together, which helps them learn how to communicate and support each other effectively. They also get a chance to take on leadership roles, guiding their team and making sure younger members understand the subject matter during preparation meetings. These experiences helps youth build important skills for working well with others in school and in their future careers.
Dedication and Perseverance: Preparing for the contest takes a lot of hard work and commitment, as youth need to study and practice regularly. This process teaches them the value of persistence and dedication, which are important for achieving success in any area of life. The skills they develop through this effort can help them tackle challenges and stay focused on their goals.
Starting a Wildlife Ecology Club
If the opportunities offered by the 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest has inspired you, starting a Wildlife Ecology Club at your school or community center is a great way to engage more youth in environmental education. These clubs are wonderful way of integrating various age groups and skill levels, allowing members to work both independently and collaboratively. Inviting special speakers such as extension agents, foresters, and rangers can introduce youth to meaningful careers in forestry and wildlife conservation. In addition to club meetings, monthly hikes can provide hands-on experience, allowing kids to explore the outdoors while refining their identification skills.
Your local county 4-H agent and staff are the greatest resource on how you could get started in your area. Many counties in Florida already boast 4-H community clubs dedicated to wildlife and forest ecology that you can volunteer or meet to shadow before starting your own club. In addition, the Florida 4-H Forest Ecology page offers a wealth of information regarding the annual statewide and national Forest Ecology Contest that is held each spring.
Conclusion
The 4-H Wildlife Judging Contest at the North Florida Fair exemplifies the intersection of competition and education, offering a dynamic platform for youth to deepen their understanding of Florida’s forests and wildlife. Beyond the competition, the skills and experiences gained through participation are invaluable, preparing young individuals for future challenges and opportunities. Whether through participating or starting a new club, engaging with Florida’s wildlife and ecology fosters a lifelong appreciation for the natural world and equips youth with essential life skills.
You can exhibit canned food at the North Florida Fair to earn ribbons and fair premiums. Whether you grew or harvested the food yourself, or you purchased food that was in season to preserve, exhibiting canned food is a big part of any 4-H food safety or preservation project. This article will help you prepare your canned goods to exhibit at the North Florida Fair, and includes a link to the fair rules, a short video highlighting common issues to avoid, and how to prepare your entry tag.
Class 6 Rules- Preparing your canned food for entry in the North Florida Fair requires following careful guidelines to ensure your food is safe to eat. The rules for entry outlines these required elements.
Class 6 Preparation Tips & Video– When selecting your recipe, check with your local Extension office to ensure the recipe is following the appropriate guidelines. Canned food entries are required to include a copy of your recipe and it’s source if you choose to retype for the entry. The preparation instructions on the recipe are the required procedures including appropriate jar preparation. This video explores a few of the overlooked requirements of entries and some of the judging criteria.
Preparing your entry tag– You will want to fill out your exhibitor’s form with all the items you plan to enter in the North Florida Fair. When filling our your exhibit tag, be sure to write the red tag number on your Fair Entry Form. Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:
Section – 210
Class- 6
Lot- This will be your age division; write “A” for juniors (8-10 years old), “B” for intermediates (11-13 years old), or “C” for seniors (14-18 years old).
Exhibit- a short description of the item you are entering (example: canned tomatoes)
Exhibitor- Your name
Address- Name of your county
Once your tag is filled out, you will want to make sure that it is securely attached to your exhibit. Use the perforations at the bottom to remove your claim check- this has your exhibit number on it. You will want to keep track of your claim check to find your exhibit once the fair is over.
For more information about canning and food preservation, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Office. Most offices offer canning and food preservation classes as well as educational resources.
2024 4-H Northwest District Tailgating (Grilling) Contest Results
The 2024 4-H Northwest District Tailgating (Grilling) Contest was a great success and served as a platform to showcase the grilling talents of youth from various counties. This event is part of the broader Florida 4-H Tailgating Contest program, that aims to promote the safe preparation of animal proteins and develop valuable life skills in youth. The 2024 Florida 4-H District and State Contests are sponsored by Publix Super Markets and Sonny’s BBQ.
Program Overview
The Florida 4-H Tailgating Contest encourages participants to grill different types of proteins, including beef, pork, poultry, and shrimp. Youth compete at county and district levels, with top performers advancing to the state competition. The Contest also requires participants to create a tabletop display to show off their recipe and creativity. Participants may use a laptop/iPad/poster & easel to complement their tabletop display to describe their recipe. The overall program emphasizes the development of grilling skills, highlights food and fire safety, and promotes healthy lifestyle choices.
2024 CONTEST RESULTS
Beef Category
1st Place: Cate B. (Okaloosa)
2nd Place: Jade L. (Liberty)
3rd Place: Sydney G. (Escambia)
4th Place: Charlie B. (Gadsden)
Pork Category
1st Place: Taylor A. (Escambia)
2nd Place: Josh W. (Washington)
3rd Place: Brogan B. (Holmes)
4th Place: Malec C. (Liberty)
Chicken Category
1st Place: Tucker P. (Escambia)
2nd Place: Braden P. (Escambia)
3rd Place: Kylie T. (Bay)
4th Place: Emmit A. (Holmes)
Shrimp Category
1st Place: Chipper M. (Holmes)
2nd Place: Jeb W. (Gadsden)
3rd Place: Hunter S. (Escambia)
4th Place: Cheyanne H. (Gadsden)
Prizes
Winners in each category were awarded as follows:
1st Place: $400
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $100
4th Place: $50
State Competition
The top two winners from each category will advance to the Florida 4-H Tailgating State Contest on October 5, 2024, at the Animal Sciences Beef Teaching Unit in Gainesville, FL. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for further recognition and scholarships.
Every year, the North Florida Fair in Tallahassee, FL, becomes a vibrant hub of learning and doing for 4-Hers across North Florida. One of the standout events is the 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest. This contest is more than just a competition; it is a platform for youth to develop essential life and workforce skills. Research indicates that judging contests like the 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest play a significant role in youth development. According to a study by Rusk et al. (2003), participation in judging contests helps youth develop critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills. These contests require participants to analyze information, make informed decisions, and articulate their reasoning, which are crucial skills for both personal and professional growth.
Furthermore, a study by Enfield et al. (2007) highlights that judging contests foster a sense of responsibility and self-discipline among participants. The preparation and dedication required for these contests teach youth the value of hard work and perseverance, qualities that are essential for success in any field.
Building Life Skills Through Horticulture Judging
Critical Thinking and Decision Making:
Participants must evaluate plants based on a set of criteria, requiring them to apply their knowledge and make informed decisions. This process enhances their critical thinking abilities and helps them become more confident in their judgment.
Communication Skills:
After making their evaluations, participants often need to explain their reasoning to judges. This practice helps them develop clear and effective communication skills, which are vital for any career.
Attention to Detail:
Identifying subtle differences between plants and recognizing symptoms of diseases or pests requires keen observation and attention to detail. These skills are valuable in numerous professional contexts, including science, healthcare, and business.
Teamwork and Leadership:
Many horticulture judging contests involve team events where participants must collaborate and make collective decisions. This experience fosters teamwork and leadership skills, preparing youth for collaborative environments in the workplace.
Time Management and Organization:
Preparing for the contest requires effective time management and organizational skills. Participants must balance their study time with other responsibilities, teaching them how to prioritize tasks and manage their time efficiently.
The Impact on Workforce Skills
The skills developed through horticulture judging contests are directly transferable to the workforce. Employers value employees who can think critically, communicate effectively, and work well in teams. By participating in these contests, youth gain a competitive edge in the job market.
Additionally, the specific knowledge gained through horticulture judging can lead to career opportunities in agriculture, environmental science, and related fields. The experience of participating in such contests can also enhance college applications and resumes, showcasing a commitment to learning and personal development.
Horticulture Judging Contest Content
The 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest challenges participants to evaluate various plant specimens, identify pests and diseases, and demonstrate their knowledge of plant science. The contest is divided into several categories, including plant identification, judging classes based on a set of criteria, and a knowledge exam. This structure not only tests the participants’ horticultural knowledge but also hones their analytical and decision-making skills.
The 4-H Horticulture Judging Contest at the North Florida Fair is more than a competition; it is a transformative experience that equips youth with essential life and workforce skills. By fostering critical thinking, communication, attention to detail, teamwork, and time management, these contests prepare participants for success in various aspects of life. For more information and resources, participants can refer to the Florida 4-H Horticulture Contest Study Guide and the University of Florida IFAS Extension Pest Management Resources.
As youth engage in these enriching activities, they not only cultivate their horticultural knowledge but also sow the seeds for a prosperous future, embodying the 4-H motto: “To Make the Best Better.” If you are interested in signing your child up for this program, or helping other youth prepare, contact your local UF IFAS Extension office.
References
Rusk, C. P., Martin, C. A., Talbert, B. A., & Balschweid, M. A. (2003). Attributes of Indiana’s 4-H Livestock Judging Program. Journal of Extension, 41(4).
Enfield, R. P., Schmitt-McQuitty, L., & Smith, M. H. (2007). The Development and Impact of an Experiential Science Curriculum. Journal of Extension, 45(4).
Welcome to “Fair Fridays!” Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing why fairs are still relevant today, and how your family can benefit. This week’s article is all about agriculture judging. If you are like me, you may wonder why anyone who doesn’t life on a farm might want to participate in agriculture judging. I didn’t grow up on a farm and I wasn’t a 4-H member, so when I first started with Florida 4-H more than 25 years ago, I didn’t understand all the fuss about judging contests. Fortunately, I’ve had some wonderful volunteers, agents, and youth that have educated me about what it’s REALLY all about….
Youth who participate in ag judging do learn a lot about agriculture. The learn about the science behind raising food, and why it’s important. But some of the most important lessons they learn having nothing to do about agriculture. Through this program, they learn about higher order thinking skills such as decision making, problem solving, and critical thinking. They also learn about communication and teamwork. These are skills that transfer to any future career and can help them in their personal lives as well.
The North Florida Fair Ag Judging Contest takes place during 4-H Day at the Fair in Tallahassee, Florida. This contest will cover judging steers, heifers, eggs, hay, and grains. This contest is for youth 4-H ages 8-18 who are interested in learning how to judge agriculture. To participate in this contest youth must register in 4-H Online and contact your 4-H Agent to sign up. If you have any questions about this event, please email Robbie Jones r.jones1@ufl.edu or Evie Hunter (evie.hunter@ufl.edu).
To prepare for this event, ask your local UF IFAS Extension office about workshops or team practices. Additionally, we have lots of material available online:
The origins of county fairs can be traced back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The first recognized county fair was held in 1811 in Berkshire County, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Berkshire County Fair exhibited produce, livestock, and other agricultural commodities. Throughout the 19th century, the popularity of county fairs spread across the agricultural communities in America. The fostering of community spirit and camaraderie. County fairs’ economic impact has benefited local communities, with exhibitors traveling into town to showcase their wares. Fairs were about more than rides and funnel cakes initially. It wasn’t until 1893 when George Ferris invented and showcased the Ferris wheel at the Chicago World Fair, that rides became part of fairs. But are fairs really still relevant today?
Fairs are a place where youth can demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed through their project work in 4-H. There are three ways youth can do this at a fair: 1. Exhibit non-animal project work, 2. Exhibit an animal they have raised, and 3. participate in a judging contest.
Exhibiting Non-Animal Project Work– Exhibiting what you learned in your project is a culminating experience for 4-Hers. Youth can exhibit plants they have grown, preserved foods, things they have sewn or crafted, or photos or posters about their projects. Adult exhibitors sometimes enter a separate competition by showcasing quilts and baked goods or bringing in their prized roses. As fairs grew, many businesses decided to showcase their new products. Early fairs were the place to find the newfangled washing machine, refrigerator, or even a new tractor!
Exhibiting Animals– Raising a livestock project can be a valuable source of life lessons and teachable moments, even though many people may not initially consider it as such. A 4-H member is making a serious commitment when they sign up for a livestock project. A commitment to their parents or grandparents who helped purchase the animal. They must be committed to completing the project and the record book. Mostly, that child is seriously committed to the animal they are raising.
Youth can learn much from a livestock project—confidence, responsibility, empathy, goal setting, financial responsibility, and sportsmanship. Livestock projects at county fairs can range from raising a bantam chicken to raising a 1,200-pound steer. Each project can teach youth valuable life skills. In 1952, E.B. White published a book about youth raising livestock for the county fair called “Charlotte’s Web.” In the story, the little girl raises a pig for the county fair, growing up alongside the pig, Wilber. It is highly recommended if you have not read the book or seen either of the movies.
Competing in Contests– Most fairs offer subject matter specific contests where youth can demonstrate their project knowledge. In the Florida Panhandle, there are contests for Horticulture Judging, Wildlife Ecology, Sewing, Consumer Choices, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and Agriculture. During these contests, youth use what they have learned to problem solve, communicate, and work as a team. Next time you hear the fair is in town, enjoy the corn dogs and cotton candy, but remember the exhibit hall. You may run into a 4-H club member caring for their animal or watering their plants in the horticulture exhibit.
For more information on 4-H, please contact your local 4-H office. You can find your local office here.
Fairs have been part of the 4-H youth development experience since 1902. The origins of what we have come to know as a fair can be historically documented as early as 500 BC. The earliest fairs were community celebrations to recognize religious feast days, celebrations of the harvest, and festive occasions when traveling entertainers visited towns and villages. In some communities, fairs were a source of revenue for churches.
In modern times, fairs have come to be associated with midway rides and creative fair vendor food offerings. However, for 4-H members county, regional, and state fairs are an important part of the 4-H club year. Youth members prepare exhibit entries that may include crafts, photos, baked goods, art, and models. Fairs in the United States have agricultural roots. The first fairs were organized at the county level by local agricultural societies. These fairs included competitions that featured the best livestock specimens. In the United States, the county agricultural fair tradition dates back to 1811. 4-H members may show poultry or livestock. Youth may compete in a skills or knowledge-based competition or skill-a-thon. Today’s fairs showcase agriculture with livestock competitions and exhibits. Modern fairs have added components that help connect the community to other agricultural products and may featured baked goods, canned items, honey, and more.
4-H members show off their North Florida Fair ribbons.
4-H Project Learning and the Local Fair
Positive youth development is at the heart of the 4-H experience. Fair participation can serve as a hands-on way to learn and apply life skills beyond the club setting. Youth may be earning blue ribbons while they also learning important life skills and becoming engaged members of their local community.
4-H members can enter projects in the fair in multiple categories. For example, a poultry project can be documented with a tabletop exhibit that illustrates how the project was conducted. The bird may be entered as an exhibit in the agricultural department. Photos of the bird may be entered into the photography category. Youth can design a flyer to sell eggs and enter it into the graphic design category. Other possible fair entries can be products produced as part of the 4-H learn by doing experience in clubs or summer camps. Projects can be documented through photos, graphic designs, or exhibits and all of this work can become one or more fair entries.
Preparing fair entries can be part of the 4-H year and can also serve as ways to document youth learning and, at the same time, recognize achievement. Youth can enter artwork, poetry, crafts, constructed models, collections, and baked goods. Fair exhibit entries may do double duty for county and state events. For example, a photo or graphic design entry may also be used for competition in a county showcase or entered in the state contest.
Preparing to enter an exhibit, compete in a skill-a-thon, or to show a project animal at the fair can provide youth with a time-limited, concrete goal to achieve. For example, in Wakulla 4-H, club leaders kick off the club year in September with an introduction to the North Florida Fair and the ways to participate so that youth can opt to start the membership year with a fair experience. After the North Florida Fair concludes in November, club leaders encourage the youth to set their sights on preparing a presentation or entry for county showcase and state contests.
This tabletop exhibit illustrated 4-H club project learning.
Fairs and the 4-H Club Year
From the state fair to county and regional fairs, there is a fair participation opportunity available for every 4-H member. The Florida State Fair is held in Tampa each February. This fair includes agricultural science skill-a-thons, the Florida 4-H Food Challenge, and other agricultural contests.
There are a wide variety of opportunities to attend and participate in a local fair throughout the Florida Panhandle and Big Bend region. Some fairs limit entries to one county or multiple counties while other fairs allow any 4-H member to enter exhibits or competitions. Some fairs may also have a dual FFA component. It is not uncommon for Future Farmers of American (FFA) and 4-H members to be in the same agricultural shows together.
For more information about 4-H and how to become involved with clubs, camps, and fairs, find your local Extension office in any Florida county.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.
Dana Stephens enjoys serving Okaloosa County, Florida and UF/IFAS Extension as the County Extension Director and 4-H Agent. In the County Extension Director role, Dana guides a vibrant team of faculty, program assistants, and staff engaged in impactful educational programming that enhances our communities. In the 4-H Agent role, she crafts accessible, experiential learning opportunities for youth and support systems for adult volunteers founded on positive youth development outcomes.
Okaloosa 4-H youth embracing in excitement.
Dana’s career has always been about collaboration and helping others. This collaborative spirit is the driving force behind her service-focused, transformational leadership approach. She brings together her diverse experiences in natural resources and aquatic management, environmental sciences, higher education, leadership coaching, and career readiness to create a comprehensive approach to her work. The most rewarding part of her job is the journey of learning with individuals and teams, and the shared successes that come from it.
One of Dana’s current projects is the development of organizational and volunteer systems that support youth development in Okaloosa County. She recognizes the crucial role of adult leaders and volunteers in teaching youth and enhancing the 4-H program in Okaloosa County. Through collaborative work, she aims to align 4-H actions with the mission of the Okaloosa 4-H Program, which is to empower dedicated volunteers to equip youth with essential life skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging through engaging and fun learning experiences. Consistent organization, adherence to state and county protocols and procedures, and integration of positive youth development components into all outcomes are key to the success of this educational program.
Dana Stephens transporting chicks for the Okaloosa County 4-H Embryology Project.
Dana deeply appreciates the mission of land grant institutions because of the inclusion of Extension. She completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduate degrees at the University of Florida, where Extension was a continual thread to her academic work. The opportunity to identify community needs and collaborate with various individuals and teams to build solutions to challenges through education is a gratifying career for Dana. Playing a small role in helping grow our future leaders through 4-H programming has been and will continue to be exhilarating every single day.
When you think of the word “crafting,” you may think of hot glue sticks and pipe cleaners, but crafting also includes practices such as ceramics, woodworking, calligraphy, and leather stamping as well. Using crafting as a teaching tool can encourage youth to apply problem-solving skills, develop new interests, and increase confidence, all while having a fun, hands-on experience. This post covers how crafting can support the 4-H project, what crafting is, and how to prepare craft exhibits for the fair.
Here is the information you need to correctly complete your entry tag:
Competing in Contests– Most fairs offer subject matter specific contests where youth can demonstrate their project knowledge. In the Florida Panhandle, there are contests for Horticulture Judging, Wildlife Ecology, Sewing, Consumer Choices, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and Agriculture. During these contests, youth use what they have learned to problem solve, communicate, and work as a team. Next time you hear the fair is in town, enjoy the corn dogs and cotton candy, but remember the exhibit hall. You may run into a 4-H club member caring for their animal or watering their plants in the horticulture exhibit.
